Dallas weather beats up brick chimneys like nobody’s business. One day, it’s bone dry and 105 degrees; the next, we’re dealing with ice storms — and that metal flashing around your chimney takes every punch.
Most folks don’t think about it until the first water stain shows up on their ceiling but this really isn’t ideal.
By the time you spot trouble inside, water’s already been sneaking past that flashing for months. Those $500 maintenance jobs quickly turn into $5,000 chimney leak repairs when you ignore them (this happens every year after March storms tear through North Dallas).
After 30 years of crawling over Dallas rooftops, here’s what we’ve learned: South-facing chimneys take the worst beating, and those shiny aluminum flashings some companies push? They buckle under our summer heat and winter ice.
And, maybe the most important lesson of all…strong, well-maintained flashing is the cheapest way to prevent some of the most expensive masonry repairs you’ll face as a homeowner in Dallas / Fort Worth.
Your main concern with chimneys is always water intrusion, which causes mortar to decay, brings on unhealthy mold, and other headaches.
Flashing helps to prevent this kind of issue but it’s all too easily bent, dinged, or shifted out of place, allowing water through any separation between the flashing and your exterior surfaces.
This guide cuts through the noise on chimney flashing and explains why it fails, how often you should be checking on it, and what kind of repair work you need to fix these problems.
You’ll see why chimney inspections aren’t just a sales pitch (they’re your best shot at avoiding massive water damage), and why the timing of repairs matters far more than most contractors let on.
(Read the original post on Medium)
Most Dallas homes we inspect share the same story. Tiny cracks form in summer heat. Then fall rains seep into those cracks and by January, freezing water expands with enough force to split concrete wide open.
Hairline fractures become quarter-inch gaps faster than you can dial your insurance agent.
A cracked chimney crown is the root of some of the worst winter disasters. That concrete cap on top probably could have started crumbling years ago, for all you know, letting water pool where you’d never see it.
But that’s not your only source of concern. Rusted flashing pulling away from brick walls (usually on the north side first, where ice lingers) can cause the same types of problems, even more quickly.
Everything might look solid from your driveway, but get up close and you’ll find gaps wide enough to slide a credit card through -more than enough for water to invade your home.
Proper chimney repair in Dallas isn’t quick — it typically takes 2–3 days if the weather cooperates. Day one? Tear-out and inspection. We strip damaged flashing, remove crumbled mortar, and see what’s happening behind the scenes.
Sometimes we find surprises (like intact brick under surface damage), but usually, it’s years of hidden water damage.
Key differences in our approach:
Own an old home, like the historic houses on Swiss Avenue or in Lakewood or Oak Cliff? It’s more challenging (and time consuming) to match vintage brick and custom flashing.
Insurance note: Insurance companies do cover storm damage but they’ll fight you over maintenance claims tooth and nail. Document everything — photos, moisture readings, repair dates. It’ll help you build your case.
Why Winter Chimney Checks Matter
Timing is of the essence with freeze-related masonry damage. It’s the freeze-thaw-freeze cycle that does the damage. If you can catch failing mortar joints before January’s freeze, and you’ve got better chances of dodging disaster.
What we check in cold weather:
Hidden threat: Ice forms inside chimney walls, not just on surfaces. One small flashing gap can fill a brick cavity with ice overnight. Annual checks catch these as simple fixes before they have a chance to become chimney repair emergencies.
Timing tip: Schedule inspections by early November. It’s a good bet you’ll beat the insurance claim rush.
Your chimney doesn’t follow a calendar, but timing is everything here in Dallas. After a combined 40+ years worth of repairs across the metroplex, here’s what works — and what doesn’t.
Come September, conditions align perfectly. Mortar needs Goldilocks conditions — not too hot, not too cold. Flashing seals bond better in mild temps. Most homeowners wait until November, but this isn’t ideal because wet weather makes timely masonry work very difficult.
Here are a few quick winter survival tips, specific to North Texas:
March rains turn those ‘minor’ December cracks into a full breach in your home’s defenses. Winter ice turns chimney mortar joints into Swiss cheese. What looked manageable in January could become a crisis by April.
In the heat of summer, even though you’re most likely not using your fireplace, chimneys are getting worked over by the sun -especially south-facing ones (we’re looking at you, Preston Hollow). Your flashing is warping in the heat, setting you up for problems in the fall.
After three decades of repairing Dallas chimneys, here’s the cold truth: A quick inspection may be untimely and inconvenient but the visit is free and you’ll know exactly what kind of repairs (and costs) you’re looking at.
Hear that dripping during heavy rains? Notice mortar crumbs in your flower beds? See discolored patches on ceilings? Your chimney’s screaming for help.
Dallas weather goes hard on aging brickwork. Put off repairs, and you’re basically cosigning checks to water damage restorers.
Seen it all — from ice-jacked crowns in Plano to rusted flashing disasters in Uptown. Call us now — before minor issues become “I need a new roof” emergencies.
Final Tip: Snap photos of any suspicious cracks or stains. When you call, we’ll triage over the phone. Could save you weeks of waiting come storm season.
