how to waterproof a chimney

[willowb]

when it rains it comes down my chimney stack I have a cowl on top of the chimney I think it is coming through the bricks My house is late victorian

[BillyNoMates]

I had a similar problem.

Make sure the flashing (cement or lead) and tiles around the chimney are sound.

Ensure the chimney brickwork is well pointed.

Then paint brickwork with one of the Waterseal type products - clear liquid which penetrates the brickwork and makes it impervious to water.

 

[New Forester]

Billy's suggestions are sound -- but be prepared for it to take quite a while for the chimney to dry out (perhaps not till spring).  Make sure the air-vents in disused chimneys are all open, and if you have a working fire, use it.