Rain coming down flue despite crown rebuild and caps installed

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Marconis

Member
Dec 13, 2021
91
NY
Hi all. Back in October I had my crown rebuilt, a stainless liner on my boiler flue, as well as a clay extension to make the fireplace flue a little taller. Prior to this I was getting water down in my fireplace due to cracks all in the crown as well as flues that sat flush with the crown. I also had/have some water intrusion in my attic along the flashing; used to be much worse before they siliconed the joints so I'll probably get up there again and add some more.

Anyway, on heavy rains, even with what I deem minimal wind, I'm still getting some water down the flue and into the fireplace. I thought the extended tile and new caps would have mitigated the issue. Now, heavy winds I can understand, but see below for what came down last night with 7mph winds, 10mph gusts, and a real heavy rain. Liner was drenched and gave my soot a nice bath. The rain always comes down the right side of the flue alongside the boiler flue. Which makes me wonder if water is splashing/pouring/blowing off the boiler flue cap and into the holes of the cap for the fireplace. Additionally, the bottom of the cap is heavily saturated with water when I look up the flue. To my untrained eye, they seem a little close and perhaps they should have extended the flue of my fireplace just a little higher so it was well clear of the boiler side.

What do ya'll think?

Thanks!

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Is the lower cap pouring water down the other flu? The cap overhang could be directing the water.
 
I would instead make one flue higher; a single cap may have smoke from one due sucked into the other.
 
I would instead make one flue higher; a single cap may have smoke from one due sucked into the other.

That's what the chimney guys said, now that I remember. I wish they made it higher in the first place but oh well. I'll get it done this spring when I get it inspected/swept, can't imagine it's that pricey.
 
That's what the chimney guys said, now that I remember. I wish they made it higher in the first place but oh well. I'll get it done this spring when I get it inspected/swept, can't imagine it's that pricey.

Yes. But I'd have one 1-2 ft higher than the other.