Chimney flashing replaced and resealed in Corner Lake

Counter flashing belongs in the mortar joint

Counter flashing is the metal that hangs down over the top edge of the step and base flashing. On brick, its upper edge is bent into a mortar joint and mortared in, so water running down the chimney face passes over the seam instead of into it.

Brick Industry Association Technical Note 19B describes counter flashing inserted into a mortar joint about 3/4 to 1 inch and mortared solidly in place. When we find counter flashing held only by a bead of caulk on the brick face, we explain the difference and price setting it properly into the joint.

Satellite dishes and antenna straps on the chimney

Mounting a dish or antenna to a chimney puts fastener holes in the masonry and sometimes through the flashing. Straps wrapped around the chimney can also trap debris and hold water against the brick near the roofline.

If a mount is no longer used, removing it and filling the holes properly usually belongs in the flashing job. If it is still in service, we work around it and note any holes near the flashing that need sealing.

What a written flashing estimate should list

A useful flashing estimate names the faces being repaired, the metal and its thickness, how the counter flashing is anchored, how much roofing is lifted and restored, and what happens to the old material. Vague wording such as reseal chimney leaves you nothing to compare.

Ours spell out each of the items below, so two quotes can be read side by side. Book within 72 hours after the inspection and the estimate shows 10% off, printed on the page.

• Chimney faces included in the repair
• Flashing metal and thickness
• Counter flashing method for your chimney face
• Roofing lifted, reset or replaced
• Removal of old flashing and patch material
• Findings that need a separate decision

The written record you keep after the job

After the repair you receive a written summary of the work, including the faces flashed, the metal and the method used for the counter flashing. That record helps the next roofer, chimney crew or buyer understand what is on your roof.

It helps us too if you call again. We can see what was done and compare any new symptom with the original scope instead of starting from zero. The record lists the date of the work as well, which helps anyone judging later whether a new stain is part of the old story or something new.