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.
![Mr. Green :mrgreen:](./images/smilies/icon_mrgreen.gif)
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.