Roof-to-chimney flashing repair in Johnson Village

Opening a joint for new counter flashing

New counter flashing on brick needs a clean slot to sit in. That slot is usually an existing mortar joint, raked out to the depth the metal needs, or a groove cut into the masonry where the joints do not line up with the roof.

Cutting makes dust, so we protect the roof and the ground below and clean up afterward. The slot is then closed with mortar or a masonry sealant around the metal, depending on the detail. We explain which method we propose and why before any saw touches the chimney.

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

Watching the ceiling after the repair

After the repair, an old stain can take a while to dry out. A stain that stays the same size means the water has stopped. One that grows or darkens after rain means something is still getting in.

Mark the edge of the stain lightly in pencil once the job is done. If it spreads past that line, call us and note the weather when it happened. We then review the repair and the other paths into the chimney together, at no charge for the return look.

Leaves and grit behind the chimney

The uphill side of a chimney catches leaves, pine needles and shingle grit that wash down the roof. Wet debris holds water against the back flashing and can clog a cricket valley. It also hides rust and open seams from anyone looking up from the yard.

We clear that debris during the inspection and look at the metal underneath. If debris builds up quickly on your roof, having it cleared now and then helps the back flashing last.