Roofs tend not to leak unless you put holes in them. The most common hole you put into a roof is for your chimney. The roof and chimney junction needs proper flashing to prevent water penetration into the home. Masonry chimneys act as big sponges; they absorb water and then must dry out. The water your chimney takes on may evaporate to the outdoors or, because of defects, it may draw water to the interior of the home. Over time exposure to water will accelerate the breakdown of mortar, soften bricks, rot wood, and can cause mold growth leading to expensive repairs. The crown of the chimney is designed to shed water. Often, however, a crown was never installed or the original crown has been severely crumbled by acid rain and Pennsylvania’s freeze-thaw cycles. Chimney flues should also have rain caps installed to prevent water entry directly through the flue and wire mesh to keep out wildlife. The masons at Chimney Cricket can restore the integrity of your chimney through small repairs or a complete rebuild when necessary. We also carry a full line of waterproofing applications and caps to suit any chimney size or design.