Nearly a third of Leesburg homes predate 1970, so many chimneys are brick with crowns and flashing that have been through several roofs; about 37% of homes are rented. It explains most of the leak calls.
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, Leesburg style
On rentals, a leak may run for a while before anyone reports it, so the damage inside the chimney, such as a rusted damper or soft mortar, is often further along by the time it’s traced.
Where this page applies
Several subdivisions with Leesburg addresses are outside city limits; this page follows the City of Leesburg.
How the entry point is found
Map the symptom
Where the water shows up, after what kind of rain, and how long after it starts.
Check inside first
Firebox, damper and, where accessible, the attic around the chimney.
Check the top and the roof line
Crown, cap or chase cover, storm collar, flashing and the masonry or siding.
Isolate if needed
Water is run on suspect areas one at a time to confirm which one leaks.
Repair that point
Then watch the next heavy rain to confirm it’s dry.
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 reroofing and chimney flashing and how flashing leaks show up.
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 Leesburg
- Anywhere in Leesburg: tell us where the water shows up and when
- Nearby: help with chimney water entry in Fruitland Park, service for leaking chimneys in Tavares and Lady Lake chimney leak repair
- Other work on the house: services for homes in Leesburg
Other repairs that may apply: roof-line flashing repair, a rebuilt crown and breathable water repellent.
More detail: the leak repair service, start to finish, plus rust stains on the chimney.
References (3)
References behind the local data for Leesburg.
