Most chimneys in Altamonte Springs are 30 to 50 years old, split between brick on detached houses and factory-built chases on condos and townhomes. That shapes where leaks here usually start.
The usual leak sources
01Flashing
- What you may notice
- Stains next to the chimney on the ceiling or wall, often after wind-driven rain.
- How it’s confirmed
- Step and counter-flashing are checked where the roof meets the chimney.
02Crown or cap
- What you may notice
- Water inside the firebox or at the top of the fireplace opening.
- How it’s confirmed
- The crown surface, the gap around the flue tile and the cap are checked from the roof.
03Chase cover
- What you may notice
- Rust streaks on the siding, water in a factory-built firebox.
- How it’s confirmed
- The cover is checked for dishing, rust and the seal at the storm collar.
Water entry, Altamonte Springs style
On 1980s factory-built units, original covers and storm collars are now well past their expected life, and water that has been getting in for years can reach the chase framing before a stain appears.
What helps narrow a leak down
- Exactly where the water or stain appears, with a photo if you can
- Whether it leaks in every rain or only wind-driven storms
- How long after the rain starts it shows up
- Any roof work, storms or changes before it began
Those details often point straight at one component. Stains that appear with no rain at all can be condensation instead; water stains next to the fireplace covers the difference.
Leaks that start after a reroof
Many chimney leaks begin the season after a new roof. If the old flashing was reused, cut short or only caulked instead of being properly set into the chimney, the first wind-driven storm finds it.
Some flashing leaks are roofing work and some are chimney work, so tracing tells you which trade you need. See what to ask your roofer about the chimney and flashing that lets water in.
When the leak comes with damage
- Water getting in, masonry otherwise sound: leak repair, on this page
- Loose brick, cracks through the structure, storm damage: repair for damaged masonry
- Not sure what’s going on: the yearly inspection
Leaks around Altamonte Springs
- Anywhere in Altamonte Springs: tell us where the water shows up and when
- Nearby: help with chimney water entry in Maitland, service for leaking chimneys in Longwood and Casselberry chimney leak repair
- Other work on the house: our Altamonte Springs service area
Related repairs that often come up: roof-line flashing repair, a rebuilt crown, breathable water repellent and a sloped replacement chase cover.
For the full background, see chimney leak detection explained and storm-season chimney leaks.
References (3)
Public data and code references cited for Altamonte Springs.