A.Fox wrote:Phil,
Thanks for the thoughts. The photos are from January of last year and the flashing on this chimney is now stepped and 8" tall. The only photos I have of it now are from the ground.
I'm pretty sure the pots are mortared in place and don't come off easily, which also suggests that there must not be a flue cap, and someone would be able to put a brush down through both openings. Every time I open a damper a few leaves and other debris fall into the firebox. I think my chimney construction is similar, the firebox slopes up toward the front then in brick slopes back before the clay tile flue starts I'm assuming above a smoke shelf, but I haven't reached my hand up there.
Clay pots are always mortared in place. There is no other way to fasten them without damage. Besides you don't want 100+ pounds of clay fasten with screws.
The only way to get large amounts of moisture down a pot is maybe tropical monsoons, or dump a bucket down it. Surprisingly not much rain water will enter the flues. Note it does not hurt to have caps on the pots. It will help keep the critters out.
If you have leaves and debris falling. There is a good chance there is a critter nest in the flue. Time for a good cleaning.
Now for that leak. Check the flashing around the cricket. Mainly where it meets the chimney, but check where it meets the roof too.