Why does my chimney leak when the monsoon hits?
Monsoon storms drop a lot of water fast and drive it sideways with strong wind — exactly what finds a gap in old flashing, a cracked stucco chase or a rusted chase cover. Most chimneys are dry for nine months, so the leak only shows up in July or August. Resealing existing flashing usually runs $450 to $900; new flashing on a tile roof $900 to $2,800.
Scottsdale Chimney Co. · October 4, 2026
Why the monsoon finds leaks
Arizona's monsoon officially runs June 15 to September 30, and storms over the Valley usually start in early July. A short storm can bring heavy rain and gusts strong enough to push water up under tiles and into joints that never see water the rest of the year. The intense summer sun also cracks sealant and stucco between storms.
The four usual entry points
- Flashing where the chimney meets the roof — especially on tile roofs, where the underlayment beneath the tile can be the real failure
- Cracks in the stucco on a chimney chase
- A rusted or flat chase cover on a factory-built fireplace that pools water and drips down the flue
- A missing or damaged chimney cap that lets rain straight down the flue
Where the water shows up
Stains on the ceiling or wall beside the fireplace, water in the firebox, rust on the damper or fireplace top, or a musty smell after a storm. Water can run a long way before it shows, so the stain is rarely right under the gap.
Fixing it before next season
The fall is the best time — roofs are dry, and you'll know before next July. Our leak inspection is free and finds the entry point first. Chase cover replacement runs $400 to $900 for a standard stainless cover, and a stainless chimney cap $250 to $500.
FAQ
More answers
Is this a roofer or a chimney job?
Often both are involved. The flashing and chase belong to the chimney; the tile and underlayment around it belong to the roof. We tell you which it is from the inspection.
Can I wait until it rains again to find the leak?
We can water-test the chimney in dry weather to find the entry point, so there's no need to wait for a storm.
Keep reading
More from the blog
There are birds in my chimney — what should I do?Birds in a Scottsdale chimney or fireplace vent: which birds are protected, when a nest can be removed, and how a cap keeps them out for good.
My gas fireplace pilot won't stay lit — why?Why a gas fireplace pilot lights then goes out, or stays on while the burner won't light — the usual parts, what you can check, and Scottsdale repair prices.
Do gas fireplaces need to be cleaned and serviced?Gas fireplaces burn clean but still need a yearly check. What a gas fireplace service includes, why Valley dust matters, and what it costs in Scottsdale.
Book online
Pick a day. We bring the answers.
Free inspection in a 3-hour window: 8 to 11, 11 to 2, or 2 to 5. We call to confirm before we arrive.