Don’t Call a Roofer—Call a Leak Specialist
Most roofers sell roofs. Barnhill Chimney solves leaks.
25+
Years in Business
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Five-Star Reviews
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Certified Technicians
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Annual Inspections
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Satisfaction Guaranteed
Targeted Solutions, Tailored to Your Home
When water gets in around your chimney or roofline, the problem is rarely as simple as “you need a new roof.” Homeowners call us because they want the leak solved—not upsold. Our team specializes in identifying exactly where water is getting in and fixing it with targeted, long-lasting solutions.
In many cases, we have the capability to perform roof-related repairs or replacement when necessary—but only when it is truly the right solution. Our goal is always to fix the problem at its source, not replace more than needed.
No two leaks are the same. That is why every repair we recommend is specific to your home, your chimney system, and the way water is entering. We focus on:
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Finding the source of the leak
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Eliminating guesswork and unnecessary repairs
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Providing solutions designed for your situation
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Protecting your home from future water damage
Leak Problems We Commonly Find
Not every chimney leak starts in the same place. That is why a careful rooftop investigation matters. During our inspection, we look for the conditions that commonly allow water into the home.
Damaged or Improperly Installed Flashing
Where the chimney meets the roof is the most common leak point. Poor flashing lets water run down behind the wall.
Cracked or Separated Mortar Joints
Kentucky’s freeze-thaw cycles erode mortar over time. Once joints separate, water finds its way in through the wall.
Missing or Deteriorated Sealants
Old caulk and sealants around penetrations fail silently—leaving small gaps that let steady water in.
Crown Cracks & Surface Breakdown
The concrete crown at the top is your chimney’s first line of defense. Once it cracks, water seeps into the masonry below.
Masonry Absorbing Water
Age and exposure turn brick into a sponge. Without waterproofing, the wall itself becomes the leak.
Chase Covers & Metal Components
Rusted or poorly sealed chase covers and metal flashings funnel water straight into prefab chimneys.
Roofline-to-Chimney Issues
Damaged shingles, soft decking, or failed step-flashing at this junction drive water into the home.
Hidden Sources Nearby
Water entry that appears to be one problem often turns out to be coming from another area nearby.
Why a Rooftop Leak Investigation Matters
Leak symptoms inside the home do not always reveal the true source of the problem. Water can travel before it becomes visible, which means a stain on a ceiling or wall may not be directly below the leak.
A rooftop investigation allows us to inspect the chimney and surrounding roof area up close so we can identify what is failing and what needs attention. Instead of guessing, Barnhill Chimney works to locate the actual source of water intrusion and recommend repairs that address the cause.
Our Process
Every leak we investigate follows the same four-step approach—so you always know what to expect.
Investigate
We perform a rooftop leak inspection focused on the chimney system and surrounding roof connection points.
Identify the Source
We look for flashing defects, masonry deterioration, crown damage, and other water entry points.
Explain What We Find
You get a clear explanation of the issue and what repairs are recommended.
Make the Repair
Our team completes the necessary chimney leak repairs to help protect your home from continued water damage.
Why Homeowners Choose Barnhill Chimney
Experienced
Masonry Pros
Thorough Rooftop
Investigation
Clear Repair
Recommendations
Source-Focused
Solutions
Trusted
Local Service
What We Repair & When to Call
Two sides of the same job—the work we perform, and the signs that tell you it’s time for a professional look.
Repair Services May Include
Depending on what we find during your rooftop investigation, repairs may include:
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Flashing repair or replacement
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Mortar joint repair
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Crown repair
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Waterproofing-related masonry corrections where appropriate
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Sealing vulnerable penetration points
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Repairs to chimney components contributing to water intrusion
Signs You May Need a Leak Inspection
You may need a professional leak investigation if you have noticed:
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Water stains on ceilings or walls near the fireplace or chimney
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Damp odors after rain
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Dripping sounds or visible moisture near the chimney
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Crumbling mortar or visible exterior deterioration
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Rust on fireplace or chimney components
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Past leak repairs that did not solve the problem
Protect Your Home From Costly Water Damage
A chimney leak rarely gets better on its own. The longer water is allowed to enter, the more damage it can cause to masonry, roofing materials, and interior finishes. Early investigation can help prevent more extensive and expensive repairs later.
Barnhill Chimney helps homeowners identify leak problems quickly and make repairs with confidence.
What Lexington Homeowners Are Saying
“Cannot recommend Barnhill enough! Finally, the leak that has been happening for years has been resolved! Remember, in some things in life, you get what you pay for. Barnhill is worth every penny if you value your home. Excellent customer service and support!!”
“Barnhill Chimney repaired my chimney and I could tell they knew what they were doing. The chimney is clean and no more leaks. Great Job!”
“James at Barnhill Chimney Company swept, inspected and fixed a safety concern that came to his attention. He stayed on-site to fix the problem same day. James was persistent and fixed the issue after calling in support staff, leaving my home clean and safely ready to enjoy a fire. I highly recommend James for his thoroughness, attention to detail, work ethic, polite nature and excellent communication skills.”
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my chimney is leaking?
Common signs include water stains on the ceiling or walls near your chimney, a musty odor coming from the fireplace, white staining (efflorescence) on exterior brickwork, damp or deteriorating mortar joints, and water pooling in the firebox after rain. If you notice any of these, it’s worth scheduling an inspection before the damage spreads.
What causes most chimney leaks?
The most common causes are damaged or missing chimney caps, cracked chimney crowns, failed flashing where the chimney meets the roofline, deteriorated mortar joints, and lack of waterproofing. Kentucky’s freeze-thaw cycles accelerate all of these issues, which is why annual inspections are so important.
How much does chimney leak repair cost?
The cost depends on the source and severity of the leak. A simple chimney cap replacement is on the lower end, while flashing repair or crown rebuilding typically costs more. We provide a thorough inspection and honest estimate before any work begins, so you’ll know exactly what to expect.
Can a chimney leak cause structural damage?
Yes. Water entering through a chimney can damage far more than the chimney itself. Over time, moisture spreads to ceiling joists, wall framing, insulation, and drywall. It can also cause mold growth, rusted dampers and fireplace components, and accelerated masonry deterioration. The sooner a leak is addressed, the less costly the repair. For severe damage, a full chimney restoration may be the best long-term solution.
Schedule Your Rooftop Leak Investigation
If you suspect a chimney leak, Barnhill Chimney is ready to help. Our team can inspect the problem, determine where the water is getting in, and recommend the repairs needed to protect your home.
You can also book online—select Chimney and Roof/Exterior Issues when scheduling.