Most chimney leaks in Rhode Island come from damaged flashing, cracked chimney crowns, missing or damaged chimney caps, or deteriorated mortar joints. Our coastal climate and freeze-thaw cycles are particularly hard on these components. Flashing around the chimney base is especially vulnerable because it has to seal the joint between your roof and chimney through all kinds of weather. Over time, the sealant fails or the metal corrodes, creating gaps where water can get in. Chimney crowns crack from temperature changes, and missing caps let rain pour directly down your flue.