Masonry is a method of construction that involves the use of cement to hold bricks or stones together. Most buildings are built using masonry - think of a bricklayer laying bricks to build a wall or laying down a walkway and sealing the pieces together by layering cement. That's masonry.
It is not uncommon for chimney leaks to cause significant damage to the interior of your home. And there are many ways that homeowners could unknowingly be causing their own chimneys to leak.
For example, if you have an old fireplace with no sealant around the top, your home is at risk of having water leak down into the fireplace cavity. This can trigger corrosion problems on metal components like grates and damper control valves.
Harsh weather conditions can cause your roof shingles to weaken over time. And when the shingles experience wear and tear, it leads to mildew and mold growth in addition to rotting. All of these factors can adversely affect your home's overall structural integrity.