Vents, Flashing & Skylights
Flashing and chimney leak repair
Flashing is the metal or membrane that seals the joints where a roof meets a chimney, wall, dormer or pipe. When it rusts, pulls loose or was only caulked, water gets in. Proper repair replaces it with step flashing and counterflashing, not more sealant.
- Same-day inspections when a roofer is available
- All 50 states + D.C.
- Quote before work
Every roof-to-wall joint depends on step flashing and a kick-out at the bottom. Missing kick-out flashing sends water behind siding and is a common hidden rot problem on two-story homes.
Masonry chimneys in older homes, especially across the Northeast and Midwest, need counterflashing cut into the mortar joints, and freeze-thaw cycles crack mortar and crowns. Many newer homes have wood-framed chimney chases with metal caps that rust and leak into the framing.
Flashing repair at a glance
- Most missed
- Kick-out flashing at roof-to-wall joints
- Masonry chimneys
- Counterflashing cut into mortar joints
- Lasting fix
- Layered metal flashing, not caulk
- Leaks show
- In wind-driven rain or freeze-thaw
Signs you need flashing repair
- Stains on ceilings near a chimney or wall
- Rust streaks below a chimney chase cap
- Caulk-only joints where the roof meets a wall
- Rotted siding near the bottom of a roof-to-wall joint
- Leaks only in wind-driven rain
How the roofer handles it
- 1
Inspect
The roofer checks step flashing, counterflashing, kick-outs, the chimney crown or chase cap, and siding transitions.
- 2
Remove
Shingles and siding are lifted along the joint to expose the old flashing.
- 3
Re-flash
New step flashing, counterflashing and a kick-out are installed, layered to shed water.
- 4
Seal and test
The joint is closed up and checked, with masonry or siding repairs coordinated if needed.
What affects the cost
Prices depend on what the roofer finds, so the contractor quotes after inspecting. These are the main factors:
- Length of the joint
- Brick (cut-in counterflashing) vs. siding
- Chimney crown or chase cap work
- Rot repair behind the siding
- Roof pitch and height
Frequently asked questions
Can flashing leaks be fixed with caulk?
Only temporarily. Sealant breaks down in sun and freeze-thaw within a few years; layered metal flashing is the lasting fix.
What is kick-out flashing?
A small bent piece at the bottom of a roof-to-wall joint that directs water into the gutter instead of behind the siding.
Where flashing repair matters most
States where heavy rain & moss drive the most demand. The service is available across our network in all 50 states and D.C.
Need flashing repair?
Same-day inspections when a roofer is available. One call connects you with an independent roofer who serves your ZIP.