The most obvious signs include water stains on walls or ceilings near your chimney, especially after heavy rain or snowmelt. You might notice a persistent damp or musty smell coming from your fireplace area, or see white, powdery deposits (called efflorescence) on your chimney’s exterior brickwork. Inside your fireplace, look for water pooling in the firebox, rusted damper parts, or bits of clay and debris that have fallen down the flue. Sometimes you’ll hear actual dripping sounds during storms, or notice that the area around your fireplace feels unusually humid even when it’s not in use. Don’t ignore these warning signs, especially in Rhode Island’s climate. What starts as a small chimney leak can quickly escalate into major water damage affecting your roof structure, attic insulation, and interior walls. The sooner you address it, the less expensive and disruptive the repair will be.