What is chimney flashing and why does it leak?
Flashing is the layered metal that seals the joint where the chimney passes through the roof. It includes step flashing tucked under the shingles, counter flashing set into the masonry, and often a cricket or saddle behind the chimney to divert water. Leaks happen when that metal rusts, lifts, pulls loose, or was never layered correctly, or when the caulk and mortar sealing it cracks with age and freeze-thaw.
What are the signs of a chimney flashing leak?
Watch for water stains on the ceiling or wall near the chimney chase, rust streaks down the masonry, white mineral deposits inside the chimney, stained or damp sheathing in the attic around the chimney, and crumbling mortar or caulk at the flashing. In a Hutchinson home, ice and snow piling against the chimney makes these leaks worse.
Why are chimney leaks so easy to miss?
Chimney flashing leaks are slow and seasonal — they often only show during heavy rain, snowmelt, or ice-dam conditions. The water can travel along framing before it stains a ceiling far from the chimney, so the damage hides until it's significant. That's why we trace it from both the roof and the attic.
How are flashing leaks repaired?
Repairs range from re-sealing counter flashing and replacing cracked caulk to fully re-flashing the chimney with new step and counter flashing and adding a cricket. The right fix depends on what failed. Our report documents the specific condition so a roofer or mason can price the correct repair — we don't quote prices.
Do you inspect the chimney itself too?
Yes. We check the chimney crown, cap, and visible masonry for cracks and spalling along with the flashing, since freeze-thaw damage to the masonry often goes hand in hand with flashing failure on older Hutchinson chimneys. We recommend a specialist for the flue interior.
