Chimney Flashing + Releading

We are your trusted local source for quality, long-lasting chimney repair, replacement, and releading.

Got a chimney leak?

No worries! Our GAF Certified roofers can repair leaky chimneys to keep your home dry with services such as chimney reflashing and releading.

Without flashing, or when flashing has been damaged, water can leak inside your home, leading to costly water damage to both the chimney itself and your interiors. In fact, the worst thing that can happen to your masonry chimney and roof is water penetration. Lean on our certified roofers to repair your chimney flashing in the Greater Boston area.

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Flashing and its Protective Layers

Flashing plays an important role on all roof protrusions – especially the chimney. Flashing is basically a thin material, typically made of galvanized steel, that is put in place to direct water away from roof features, such as vents, skylights, and chimneys. When flashing is properly installed, water runs down the side of the flashing, to the shingles, and off the roof.

The flashing around a chimney typically includes two layers:

Step flashing

Sections of L-shaped sheet metal are woven into the shingle courses and lapped up the side of the chimney.

Counter-flashing

A second layer of metal is embedded in the chimney mortar joints and folded down to cover the top of the step flashing. The corners are especially vulnerable. We cut and bend the metal around the corner. Even in a quality installation, this leaves one small spot that should be sealed with a high-quality urethane caulk. This caulk can work itself loose over time. If the flashing looks to be in good condition, recaulking should take care of the problem.

Chimney flashing has 3 layers of protection:

Flashing must be layered correctly in order to keep water out. A chimney’s water defense system comprises:

Ice & Water Leak Barrier

The leak barrier is the first line of defense in making sure that the chimney and roof line are protected against all moisture, including snow and ice buildup.

Aluminum Step Flashing

Sections of L-shaped sheet metal are woven into the shingle courses and lapped up the side of the chimney. This ensures that the shingle course is watertight.

Lead Flashing

A second layer of lead is embedded in the chimney mortar joints and folded down. The lead wraps around the corners & all joints are re-mortared.

A Look at Chimney Crickets

A chimney cricket, also known as a roof cricket, is a mini peaked roof located behind your chimney. It is designed to channel water away from your chimney's masonry.

When the chimney is at the bottom of a roof slope, we always install a cricket, a small diversion roof that prevents water from pounding the up-roof part of the chimney. We frame and sheathe crickets just like the rest of the roof, and then completely cover them with a modified bitumen membrane, which is folded up under the chimney flashing. We install asphalt shingles over the membrane to blend the cricket with the rest of the roof

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How We Repair Damaged Chimney Flashing

Whether the chimney flashing wasn’t installed properly in the first place, or it has become damaged with the passage of time and onslaught of the elements, sometimes it falls into disrepair and must be fixed. We can use a variety of techniques to repair flashing, such as releading, reflashing, and caulking.

We will first inspect the entire area, identify the source of the leak, and then determine the best course of action. We are well-versed in chimney flashing installation, repair, and replacement.

Chimneys are essentially a weak point in any roof, so being aware of the flashing issues that can present themselves is important for any homeowner. Flashing is essentially weather stripping for your chimney, with the goal of creating a watertight seal.

Want to see chimney releading in action?

Check out our quick YouTube tutorial where we walk you through the step-by-step process of how to relead and waterproof a chimney on a roof. It’s a great way to understand the techniques we use to keep your home protected from leaks.

Watch the video here

Signs You Need Chimney Flashing Repair

Properly installed chimney flashing should last up to 30 years, but its lifespan will be determined by climate, shape and size of your chimney, what materials it was made with, and how old your house is.

Signs you need a repair of your chimney flashing in Greater Boston, MA include:

Leaking from the interior or exterior of the chimney
Dripping sounds
Puddles
Rust stains

Discolored bricks
Water stains on interiors and ceilings near the chimney
Visible gaps in caulking around the flashing

Spring is the most common time to experience a chimney leak, but it can happen in winter too, as the snow begins to melt. Unfortunately, because of where chimneys are located, many homeowners don’t realize water damage has occurred until it has reached further into the roofing. If you suspect your roof has sustained damage to its chimney flashing, calling in a pro right away is a smart decision. When that seal is compromised, a repair is necessary to avoid further damage.

Want to see how it’s done? In this video, Greta Bajrami, owner of Golden Group Roofing, demonstrates how to properly install chimney flashing using a GAF Timberline HDZ roofing system. You’ll learn about the layers of protection we use, including ice and water shield, aluminum step flashing, and lead counter flashing.

Watch the Video – and see why proper flashing is a non-negotiable part of any quality roof system.

Get a Free Quote on Chimney Flashing Repair in Greater Boston

Call Golden Group Roofing today to book your free consultation on repairs for chimney flashing in Greater Boston, MA at (508) 873-1884.

GET A CHIMNEY FLASHING ESTIMATE

Chimney Flashing + Releading

Got a chimney leak?

No worries! Our GAF Certified roofers can repair leaky chimneys to keep your home dry with services such as chimney reflashing and releading.