A chimney is one of the most common places for a roof to leak. Wherever a chimney meets the roof deck, the roofing system depends on flashing, thin strips of material installed to seal that joint, to keep water out. When that flashing fails, water can travel into the roof deck and attic long before a stain ever shows up on a ceiling.
Flashing can fail from age, corrosion, or improper installation, letting water into the roof deck around the chimney. Over time, metal flashing can rust or pull loose from expansion and contraction as temperatures shift through the seasons. Flashing that was installed incorrectly in the first place, cut too short, sealed with the wrong material, or not tucked properly under the counter-flashing, tends to fail much sooner than flashing that was installed correctly.
The right fix depends on how the flashing failed. A small gap or worn sealant joint may only need to be resealed. Flashing that has rusted through, pulled loose, or was installed incorrectly usually needs to be removed and replaced so the step flashing and counter-flashing around the chimney form a tight, layered seal again. Because flashing problems can sit hidden under shingles or inside an attic before they ever show up as a stain, a roof inspection is the most reliable way to confirm what is actually happening at the chimney before deciding on a repair.
If you have noticed any of these signs, or simply want a professional set of eyes on the flashing around your chimney, Indy Roof & Restoration documents every inspection with photographs so you can see exactly what was found before any work begins.
Flashing can fail from age, corrosion, or improper installation, letting water into the roof deck around the chimney.
For a closer look at flashing throughout the rest of your roof, not just around the chimney, see our guide to roof flashing. If you already know you need repair work done, visit our roof repair page to see how Indy Roof & Restoration approaches the job.