Rhode Island’s freeze-thaw cycles are brutal on chimney systems. Water gets into small cracks, freezes, expands, and creates bigger openings. This happens repeatedly through winter and spring. Most leaks start with failed flashing—the metal strips that seal where your chimney meets the roof. Over time, caulking deteriorates, metal corrodes, or flashing pulls away from the chimney or roof surface. Chimney caps also crack or come loose, letting rain pour directly down the flue. Older Foster Center homes often have original flashing that’s reached the end of its useful life. The materials and installation methods from decades ago simply weren’t designed to last this long in New England weather.