Start with where the water shows
- In the firebox / on the damper → often cap, crown, liner joints, or open chase lid.
- Ceiling or wall beside the stack → often step/counter flashing or cricket issues.
- Rust streaks on framed chase siding → often chase cover, not “the whole roof.”
- Far from the chimney on a flat ceiling plane → more often general roofing; still worth ruling out shared penetrations.
Florida / Palm Beach rain behavior
Short, heavy storms drive water sideways under lifted flashing. Humidity keeps masonry and chase framing wet after the sky clears. Idle flues still take rain when caps or lids fail.
What you can check safely (ground only)
From the yard: missing/tilted cap, obvious crown cracks, rust streaks, lifted metal at the base. Do not walk a wet tile or shingle roof after a storm. Write ZIP + what you saw.
What we check on the free inspection
Cap and mesh · crown or chase cover · flashing laps · cricket · mortar · interior stain path · whether roofing beyond the chimney joint is also involved. You get a written quote for the chimney-side failed part.
When it is urgent
Active dripping on electrical, ceiling sagging, or storm debris on a leaning stack—keep people clear; call 911 if structure is unsafe. For non-emergency stains, call (561) 709-7979.
Links
Leak repair · Why is my chimney leaking? · Flashing · Chase cover · Crown · Cap · Anatomy guide
