Triage
Chimney problem? Start here.
Leaks, crumbling brick, a cracked crown or smoke in the room each point to different repairs and different trades. Tell us what you see.
Guidance
Check what you see and press Get guidance.
How to use this tool
- Pick the symptoms you see from the ground or inside.
- Read what they usually point to and what to do right away.
- See which trade usually fixes it: mason, roofer or chimney sweep.
- Get the flue inspected before using a fireplace or appliance again.
Chimneys in Ohio and Michigan
Freeze-thaw cycles break down mortar and crowns, and water that gets into brick expands when it freezes. Older homes around Toledo and Detroit often have unlined or deteriorated flues, which is a safety question for a certified chimney professional, not only a roofing one.
Common chimney problems compared
| Problem | Usual fix | Who to call |
|---|---|---|
| Leak at the roof line | New step and counter flashing | Roofer |
| Crumbling mortar joints | Tuckpointing | Mason |
| Cracked crown | Crown repair or rebuild | Mason or chimney sweep |
| Missing cap | New cap with screen | Chimney sweep |
| Flue damage or unlined flue | Liner | Certified chimney professional |
Get a free inspection or multiple bids
Free Asset Protection Inspection
Have the roof you're worried about looked at in person, at no cost and with no obligation. Homes, commercial buildings and HOA communities in Ohio and Michigan.
Inspections are done by our founder, Jonathan Blake, or, if you allow it, by the independent roofing and exterior contractor he works for.
Get three comparable bids
- Save or print this tool's result so every contractor starts from the same numbers.
- Ask at least three contractors for a written proposal on the same scope.
- Compare line by line: area, tear-off, repairs, materials, permits, warranty.
Why plan here first
| What you get | Midwest Roof Calculators | National cost websites | A first number on the doorstep |
|---|---|---|---|
| Built for Ohio and Michigan weather and permits | Yes | Rarely | Varies |
| Shows the formula and every assumption | Yes | Sometimes | Rarely |
| See results before giving contact details | Yes | Often not | No |
| Ranges labeled with what they include and exclude | Yes | Varies | Varies |
| Questions to ask every contractor | Yes | Sometimes | No |
| Replaces an in-person inspection | No, and we say so | No | No |
General comparison of approaches, not of any named company.
Frequently asked questions
Who fixes a leaking chimney: a roofer or a mason?
Leaks at the roof line usually come from flashing, which a roofer repairs. Cracked crowns, missing mortar and damaged brick are mason work.
Is a leaning chimney dangerous?
It can be. Keep people away from where bricks could fall and have a mason or structural engineer assess it.
Should I use my fireplace if smoke comes into the room?
No. Stop using it until a qualified chimney professional inspects the flue, and make sure your carbon monoxide alarms work.
Why do chimneys crumble faster here?
Water soaks into brick and mortar, then freezes and expands. Repeated freeze-thaw cycles in Ohio and Michigan winters break down damaged masonry.
Request a chimney repair visit
Takes about 30 seconds. No obligation, and we never sell your information.