Chimney Flashing: Why It Leaks and How to Fix It

If you’ve got a roof leak near your chimney, odds are the shingles aren’t the problem—it’s your chimney flashing.

Chimney flashing is the metal barrier that seals the gap between your roof and your chimney. When it’s damaged, loose, or installed wrong, water can sneak in and cause serious interior damage. At Roof Nuts GA, we fix chimney flashing across Georgia before small leaks turn into major repairs.

Here’s what every homeowner should know.

What Is Chimney Flashing?

Chimney flashing is made of sheet metal—usually aluminum, copper, or galvanized steel. It’s installed in layers where the chimney meets your roof, creating a water-tight seal.

There are three main parts:

• Step flashing: Goes under each shingle along the side of the chimney.

• Counter flashing: Is embedded into the brick mortar and overlaps the step flashing.

• Cricket (or saddle): A small ridge installed behind wide chimneys to divert water around it.

When installed correctly, flashing keeps water from leaking where the roof and chimney meet. But if any part shifts, corrodes, or separates, water finds a way in.

Why Chimney Flashing Fails in Georgia

Georgia’s weather is tough on flashing. Here’s why chimney flashing may be causing your leak:

• Old or rusted metal

• Storm or wind damage

• Poor installation (missing step flashing or incorrect sealing)

• Loose mortar around counter flashing

• No cricket behind a wide chimney

• Shifting bricks due to settling or moisture

Once flashing fails, rainwater flows behind it and into your attic, walls, or ceiling.

Signs You Need Chimney Flashing Repair

Look for these warning signs, especially after rain:

• Brown spots or water stains on the ceiling near the chimney

• Drips, moisture, or musty smell in the attic

• Damp drywall or bubbling paint around the chimney

• Moss or rust on flashing

• Missing or cracked mortar

• Flashing pulling away from the bricks or shingles

Many chimney leaks go unnoticed until major damage appears. If you see any of these signs, call for an inspection.

How Roof Nuts GA Repairs Chimney Flashing

We do roof repair and replace flashing the right way—no shortcuts. Our process includes:

1. Inspection

We inspect all flashing layers, surrounding shingles, chimney mortar, and the roof slope. We also check for rot or water intrusion under the shingles.

2. Removal of Old Flashing

Damaged or rusted metal is carefully removed, and old caulking or mortar is cleaned out.

3. Step Flashing Installation

We install new metal step flashing under the shingles, sealed to the decking and overlapping each shingle course.

4. Counter Flashing Embedment

We cut into the chimney mortar and install counter flashing that overlaps the step flashing. This creates a layered, watertight seal.

5. Cricket Installation (if needed)

If your chimney is wider than 30 inches, we install a cricket to redirect water flow.

6. Seal and Finish

We seal all metal joints and secure the flashing with weather-resistant fasteners and caulking made for roofing applications.

FAQ

💬 How much does chimney flashing repair cost in Georgia?

Most chimney flashing repairs cost between $500 and $1,500, depending on the size of the chimney, roof pitch, material used, and whether a cricket is needed.

💬 Can I repair chimney flashing myself?

It’s not recommended. Proper flashing must be layered into the shingles and chimney mortar to prevent leaks. DIY patching usually fails after the first storm.

💬 Will insurance cover chimney flashing repairs?

If your flashing was damaged by hail, high wind, or storm debris, your homeowner's insurance may cover it. We can document the damage and help with the claims process.

Get Chimney Flashing Fixed Before It Leaks Further

A small chimney flashing leak can lead to thousands in drywall, insulation, and structural damage if ignored.

Jay Bradley and Blake Williamson at Roof Nuts GA will inspect your roof and chimney flashing with no pressure—just honest advice. We serve homeowners across Georgia, from Atlanta and Augusta to Macon and Savannah.

📞 Call 404-476-6851 or schedule your flashing inspection at https://RoofNutsGA.com