Suspect shingle installation causing leak around chimney?

[quite98]

I'm considering buying the property that I am renting. There appears to be a leak around the chimney area that is causing discoloration to the ceiling in the room next to the chimney, and plaster to shed from the brickwork of the chimney in the closet in which it resides (picture attached). Brickwork feels dry to the touch after two days of heavy rain. Ceiling feels dry but home inspector reported moisture evident.

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• quite98
• 12 Jun 2013
• 1

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• quite98
• 12 Jun 2013
• 1

Home inspector also reported that there was missing/damaged flashing and mortar to the chimney.

I haven't been up on the roof or in the attic yet but the installation of the shingles around the chimney looks suspect to my untrained eye. Is it normal to bend the shingles up like this?

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• quite98
• 12 Jun 2013
• 1

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• quite98
• 12 Jun 2013
• 1

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• quite98
• 12 Jun 2013
• 1

Thanks for any help.

 

[noseall]

There is no cover flashing (or soakers) over the the junction between the shingles and the chimney.

The flashing would be chased into the chimney masonry and lapped down onto the roof.
In the UK we often use lead.

 

[dann09]

Hi quite98,

1. As noseall above - you will require metal flashing (soakers and cover flashing, no mortar fillets) all the way around that chimney stack.

2. Perhaps re-point the stack at the same time.

3. The thimble in your photo is showing loose from the chimney breast, and the venting ( it looks like type-A ) is beginning to rust just where it enters the thimble.

4. Do you have a Flexible Chimney Liner in the c/flue? If so, how is it terminated?
The legality of the present terminal arrangement for gas will depend on your local code.

5. Water entering at the roof/stack and, perhaps destructive fumes in the flue are causing the difficulties you show.

6. Do you have a CO detector at the gas appliance?

7. FWIW, none of the above is major, dont let it put you off buying the house. Its typically worth having a House Inspector report.