For homeowners
We repair chimney leaks on single-family homes across Knoxville. You get a hose test, a written scope, and photos of the finished flashing.
- Ceiling stain near chimney
- Daylight at the flashing
- Leak only in wind-driven rain
Chimney Roof Leak Repair in Knoxville that stops the drip for good
Chimney Roof Leak Repair in Knoxville starts with one question: where is the water actually getting in? We pull the chimney flashing apart, check the counter-flashing and step flashing, and rebuild the seal with new metal and ice and water shield. If you have been chasing a chimney leak fix in Knoxville every time it rains, we end the guesswork. Same-day service, 13 years in Knox County, and a hose test before we pack up.
Hose-test the flashingCheck attic moisturePhotograph the repair- We test firstWater finds the gap
- We show photosYou see the damage
- We clean upNails swept from yard
- We explainPlain answers, no jargon
What is included in a chimney leak repair
Every chimney leak job includes the diagnostic work, the flashing repair, and the final test. If we find rot or damage beyond the flashing, we show you photos and get approval before the scope changes. Here is what you can count on.
Full roof and attic inspection
We walk the roof, check the chimney flashing, step flashing, and counter-flashing, then inspect the attic for water tracking. A moisture meter confirms whether the framing is wet. This takes 30 to 45 minutes and tells us exactly where the water is entering.
Hose test to confirm the source
We run water against the chimney in stages until the leak shows. This is the step that proves the repair will work. Without it, you are guessing, and guessing is how homeowners end up paying twice for the same leak.
Flashing removal and rebuild
We pry out the failed metal, replace any rotted underlayment with Grace Ice & Water Shield, and install new step flashing and counter-flashing. Joints are sealed with Henry or Sika roof sealant rated for Tennessee freeze-thaw cycles.
Shingle re-lacing around the chase
New flashing has to weave into the shingle courses correctly. We replace damaged shingles with matching GAF, Owens Corning, or CertainTeed product and re-lace the courses so the repair blends into the roof.
Final hose test and photo report
We test the repair one more time, check the attic with the moisture meter, and send you photos of the finished flashing. You also get a written note on what was replaced and what to watch for over the next few months.
Homes and businesses.
The approach is the same for a home and a business. What changes is the access, the schedule and who needs the paperwork.
For property managers
We handle chimney and chase leaks on rentals and commercial buildings. Every repair comes with photo documentation for owners and insurance records.
- Tenant reports ceiling drip
- Rusted pipe boot on prefab chase
- Storm damage at the chase
What Chimney Roof Leak Repair in Knoxville actually involves
A plain-language look at what Chimney Roof Leak Repair involves and when it is needed.
See how it worksChimney Roof Leak Repair in Knoxville is the process of finding and sealing the point where water enters around a masonry or metal chimney, then proving the repair holds under running water. Most chimney leaks do not come through the brick itself. They come from failed flashing, rusted step flashing, cracked counter-flashing, or a rotted pipe boot where the roof meets the chase. We remove the old sealant, pry out the failed metal, and rebuild the layers in the right order: ice and water shield, step flashing, counter-flashing, then a fresh bead of roof cement or polyurethane caulk.
Knoxville sits in a wind-driven rain belt, and the freeze-thaw cycles we get from December through March work flashing loose year after year. If you have water staining on the ceiling beside the chimney, or you can see daylight where the chase meets the shingles, that is a chimney leak repair Knoxville TN problem that gets worse with every storm. We see it constantly in older homes across Fountain City and Lonsdale, and in newer builds out in Hardin Valley where the flashing was nailed tight but never woven into the shingle course.
A chimney leak is a flashing problem until a hose test proves otherwise.
- What it is
- Sealing the flashing where a chimney meets the roof so water cannot enter the chase.
- When you need it
- Ceiling stains, daylight at the flashing, or leaks that only show in wind-driven rain.
- What to expect
- A roof walk, attic check, hose test, flashing rebuild, and a final test before we leave.
How our chimney leak repair process works
Every chimney leak job follows the same five steps. You will know what is happening, what it costs, and when we will be back if anything needs a second look.
-
Phone triage
We ask where the stain is, when it started, and whether the leak shows up in every rain or only with wind. That tells us whether we are looking at flashing, a crown issue, or a roof valley problem. Most calls take under ten minutes, and we schedule a same-day or next-day visit.
- Phone triage
- Same-day visit
- Written scope
-
Roof and attic inspection
A technician walks the roof with a moisture meter and, when the leak is hard to pin down, an infrared thermal camera. We check the chimney flashing, step flashing, counter-flashing, pipe boots, and the shingle courses around the chase. Inside, we look for water tracking along the framing.
- Roof walk
- Attic check
- Moisture meter
-
Hose test
We run water against the chimney from the low side first, then work uphill until the leak shows itself. This is the step that separates a real repair from a guess. On most jobs the hose test takes 20 to 30 minutes and tells us exactly which layer failed.
- Low-side test
- Uphill test
- Leak confirmed
-
Flashing rebuild
We pry out the failed metal with a pry bar, cut new step flashing and counter-flashing to fit, and set it over fresh Grace Ice & Water Shield. Fasteners get sealed, and we finish the joints with Henry or Sika roof sealant rated for the freeze-thaw swings we get here.
- Pry old metal
- New flashing
- Seal joints
-
Final test and cleanup
We hose-test the repair one more time, check the attic with the moisture meter, and magnet-sweep the yard for nails. You get photos of the finished flashing and a written note on what we replaced. Most jobs wrap in three to five hours.
- Final hose test
- Photo report
- Nail sweep
Tools and methods we use on chimney leaks
Move across a circle, or focus it and press Enter, for an illustrative thermal view of the photograph.
Moisture meter
Confirms whether the framing and drywall around the chimney are wet, and gives us a baseline reading to compare against after the repair.
Infrared thermal camera
Shows temperature differences behind the drywall so we can trace water that has traveled away from the chimney before it shows up as a stain.
Hose test kit
Lets us reproduce the leak on demand by running water against the chimney in stages, from the low side up, until the entry point shows itself.
Pry bar and hammer
Removes the old step flashing and counter-flashing without damaging the surrounding shingles or the chimney chase.
Caulking gun
Applies Henry or Sika roof sealant to the flashing joints in a controlled bead so the sealant goes where it is needed, not everywhere.
Thermal views are illustrative, generated from the photographs.
Methods
Roof ladder and roof snake
Gets us onto the roof safely and lets us slide new flashing under the shingle courses without tearing up the surrounding roof.
Drone inspection
Documents tall or steep chimneys we cannot walk safely, and gives you photos of the flashing before and after the repair.
GAF and Owens Corning flashing systems
That means the right metal, the right fasteners, and the right underlayment in the right order.
Grace Ice & Water Shield underlayment
We set new flashing over Grace Ice & Water Shield so that if a future joint fails, water still has a membrane stopping it from reaching the decking. This is the same approach used on new roof installations.
Staged hose testing
We run water against the chimney from the bottom up, one section at a time, until the leak shows. This method pinpoints the exact joint that failed instead of replacing everything and hoping.
Moisture mapping
We take moisture meter readings at several points around the chimney and in the attic, then compare them after the repair. If the numbers do not drop, we keep looking.
When Knoxville homeowners call us
Fountain City stain
A homeowner in Fountain City notices a brown ceiling stain after a heavy October storm and calls before the winter rains start.
We inspect the chimney flashing, find that the step flashing has pulled away from the chase, and rebuild it with new metal and ice and water shield. The repair takes about four hours.
Cedar Bluff rental
A property manager in Cedar Bluff has a tenant reporting water dripping into a closet beside the chimney during every storm.
We tarp the chase the same day, then return to replace the counter-flashing and the rusted pipe boot at the base. We document everything with photos for the owner.
Outcome: The tenant stops calling, and the owner has a written record of the repair for the next insurance review.
Sequoyah Hills brick
A homeowner in Sequoyah Hills has a 1920s brick chimney with a cracked crown and water showing up at the flashing joint.
We repair the crown with flexible sealant, re-point the open mortar joints, and rebuild the flashing where the chimney meets the roof. Both problems get fixed in one visit.
Outcome: The brick stops spalling, the leak stops, and the chimney is sealed at the top and the bottom.
Hardin Valley wind
A homeowner in Hardin Valley has a newer home where the chimney leak only shows up with wind-driven rain from the southwest.
We run a targeted hose test on the windward side, find the gap in the counter-flashing, and seal it. We also reinforce the step flashing on that side since it takes the brunt of the weather.
Outcome: The leak is reproduced and repaired in one visit, and the homeowner finally has an answer after two failed caulk attempts.
Old North emergency
A homeowner in Old North calls after a winter storm with water actively dripping into a bedroom at 9 p.m.
We dispatch an emergency crew, tarp the chimney the same night, and schedule the permanent flashing repair for the next dry day. The tarp keeps the damage from spreading overnight.
Outcome: The bedroom stays dry, the permanent repair is done within 48 hours, and the homeowner avoids a full ceiling replacement.
How chimney leak repair runs in Knoxville
Knoxville gets about 50 inches of rain a year, and a lot of it arrives sideways. The wind-driven storms we see in fall and spring push water against the chimney chase from the southwest, which is why so many leaks here only show up in certain storms. Add the freeze-thaw cycle from December through March, and flashing that was tight in October can be loose by February.
Older neighborhoods like Old North, Lonsdale, and Sequoyah Hills have brick chimneys with mortar that has been absorbing water for decades. Newer builds in Hardin Valley and Farragut often have prefab chases where the pipe boot fails first. We build every repair for those specific conditions.
If you need a chimney leak fix Knoxville homeowners trust, we start with a hose test aimed at the windward side, because that is where the water is actually coming from.
- Fountain City: Many homes here have brick chimneys from the 1940s and 1950s. The mortar joints are often the first thing to fail, which sends water down to the flashing.
- Sequoyah Hills: Older, larger brick chimneys with decorative crowns. Crown cracks are common, and they let water into the brick before it ever reaches the roof line.
- Hardin Valley: Newer construction with prefab metal chases. The pipe boot at the base is usually the first failure point, often within 10 to 15 years.
- Old North: Historic homes with tall brick chimneys and original flashing details. We match the repair to the age of the house so it does not look out of place.
- Cedar Bluff: A mix of rentals and owner-occupied homes. We document every repair with photos so property managers have a record for owners and insurance.
- Wind-driven rain from the southwest: Pushes water sideways into the chimney flashing. Leaks often only show up in certain storms, which is why a targeted hose test matters more than a dry-day inspection.
We walk the roof and explain what we see We protect the area and set up safely We test the repair and review next steps
From problem to finished result.
Fountain City ceiling stain stopped
Before: A homeowner had a brown stain spreading on the ceiling next to the chimney. Two previous roofers had caulked the flashing from the roof without testing. The stain kept growing every storm.
After: We pulled the step flashing, found rotted underlayment, and rebuilt the flashing with new metal and Grace Ice & Water Shield. A hose test confirmed the repair. The stain stopped spreading within one rain cycle.
Check the flashing joint every fall before the rainy season. If you see cracked sealant, call us before the next storm rather than after.
Cedar Bluff rental leak resolved
Before: A property manager had a tenant reporting water in a closet beside the chimney during every storm. The leak had been going on for months and the drywall was soft to the touch.
After: We tarped the chase the same day, replaced the counter-flashing and the rusted pipe boot, and dried out the closet. The repair took two visits and the tenant stopped calling.
Have the chimney flashing inspected every two years on rentals. Catching a failed pipe boot early keeps it from becoming a drywall repair.
Hardin Valley wind-driven leak fixed
Before: A newer home had a chimney leak that only showed up with wind-driven rain from the southwest. Two dry-day inspections found nothing, and the homeowner was told there was no leak.
After: We ran a targeted hose test on the windward side and reproduced the leak in 15 minutes. The counter-flashing had a gap on that side. We sealed it and reinforced the step flashing. No leaks since.
After any storm with sideways rain, check the attic near the chimney for dampness. A quick look now saves a ceiling repair later.
Chimney leak problems we fix in Knoxville
Most chimney leaks fall into one of a few categories. Identifying which one you have is the difference between a repair that holds and a callback next spring.
- Ceiling stainWater staining on the ceiling next to the chimneyThe stain means water has been running behind the drywall for weeks. Left alone, it rots the ceiling joists and can reach the insulation, which is when the repair cost triples. We trace the stain back to the flashing with a moisture meter and hose test. In most cases the step flashing has pulled away from the chase. We rebuild the flashing, replace any wet underlayment, and confirm the fix with a second hose test before we leave.
- Visible gapDaylight visible where the chimney meets the roofA visible gap means the flashing has separated completely. Every rain sends water straight into the attic, and wind-driven storms push it sideways into the framing. We remove the loose counter-flashing, clean out the old sealant, and install new metal woven into the shingle course. Grace Ice & Water Shield goes under the new flashing so a future failure has a second line of defense.
- Wind-driven leakLeak only shows up with wind-driven rainThis pattern points to a flashing joint that is still mostly sealed but has a gap on one side. It is easy to miss on a dry inspection, which is why so many homeowners get told there is no leak. We use a hose test aimed at the windward side of the chimney to reproduce the leak on demand. Once we see it, we seal the specific joint and reinforce the counter-flashing on that side. No guesswork, no repeat visits.
- Rusted pipe bootRusted or cracked pipe boot at a prefab chimneyPrefab chases have a rubber boot at the base that cracks after 10 to 15 years of Tennessee sun. When it fails, water runs down the pipe and into the ceiling below. We replace the boot with a new neoprene or silicone collar, seal it into the surrounding shingles, and check the rest of the chase flashing at the same time. Most prefab chimney boot repairs take under two hours.
- Cracked crownMasonry crown cracking and letting water inA cracked crown lets water soak into the brick and mortar. That water freezes in winter, spalls the brick face, and eventually works down to the flashing joint. We repair the crown with a flexible sealant and re-point any open mortar joints. If the crown is too far gone, we rebuild it. Then we address the flashing so the chimney is sealed at both the top and the roof line.
Why Knoxville homeowners call us for chimney leaks
A dry ceiling, a sealed chase, and no more guessing where the water comes from.
Stop the leak at the source
We do not smear caulk over wet flashing and call it done. We remove the failed step flashing and counter-flashing, replace the underlayment, and rebuild the seal so the next storm does not find the same gap.
Protect the framing and drywall
Water that runs behind the chimney chase rots the sheathing, the ceiling joists, and the drywall below. We photograph what we find so you can see the damage before we close it up.
Same-day and emergency response
When a storm pushes water through the chimney and it is dripping into a bedroom, you need someone today. We run emergency chimney roof leak repair Knoxville calls seven days a week, and we can tarp the chase the same day while we schedule the permanent fix.
Honest pricing, no surprise add-ons
You get a written scope before we start. We tell you what is urgent and what can wait until spring.
What you receive
Clear records you can keep and share.
Photo report
Before and after images of the flashing
Written scope
What was repaired and what was replaced
Moisture log
Meter readings from before and after
Maintenance note
What to check before the next rainy season
Two kinds of chimney leaks
Chimney leaks come from the flashing at the roof line or from the chimney structure above it. The fix depends on which one you have.
Flashing leak
Water enters where the chimney meets the roof
- Ceiling stain near chase
- Daylight at the joint
- Leak in wind-driven rain
Chase leak
Water enters the chimney structure itself
- Cracked crown mortar
- Spalling brick face
- Rusted pipe boot at base
Roof leak nearby
Water enters away and tracks to the chimney
- Valley or wall flashing
- Missing shingles uphill
- Nail pops near the chase
What we work with
- Step flashing
- Counter-flashing
- Ice and water shield
- Pipe boot
- Roof cement
- Sika sealant
- Asphalt shingles
- Underlayment
Service ZIP codes.
A list like this tells people straight away whether you cover their street. Not listed? Call and ask: it only takes a minute.
- 37909
- 37902
- 37924
- 37920
- 37921
- 37922
- 37923
- 37929
- 37919
- 37918
- 37915
- 37914
Towns we serve.
Based in Knoxville and covering the places around it. Pick one for local details.
- Fountain City
- Halls Crossroads
- Smithwood
- South Knoxville
- Colonial Hills
- Lake Forest
- West Knoxville
- Bluegrass
- Ebenezer
- Concord
- Karns
- Ball Camp
Chimney leak questions we hear on the phone
A simple flashing reseal with new sealant sits at the low end. Rebuilding step flashing and counter-flashing around a masonry chase lands in the middle. We give you the number before we start.
Nine times out of ten it is failed flashing, not the brick. The step flashing and counter-flashing around the chimney take the brunt of wind-driven rain, and our freeze-thaw cycles work the metal loose over a few winters. Cracked crown mortar, a rusted pipe boot, or shingles that were never woven into the flashing are the other common causes. A hose test tells us which one you have in under 30 minutes.
You want a roofer who does flashing work, not a chimney sweep who only handles the firebox. Call (865) 2988-904 and we will get you on the schedule.
You can, and it will hold for one or two rains. The problem is that caulk over wet or loose flashing traps water behind it, and the leak comes back worse. If the step flashing has pulled away from the chase, no amount of sealant fixes it.
Other roof leak services we handle
Other services from the same team.
- Roof Flashing Leak RepairFlashing fails at walls, valleys, and penetrations more often than shingles do. We remove the old flashing, clean the surface, and install new step flashing or counter-flashing sealed with Henry or DAP products. This is one of the most common repairs we make in Knoxville.
- Roof Pipe Boot Leak RepairThe rubber collar on a pipe boot cracks after years of sun exposure, letting water run straight into your attic. We replace the boot with a new neoprene or silicone unit and seal it with roof cement. Quick repair, usually under an hour, and it stops the leak.
- Skylight Leak RepairSkylights leak at the curb flashing or where the glass seal has failed. We inspect the frame, reseal the perimeter, and replace damaged flashing. If the unit itself is cracked, we can recommend a replacement that fits the existing opening without reframing.
Get your Chimney Roof Leak Repair in Knoxville scheduled
If water is coming in around the chimney, every rain makes the damage worse. Call Knoxville Roofing Company at (865) 2988-904. We will schedule a same-day or next-day inspection, hose-test the flashing, and give you a written price before any work starts.
Contact Knoxville Roofing Company
Call us at (865) 2988-904 or send an email, and we will get back to you the same business day. We answer leak calls Monday through Friday, 8am to 6pm, and we check messages after hours for active leaks. Tell us what you are seeing and we will tell you what it likely is.