At Mahon Services, we inspect real homes every day, and sometimes one photograph can tell quite a story.

For this week’s “Would You Flag This?”, we’re taking a closer look at a masonry chimney we encountered during an actual home inspection.

At first glance, you may notice that the chimney looks a little rough. But when a home inspector looks at this area, we’re not just asking whether it looks good. We’re looking for conditions that could allow water intrusion, contribute to deterioration, or eventually require costly repairs.

So, what would you flag?

1. Deteriorated Masonry

One of the most noticeable concerns is the condition of the brick and mortar near the top of the chimney.

Masonry is constantly exposed to rain, snow, freezing temperatures, and temperature changes. Over time, moisture can enter deteriorated brick and mortar. Here in Ohio, repeated freeze-thaw cycles can make that deterioration progressively worse.

Damaged or loose masonry isn’t simply a cosmetic concern. Continued deterioration can eventually affect the stability of portions of the chimney and allow additional moisture penetration.

Depending on the extent of the deterioration, repairs may include tuckpointing, replacing damaged bricks, or rebuilding portions of the chimney.

2. Problems at the Chimney Crown

The top of a masonry chimney is particularly vulnerable to weather.

A properly constructed chimney crown helps direct water away from the masonry below. When the top is deteriorated, damaged, improperly constructed, or missing adequate protection, water can more easily enter the chimney assembly.

Once water gets into masonry, it can contribute to cracking, mortar deterioration, staining, and additional freeze-thaw damage.

This is why an inspector pays close attention to the entire chimney—not just the bricks visible from the ground.

3. Chimney Flashing Deserves a Closer Look

Now look at where the chimney meets the roof.

This is an especially important area because every roof penetration creates an opportunity for water intrusion if it isn’t properly flashed and maintained.

The flashing visible around this chimney appears to have undergone previous repairs or sealing.

Sealants and roofing cement are sometimes used as temporary repairs, but extensive patching can also be a clue that there has been a previous problem in the area.

During an inspection, we’re looking at the flashing installation, its condition, evidence of previous repairs, and any signs that water may be getting into the home.

4. The Roof-to-Chimney Intersection

Chimneys can be particularly troublesome because they interrupt the normal flow of water down a roof.

Proper flashing details are critical for directing that water around the chimney rather than allowing it to enter between the chimney and roofing materials.

That’s why the inspector doesn’t stop after identifying deteriorated masonry. We also examine the surrounding roof covering and, when accessible, look inside the home or attic for evidence of moisture intrusion.

Why These Findings Matter

The important lesson from this week’s photo isn’t simply that “the chimney needs repair.”

It’s that several components work together to keep water out of a home.

The chimney masonry, crown, flashing, roof covering, and interior conditions all provide pieces of the puzzle.

A small defect in one component may be manageable. Multiple deficiencies in the same area can indicate that more extensive repairs are needed.

And that’s exactly why a professional home inspection involves much more than walking through a house with a checklist.

Could You Have Spotted Them?

That’s the idea behind our Would You Flag This? series.

Every photo we feature comes from the kinds of conditions we encounter while inspecting real homes. Some findings are obvious. Others are easy to overlook if you don’t know what you’re looking for.

Our goal isn’t just to identify defects.

It’s to help our clients understand what we found, why it matters, and what they should do next.

Buying a Home in Central Ohio?

Don’t let the things that look fine from the ground surprise you after closing.

Mahon Services Residential Inspections LLC provides comprehensive home inspections and additional inspection services including radon testing, sewer scopes, well and septic inspections, water testing, WDI inspections, and more.

Mahon Services
Inspect • Educate • Protect

 740-868-9386
mahonservices.com