Chimney Flashing Explained: Stop Leaks Where Roofs Meet Brick

By AR Damp Roofing
on
Technician repairing metal flashing around brick chimney on roof

When water sneaks in around your chimney, it doesn’t just drip. It stains ceilings, warps wood, and can even cause mold to bloom behind your walls. If you’ve noticed water marks near your fireplace or a musty smell after rain, you’re not alone.

At AR Damp Roofing, we deal with emergency roofing calls every week—often from leaks right where brick meets shingles. The culprit? Failing chimney flashing. Here’s how to spot trouble, what to expect from a professional repair, and how to keep your home or business dry for good.

Why Chimney Flashing Matters

Think of chimney flashing as the umbrella over the handshake between your roof and your chimney. It’s the metal (usually aluminum or galvanized steel) that creates a watertight seal, keeping rain, snow, and wind-driven moisture from sneaking into your attic or living space.

Without proper flashing, water will find the tiniest gap and follow gravity—right into your building. Over time, this can rot framing, ruin insulation, and damage ceilings. The National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) highlights chimney flashing as one of the most critical points for leak prevention on any sloped or flat roof.

Spotting Trouble: Signs Your Chimney Flashing Is Failing

Water is sneaky. But your home will show you the signs if you know where to look:

  • Brown ceiling stains near the chimney
  • Peeling paint or bubbling wallpaper in the area
  • Visible rust or corrosion on flashing metal
  • Loose or missing flashing pieces
  • Efflorescence (white powdery deposits) on interior brick

Sometimes, the only clue is a faint musty odor after rain. Other times, you’ll find puddles in your attic. Don’t wait for the problem to grow legs.

Quick Safety Checklist 🛑

Before you climb up to inspect, stop and run through this checklist:

  • Never inspect a roof alone—always have a spotter.
  • Wear non-slip shoes and use a stable ladder.
  • Avoid roof work in wet, icy, or windy conditions.
  • Stay clear of overhead lines and skylights.
  • If you see sagging, soft spots, or heavy moss—call a pro. It may be unsafe to walk on.

For more details, refer to OSHA’s residential roofing safety guidelines.

DIY vs. Call a Pro

Some jobs look easy—until you’re halfway up a ladder with a handful of bent metal. Here’s how to decide:

DIY may be possible if:

  • The flashing is just slightly loose and your roof pitch is gentle.
  • You have basic hand tools and know how to use roofing cement.

Call AR Damp Roofing if:

  • The flashing is rusted, missing, or lifting.
  • There are multiple leaks or visible water stains.
  • Your roof is steep, tall, or has complex features (skylights, valleys).
  • You need emergency roofing help after a storm.

Remember: Improper repair can make leaks worse. Bad flashing is like a leaky bucket—you might patch one hole and spring three more.

What Pros Do On Arrival

When AR Damp Roofing arrives, our process is straightforward but thorough.

Step-by-Step Approach

  1. Visual Inspection
    We check the flashing, roof surface, mortar joints, and nearby shingles or tiles.

  2. Moisture Assessment
    Using moisture meters, we detect hidden water intrusion in wood or insulation.

  3. Remove Old Materials
    Damaged flashing and any rotten wood are carefully removed.

  4. Install New Flashing

    • We custom-bend metal to fit the exact angle and contour of your chimney.
    • Step flashing (interleaved with shingles) and counterflashing (tucked into mortar joints) are installed for a double-layer defense.
    • All edges are sealed with top-grade roofing sealants.

  5. Test for Leaks
    We simulate rainfall or use water hoses to confirm the repair is watertight.

  6. Final Clean-Up
    Debris is cleared, and we offer a quick rundown on what was done and what to watch for in the future.

Diagram: How Chimney Flashing Works

|         Roof Shingles
|     --------------------------
|    /                        /
|   /   Step Flashing        /   ← Water runs down, is diverted by flashing
|  /------------------------/
| |   Chimney Brick
| |--------------------------
| |   Counterflashing (tucked into mortar)
| |__________________________

Prevention & Maintenance Tips

  • Schedule annual roof inspections—especially after harsh weather.
  • Clear debris from gutters and downspouts so water can flow away.
  • Watch for cracked mortar or loose bricks near the chimney.
  • Ask about modern sealants and coatings for extra protection (helpful for flat roofs near you).

The International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI) recommends regular flashing checks as part of every home maintenance plan.

Costs & Time Factors

Chimney flashing repairs range in complexity:

  • Minor tune-up (resealing, re-nailing): 1–2 hours
  • Full flashing replacement: 3–6 hours, depending on roof height and chimney size
  • Material costs: Aluminum is affordable; copper is more durable but pricier

Commercial roofs or large chimneys add time and complexity. Emergency roofing services can be done same-day in most cases, but weather or access issues may delay repairs.

When It’s an Emergency

Water pouring in after a storm? That’s a roofing emergency. Here’s what to do:

  • Place buckets or towels to catch drips.
  • Shut off power if water nears outlets or fixtures.
  • Call AR Damp Roofing immediately for emergency roofing response.
  • Take photos for your insurance claim, if safe to do so.

Fast action limits damage and keeps repair costs down.

FAQ: Chimney Flashing & Leak Repair

How often should chimney flashing be replaced?
Most lasts 15–30 years, but harsh climates can shorten that window. Annual checks are best.

My flashing looks fine, but I still have a leak—why?
Hidden cracks, missing sealant, or leaks in nearby shingles can all mimic flashing failures.

Can I just caulk over old flashing?
Temporary fix at best. Proper repair means removing damaged metal, inspecting the area, and installing new flashing.

Is special flashing needed for flat roofs near you?
Yes. Flat and low-slope roofs demand wider, seamless flashing and heavier-duty sealants.

Local & Seasonal Impacts 🌧️

In regions with freeze-thaw cycles, water can seep into tiny cracks, freeze, and force flashing or mortar to break loose. Wind-driven rain and snow drift can also overwhelm old or poorly installed flashing.

AR Damp Roofing custom-fits all flashing to withstand local conditions—whether you face heavy snow, hurricane winds, or blazing summer heat. Our team stays current with regional building codes and best practices.

When leaks strike where your roof meets brick, don’t leave it to chance. AR Damp Roofing is ready for emergency roofing calls 24/7. Our team handles flashing, flat roofs, storm restoration, and more—so you stay dry, safe, and comfortable.

Call AR Damp Roofing now — or reach us anytime at  888-827-0473 .

Protect your home from damp—expert help is ready. Call now 888-827-0473