We use essential cookies to run this site, and optional cookies only with your consent. Cookie policy AcceptReject Open 7 days · Hours vary by day · 25 years' experience Office: 01279 216 215 | Mobile: 07932 442502 Services Areas About Our Work Blog Reviews Contact 01279 216 215 Free Quote - Home - Blog - Chimney Leak After a Storm — What to Check Before You Call Roofing # Chimney Leak After a Storm — What to Check Before You Call Updated May 2026 5 min read By Jamie Pocock Chimneys are the single most common source of storm-related water entry. They sit at the highest, most exposed point of the roof and have four separate failure points — any of which lets water in during a 50+mph storm. ## The four most likely causes ### 1. Lead flashing lifted or split The lead apron, soakers and back gutter around the chimney base are the primary seal. Storm wind can lift loose flashing edges; expansion over the years splits old lead. Look for shiny lifted edges or visible cracks. ### 2. Failed pointing on the stack Sand-and-cement joints over 30 years old erode in driving rain. The whole stack acts like a sponge — soaks water in horizontally during the storm, then transfers it down through internal brickwork to bedroom ceilings. ### 3. Cracked or missing pot, broken cowl If the pot is cracked or the cowl/flaunching has come off, water enters straight down the flue and shows internally as staining beside the chimney breast. ### 4. Cracked flaunching (the mortar bed around the pot) Hairline cracks in the flaunching let water sit inside the top of the stack. Freeze-thaw widens the cracks every winter. ## What to check from the ground - Photograph the chimney with maximum zoom from the front, side and rear of the property - Look for missing pots, leaning stacks, vegetation in joints, visible cracks - Inside, photograph every patch of ceiling staining beside the chimney breast - Check the loft for tide marks on rafters near the chimney ## Don't try to access the stack yourself Chimney work is the highest-risk part of any roof. We use scaffolding or proper tower access on every chimney job — never ladders directly to a stack. If you've got an active leak, our emergency roof team covers Hertfordshire and Essex 24/7 with same-day temporary weather-tight cover. ## Permanent fixes Depending on cause: re-lead the flashings, rake out and repoint the stack, replace cracked pots, re-cap the flaunching. Most full chimney refurbs sit at £900–£1,800 with scaffolding included, and last 25+ years. ChimneyEmergencyStorm Damage FAQs ## Frequently asked questions ### svg]:rotate-180 text-left font-bold text-base hover:no-underline py-5" data-radix-collection-item=""> How fast can you get to an active leak? ### svg]:rotate-180 text-left font-bold text-base hover:no-underline py-5" data-radix-collection-item=""> Will my home insurance cover storm damage to a chimney? ## Active leak right now? Call 07932 442502 — we cover Hertfordshire and Essex 24/7 for emergency weather-tight cover. Permanent repair scheduled within the week. Emergency roof repairs 01279 216 215 More from the blog ## Keep reading Roofing ### Winter Roof Checklist: 12 Things Every Hertfordshire Homeowner Should Check Before December The 12 things that cause 90% of winter roof leaks in Hertfordshire — and how to spot them in 20 minutes from the ground. Read article Roofing ### 5 Signs Your Flat Roof Needs Replacing — Not Just Patching When patch repairs stop being economic. Five visible signs that a full flat roof replacement is the right call. Read article Maintenance ### What Blocked Gutters Actually Cost You — and Why a £120 Clean Saves £6,000 Later The maths on what blocked gutters cause downstream — and the simple annual habit that prevents all of it. Read article Owner-led roofing and building contractors covering Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire and Essex. 25 years of hands-on trade experience. Open seven days. 01279 216 215 (office) 07932 442502 (mobile) info@jandco-contractorsltd.co.uk 1 Ugley Hall Cottages, Bishop's Stortford CM22 6JB Open 7 days a week - Sun 07:00–17:30 - Mon 07:00–17:00 - Tue 07:30–17:00 - Wed 07:00–17:30 - Thu 07:00–17:30 - Fri 06:00–18:00 - Sat 09:00–17:00 We accept VISAAMEX PayG Pay ### Roofing - All roofing services - Flat Roofing - Roof Repairs & Maintenance - Emergency Roof Repairs - Guttering, Fascias & Soffits - Chimney Repairs & Repointing ### Building & Construction - All building services - Building & Extensions - Loft Conversions - Renovations & Refurbishments - Brickwork & Masonry - Damp Proofing & Waterproofing - Plastering & Rendering - Patio & Driveway Installations - Fencing & Garden Walls - Property Maintenance ### Areas We Cover - Bishop's Stortford - Stansted Mountfitchet - Sawbridgeworth - Great Dunmow - Harlow - Saffron Walden - Epping - Ware - Hoddesdon - Broxbourne - Cheshunt - Welwyn Garden City - Stevenage ### Company - About J&Co - Our Recent Work - Blog - Customer Reviews - Contact Us © 2026 J&Co Builders Ltd · Trading as J&Co Contractors · All rights reserved. Privacy Policy Terms & Conditions Cookie Policy Call Now Free Quote