Fireplaces, Heating Stoves, Flues and Chimneys - Rainwater on hearth!

Here's hoping you can help solve this problem: We have lived in this house for 30 years and have enjoyed many fireside times with family and friends. Now, alas, and for the past 4 years, rainwater is showing up on the hearth! The chimney's masonry, brickwork and mortar has been checked and O.K.'d by a professional. The problem was very minor at first but has become worse over the last couple of years. This Spring,I covered the top of the chimney with a tarp. We had some heavy rainfall but no water was evident at all and the inside of the firebox was dry! This indicates that rainwater that is (normally?) somehow drained away as it comes down the chiney is no longer functioning. What do you think the problem is and do you have any suggestions for a solution? I have called several fireplace shop "experts" but they only recommend they install a cap! This fireplace has been working fine for 26 years. A cap is not the answer. Something has changed!
In advance, "Thankyou" for any assistanace.

A cap is the cheapest first step you can take. It is also a universal standard of the industry. Where do you think the rain that falls into you chimney goes?

It makes sense to prevent it there if you are sure it is not the flashing (usually #1 or #2 source), which should have been inspected by a real professional. You may have not had a real "professional" and might need one that looks at the flashing between the roof and the chimney.

A cap is certainly more effective and prettier than a blue tarp.

Dick

Hi, Dick....Thanks for your input. The flashing between the chimney and the roof Is new, as of last year. (It, too, has been checked.) Also, recall that the rainwater problem began 4 years ago! The point I'm trying to determine here is that why now should a cap be needed? Recall, the chimney has NOT leaked, in any way, for the previous 27 yrs...(Not to mention the time that previous owners were here.) I think the fireplace/chimney was built in the late 40's-early 50's. HOW does normal rainwater COMING DOWN THE INSIDE of the chimney drain away? I really think this is no longer happening and is the cause of the problem. But why, and what is the "fix?"
Regards....MG

I cannot examine your chimney and all the details. I suggested the most expediant and economical way to cure a classic problem. Just because the flashing is new, it does not mean it is working. Apparently, the leak four years ago was one of the reasons for new flashing. Was the old flashing completely removed or what?

You seem convinced the chimney is the cause since it near where the leak shows up. The leak could be elsewhere and the water migrates horizontally and escapes at the chimney. A cap could rule out a very logical and common source.

If you don't want to use a cap for some good reason, just hire a real chimney professional (possibly on with a remote camera) to determine if the is a problem.

Dick