The back of the chimney is easy to miss
You can usually see the front flashing from the ground, but the side soakers and back gutter need closer inspection.
Check the stack itself
Open pointing and cracked flaunching can let rain into the masonry even when the leadwork is sound.
Cold unused flues can be damp
Moisture inside a chimney breast during cold dry weather may be condensation rather than rain getting through the roof.
