If you’ve lived in Detroit long enough, you know our weather doesn’t hold back. With lake-effect snow, heavy rain, and wind that slices through everything, your home’s exterior faces a real challenge—especially the roof. And when you have a chimney poking through that roof, you can bet it’s one of the first spots water tries to get in.
We recently responded to a home in the Metro-Detroit area, specifically in Utica, to inspect what the homeowner thought was a small roof leak. It turned out it wasn’t the roof—it was the chimney. Specifically, an old, artificial metal chimney that had been gradually allowing water in, causing more damage than initially appeared.
Here’s what happened, how we fixed it, and what every Detroit homeowner should know about chimney leak repair.
The Real Problem: Leaky Chimney, Not the Roof
This isn’t uncommon. Most people see water stains on the ceiling or damp spots in the attic and assume they need new shingles. But when we got on the roof, it was clear the shingles weren’t the issue—it was the chimney. Old flashing, gaps between materials, and a rusted-out metal structure that had seen one too many Michigan winters. Water had been getting in around the chimney base and under the surrounding shingles.
The customer had an old, artificial, metal chimney that was causing him issues—leaks, moisture, and ongoing headaches. We dismantled the entire chimney down to below the roof level, then installed new plywood, fresh decking, underlayment, and finally new shingles over the top. The end result? A roof sealed tight and a customer who said he was as happy as someone in an aisle full of Twinkies.
Check out how it looked before and after:
What Goes Wrong With Most Chimneys
Most chimneys—especially older ones—aren’t built to last forever. Over time, small cracks form in the crown, the mortar joints start breaking down, and flashing begins to leave gaps where water can get in. Add in wind-driven rain and freezing temperatures, and that water can seep into places you can’t even see—until it’s too late.
According to the U.S. Fire Administration, chimneys that aren’t properly maintained can pose both water damage and safety risks.
Common trouble spots include:
Chimney flashing: This is the metal that seals the gap between the chimney and the roof. When the flashing isn’t installed correctly—or if it’s old flashing that’s pulled away over time—water starts finding its way in and it needs new flashing.
Chimney cap: Missing or damaged caps allow rain to go straight down into your chimney liner.
Missing chimney cap blown off during a storm in Michigan Chimney crown: Cracks here let water into the top of the chimney, which can freeze and expand, making the cracks worse.
Visible cracks on the chimney crown of a Clinton Twp. Michigan home. Chimney liner: If it’s deteriorating, moisture damage spreads faster.
Roof decking: When leaks go unnoticed, the plywood beneath your shingles soaks it up, rots, and weakens.
Many homeowners try DIY solutions—some roofing cement here, a little sealant there—but those are just band-aids. If the root of the problem isn’t fixed, water infiltration will continue. What starts as a small repair can quickly become a costly repair, especially if water damage spreads to interior walls or the attic.
Our Chimney Leak Repair Process
This Detroit project wasn’t just about patching holes — it was about ensuring the chimney remains sealed and the roof stays strong for years to come. After we removed the artificial metal chimney, we saw how far the damage had spread. We cleared all debris, took out damaged flashing, and replaced sections of the roof decking that had moisture damage.
Then came the rebuild:
- Installed new plywood where needed
- Laid down fresh underlayment
- Used new flashing properly installed with no gaps
- Installed shingles to match the rest of the roof
- Final inspection to ensure a watertight seal
No wire brush and caulk quick-fix here. Just solid craftsmanship, high-quality materials, and a repair job built to withstand Detroit’s worst weather.
For detailed info on how flashing should be installed correctly, check out Building America Solution Center’s flashing guide.
Why Chimney Flashing Repair Is Important in Detroit
Flashing repair isn’t glamorous. You usually don’t think about it—until it fails. But when it does, it can cause leaks in the attic, around the fireplace, or down your walls.
Detroit homes are particularly vulnerable due to the freeze-thaw cycle. Water gets into small cracks, freezes, expands, and leaves bigger gaps behind. That means your flashing, chimney crown, and even bricks can break down faster than you think.
According to Michigan State University Extension’s Exterior Structural Items – You Can Do It Series, regular inspection of chimney flashing and roof intersections is critical for preventing moisture intrusion and structural damage. They recommend inspecting flashing, especially around chimneys and other roof projections, and repairing or replacing it as needed to avoid leaks that could escalate into costly repairs.
We always recommend regular inspections by certified roofers. At Roofing Above All, we offer roof inspections to catch these kinds of issues early – before they turn into emergencies.
Signs You Might Need Chimney Repair
Here’s what to watch for:
Water stains around the fireplace or ceiling
Dripping sounds in the wall after rain
Debris or crumbling mortar in your fireplace
Rust on chimney components
Missing chimney cap or cracked crown
And if you’ve already tried to patch it with roofing cement or caulk—but the leak keeps coming back—that’s your sign. You don’t need another temporary fix. You need proper repairs done by professionals.
What Makes a Chimney Repair Last?
It’s not just about sealing a hole. Long-lasting chimney leak repair depends on:
Using materials that can handle Michigan’s climate
Installing base flashing and counter flashing properly
Ensuring solid, dry roof decking underneath
Matching and integrating surrounding shingles
Doing a complete final inspection to confirm a watertight seal
According to InterNACHI’s “Mastering Roof Inspections: Roof Penetrations,” the International Residential Code (IRC) mandates that any roof penetration – chimneys, vents, skylights – must be protected by flashing installed in a way that keeps water out. If flashing corrodes or is installed incorrectly, it can lead to leaks immediately or quietly over time.
Whether it’s replacing damaged flashing, reworking old mortar joints, or removing outdated metal components, the goal remains the same: keep water out and your home safe.
Don’t Wait Until It’s a Bigger Problem
One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is waiting. Chimney leaks rarely fix themselves—and every storm adds more moisture to the problem. That leads to rotted wood, mold in the attic, ruined drywall, and even structural damage.
We’ve seen homes where years of neglect turned a minor flashing repair into a full roof replacement. Don’t let that happen to you. If you even suspect water leaking around the chimney, schedule an inspection right away.
Need to book a chimney inspection or flashing repair? Set up an appointment online today.
Chimney Leak Repair Done Right
In Detroit, a sturdy chimney isn’t just for warmth—it also protects against water damage all year. That involves regular maintenance, fixing small cracks early, and ensuring your flashing is correctly installed from the start.
The team at Roofing Above All handled this chimney issue by going beyond the basics. From removing the old metal chimney to rebuilding the roof deck, installing new flashing, and matching the shingles, every step was done right.
Want to see what that kind of professional work looks like?
Take a look at our recent project here:
Have questions? Need a chimney leak inspected? Call us or request a quote online. We’re proud to serve Detroit and surrounding areas with honest work and expert craftsmanship.
Don’t wait for water damage to surprise you. Let’s keep your chimney—and your home—dry, solid, and safe.