Toronto Chimney Repair · October 4, 2026
1. The crown
The concrete crown on top of a masonry chimney cracks from freeze-thaw. Water runs through the cracks into the bricks and down the flue. Small cracks can be sealed; a crumbling crown needs to be recast. Crown repairs start around $229 plus HST.
2. The flashing
Flashing is the metal that seals the joint between the roof and the chimney. When it lifts or the sealant fails, water runs down the outside of the chimney and shows up as a stain on the ceiling or wall beside it. Flashing work usually runs $310 to $600 plus HST.
3. The cap
An open flue lets rain straight in. You will see water or rust in the firebox and on the damper. A stainless cap with a screen fixes that and keeps animals out at the same time.
4. The brick and mortar
Old, soft brick and washed-out mortar joints soak up water like a sponge. The fix is repointing the joints and, where needed, replacing spalled bricks, then a breathable sealer. Repointing usually runs $800 to $1,700 plus HST.
Finding the right one
Water can travel a long way inside a wall before it shows, so the stain is rarely right under the entry point. An inspection from the roof and the attic, sometimes with a water test, finds the actual source before anything is quoted.
