Chimney flashing repair in Decatur, TX is the fix for a familiar kind of roof leak: water running down the wall beside the fireplace or staining the ceiling near the chimney. Often the brick is fine and the metal flashing around it has failed. Here is how to recognize it and how a lasting repair is done.
Water coming in near your chimney right now? Call Cannon Roofing at (940) 627-1045. We are open 24/7. For a stain you have been watching, you can also use our contact page to book a free inspection.
How chimney flashing is supposed to work
A chimney punches a large hole through the roof, and the gap between brick and shingles has to be sealed in a way that allows for movement. Proper chimney flashing has several parts that work together.
- Step flashing runs up the sides in short, overlapping pieces woven into each course of shingles.
- Counter flashing is set into the mortar joints of the brick and folds down over the step flashing, so water cannot get behind it.
- Front apron flashing covers the downhill side of the chimney.
- A cricket, a small peaked ridge on the uphill side, diverts water around wider chimneys instead of letting it pool against the brick.
When any of these pieces is missing, rusted or loose, water finds the gap. A frequent shortcut is flashing held on with nothing but roofing cement or caulk, which looks fine for a season and then cracks.
Signs you need chimney flashing repair in Decatur, TX
Inside the house
- Water stains on the ceiling or wall next to the fireplace.
- Damp or musty smells in the attic near the chimney.
- Peeling paint or bubbling drywall around the chimney chase.
- Water in the firebox, though this can also come from a missing chimney cap.
On the roof
- Thick layers of tar or caulk smeared around the base of the chimney.
- Flashing that has pulled away from the brick or shows rust holes.
- Cracked or missing mortar where the counter flashing is tucked in.
- Worn or curling shingles right beside the chimney.
Binoculars from the yard will show you a lot. Please do not climb up for a closer look; the area around a chimney is one of the trickiest places to stand on a roof.
Flashing leak or masonry leak?
Not every chimney leak is a flashing problem, and a good roofer should tell you which one you have. Brick and mortar absorb water, and a cracked chimney crown or missing cap can let rain straight down the inside. Leaks that appear only after long, soaking rains can point to the masonry, while leaks during wind-driven storms more often trace back to flashing. A close inspection confirms which. If we find the problem is in the crown, cap or brick, we will say so plainly so you can bring in the right trade.
How a proper flashing repair is done
Remove the old patchwork
The shingles around the chimney are lifted or removed, and old tar, caulk and failed metal come off. This exposes the decking so we can check for rot, which is common when a leak has gone on for a while.
Repair the deck and underlayment
Soft decking is replaced, and new underlayment, including ice and water shield around the chimney base, goes down before any metal.
Install new step, apron and counter flashing
Step flashing is woven in with each shingle course. Counter flashing is set into grooves, called reglets, cut into the mortar joints, so it sits inside the brick rather than glued to its face. The front apron and, where the chimney is wide enough, a cricket are built to keep water moving.
Should you add a cricket?
Wider chimneys catch debris and water on the uphill side. If yours does not have a cricket and has leaked before, adding one during the repair is worth discussing. Our article on chimney crickets and roof leaks explains how they help.
Finish and check the laps
The shingles are reinstalled around the new metal and the work is checked so each piece laps correctly over the one below.
Repair now or during a reroof?
If your roof is near the end of its life, it often makes sense to rebuild the chimney flashing as part of a full replacement so everything is installed together. If the roof is in good shape, a standalone flashing repair is a smart, contained fix. Either way, our general guide to chimney flashing leaks is a useful read before you decide.
Cannon Roofing has served Decatur and Wise County since 1994 and handles roof repair across the area, including flashing work. Our crews are factory trained, and every employee holds the Technician Seal of Safety, which means background checked, drug tested and insured. We back our work with written warranties.
Frequently asked questions
Can I reseal my chimney flashing with caulk?
Caulk can slow a leak for a short while, but Texas heat and the movement between brick and roof crack it quickly. Lasting repairs replace the flashing itself.
Does homeowners insurance cover chimney flashing leaks?
Storm damage may be covered after your deductible, while gradual wear usually is not. We can document what we find if you want to talk to your carrier.
How long does a chimney flashing repair take?
Many repairs are completed in a single visit, weather permitting. Rotten decking or a new cricket can add time, and we will tell you before we start.
A small chimney leak can quietly rot decking and framing for months. Call Cannon Roofing at (940) 627-1045, open 24/7, and we will look at your chimney flashing during a free inspection and explain exactly what it needs. You can also reach us through our contact page.