Chimney Flashing: The Seal That Keeps Water Out

Your chimney may look solid and indestructible, but one of its most vulnerable points is where it meets the roof.
That joint - where brick, mortar, and shingles all come together - needs special protection.
That protection comes from a small but powerful component called chimney flashing.

Flashing is your chimney’s watertight seal, keeping rain and melting snow from sneaking into the gaps where the roof and chimney connect.
When flashing fails, it can lead to leaks, rot, and costly structural damage - which is why keeping it in perfect condition is so important.

How Our Professionals Repair and Replace Flashing

Our experienced team provides expert chimney flashing repair, replacement, and waterproofing to protect your home from leaks.

Depending on the condition of your flashing, we may:

Reseal joints and edges using professional-grade, weather-resistant sealant.

Re-secure loose sections to ensure proper overlap and drainage.

Replace damaged or corroded flashing with new, durable metal (usually aluminum, copper, or galvanized steel).

Rebuild the mortar joints where counter flashing is embedded for a secure, lasting hold.

Install or repair chimney crickets on large or wide chimneys to prevent water pooling.

Our professionals take the time to ensure each layer of flashing is properly aligned, sealed, and tested for watertight performance.

Keep Water Out — Protect Your Home and Chimney

Your chimney flashing may be small, but it’s one of the hardest-working components of your entire roofing system.
Our professional team knows exactly how to install, repair, and maintain flashing that stands up to the weather and keeps your home safe and dry.

let our experts make sure your chimney and roofline are sealed tight and protected from leaks year-round.

What Is Chimney Flashing?

Chimney flashing is a series of thin metal pieces - typically aluminum, galvanized steel, or copper - installed around the base of your chimney where it meets the roofline.
Its purpose is to create a waterproof barrier, directing rainwater away from this critical junction and onto the roof where it can safely drain.

A properly installed flashing system includes several layers working together:

Step Flashing – Interwoven with roof shingles, this directs water down the slope of the roof.

Counter Flashing – Embedded into the chimney mortar joints and overlapping the step flashing to seal it tightly.

Base Flashing – The lower portion that seals the bottom edge of the chimney.

Cricket or Saddle Flashing (on larger chimneys) – A small, peaked structure behind the chimney that splits water flow and prevents pooling.

Together, these pieces form a strong, watertight shield - but only if they’re installed and maintained correctly.

Common Flashing Problems

Our professionals often find the same issues during chimney inspections:

Rust or corrosion on older metal flashing

Loose or missing sealant at the joints

Cracked mortar where counter flashing was installed

Improper overlap or installation during roof repairs

Water pooling behind large chimneys without proper cricket flashing

Even small issues can cause significant leaks, especially after heavy rain or snow.

Why Flashing Matters

The flashing may not be the most visible part of your chimney, but it’s one of the most essential.
Because the chimney and roof expand and contract differently with heat, cold, and moisture, the flashing must be flexible yet sealed tight enough to prevent leaks.

If flashing is damaged, loose, or improperly installed, even a small gap can lead to:

Roof leaks and ceiling stains

Wood rot and mold growth in attic or framing

Damaged drywall or insulation

Masonry deterioration from trapped moisture

Many homeowners first discover flashing problems after noticing a water stain on the ceiling near the fireplace — but by then, the damage may already be spreading.

Prevention and Maintenance

Even well-built flashing won’t last forever. Over the years, exposure to the elements, roof repairs, and temperature changes can loosen or corrode it.
That’s why we always check flashing during routine chimney inspections and apply sealant or make small adjustments before they become major problems.

A quick annual inspection can prevent thousands of dollars in potential water damage.

Keep Water Out — Protect Your Home and Chimney

Your chimney flashing may be small, but it’s one of the hardest-working components of your entire roofing system.
Our professional team knows exactly how to install, repair, and maintain flashing that stands up to the weather and keeps your home safe and dry.

let our experts make sure your chimney and roofline are sealed tight and protected from leaks year-round.

Schedule an Appointment Today!