Roof leaking or chimney base rotten?

Question

1 and 1/2 years ago I had a new roof put on my house just to increase the value of the home. problem is the roof is leaking in 2 spots now. The roofers say the chimney is rotten at the base and the water is leaking from the chimney causing the ceiling to leak but, the roof is not leaking. can this be true?

Answer 1

Can be true but probably not.  

Part of roofing a house is sealing the chimney.  

So either way sounds like they didnt do their job.

Answer 2

Must be torn out and replaced.

Answer 3

Hi

     When you hire a roofer it is their job to make sure that the step flashing(metal flashing against vertical surfaces) valley flashing(roll flashing that follows contour between 2 different pitch roofs) and chimney flashing(somtimes cricket on back end, bent metal that is bent in z fashing, 2 90 deg angles on opposite sides) The chimney flashing should be bent and pressed into the mortar joint after it is grinded out. It should then be caulked with silicone.     IF AND ONLY IF they did this then it could possibly be the chimney itself, possibly in need of tuckpointing.  Only way to check on accuracy is to go into your attic and climb your way back to chimney and see if any signs of leaking is present and where exactly its coming from. I would go on the roof and see if they actually caulked the nail holes which some will be exposed...those at the ridge cap towares end of the run, and any flashing will have few nails to hold in place, same being with any roofing vents.  I find many contractors dont seal these which never made sense to me, because it is a good start for a leak.    You can always have someone come out for a free estimate and give their professioal opionion on the problem, you can then ask them if it would be the roofers responsibilty.   But In my opinion if my company completed your roof, and upon inspection it was something that would be easily fixed regardless of our installation, we would fix it.  So it could be both ways, but good flashing makes a good roof and is a critical part of the system. If they didn't acknowledge the condition of the flashing then its their fault.  

Answer 4

Tell them they better get over there and fix it or else you will take them to small claims court. Call the boss and see what he says. If you get no where with him call another roofer for a free estimate and see what they say about the problem.  

Answer 5

Hello Wanda, the answers here so far tend to ignore even the possibility that the chimney itself is the possible culprit.  It is possible that the chimney is causing leaks into your home.  You tell us that the ceiling is leaking in 2 spots, are these spots near the chimney?  If so it is possible that water is coming directly through the mortar or masonry or even coming in through the top or crown of the chimney and causing your leaks. Leaks through the chimney often find roof rafters and joists to follow away from the chimney itself by several feet, causing us to question the chimney as the source.    If the leaks are no where near the chimney, then the chimney probably is not the source.  Since the roofing company has passed the buck and blamed the chimney, the next step would be to find an experienced chimney repair company and have them come out and inspect your chimney.  They may want to come shortly after a rain, but water often leaves signs that can show a trained eye where it is coming in.  If the water is coming in through the chimney, proper flashing alone will not fix it. There are several methods of repair depending on the actual problem so once the leaks are located you may want to get a couple estimates from qualified chimney companies.  If your chimney company determines that the chimney is solid and not the source of your leaks, you may have to spend a few more bucks and contact home inspector to help you find your problem.   Good Luck