Flashing Repair
Most chimney leaks aren’t actually a chimney problem — they’re a flashing problem. Flashing is the metal seal woven between your roof and your chimney, and once it lifts, rusts, or was never installed correctly, water finds its way in every time it rains. We repair and replace flashing to stop leaks at the source, not just patch the symptom.
The Chimney Sweep has repaired chimney flashing across Dallas–Fort Worth since 1980 — one of the most common misdiagnosed repairs we see, since flashing leaks often get blamed on the chimney’s masonry instead.
What Chimney Flashing Actually Does
Flashing is the sheet metal woven between your shingles and your chimney to create a watertight seal. A proper installation uses two layers: step flashing — small L-shaped pieces layered one per shingle course along the sides of the chimney — and counter flashing, a second layer set into the chimney’s mortar joints that overlaps the step flashing from above. On wider chimneys, a cricket (or saddle) is added on the uphill side to divert water around the chimney instead of pooling against it.
When any of these layers fails — lifted step flashing, cracked counter-flashing mortar, or a missing cricket — water gets behind the metal instead of running over it, and it shows up as a ceiling stain or attic leak that often gets blamed on the chimney itself.
Why Dallas–Fort Worth Homeowners Need Flashing Repair
Fixes the #1 misdiagnosed chimney leak
Most 'chimney leaks' are actually flashing failures — we check flashing before recommending any masonry work.
Restores the two-layer seal that stops water
We repair or replace both layers together, since a repair addressing only one rarely holds.
Adds cricket flashing where it's missing
Chimneys over about 30 inches wide need a cricket to properly divert water — a common gap on older installs.
Protects your attic and interior ceilings
A flashing leak left alone doesn't stay contained to the chimney — it spreads into the surrounding roof deck and attic.
Our Flashing Repair Process
Diagnosed correctly the first time, so you’re not paying for masonry work you didn’t need.
Leak Source Inspection
We check the flashing first, since it's the most common source of a 'chimney' leak, before assuming a masonry cause.
Flashing Condition Assessment
We examine step flashing, counter flashing, and (if applicable) cricket flashing for lifting, rust, or gaps.
Removal & Re-Flashing
Damaged sections are removed and replaced with properly layered step and counter flashing.
Sealing & Mortar Re-Bed
Counter flashing is re-set into fresh mortar, not just caulked — caulk-only fixes tend to fail within a few years.
Leak Verification
We confirm the repair holds before calling the job complete.
If your leak turns out to be a masonry or cap issue instead, see our rain leak repair and brick & crown repair pages for the full picture.
Signs Your Chimney Flashing Needs Repair
- Ceiling or attic stains that appear during or shortly after rain
- Visible gaps, rust, or lifted metal where the roof meets the chimney
- Flashing that's been caulked over instead of properly re-bed
- A recent re-roof without new flashing installed
- A wide chimney with no visible cricket on the uphill side
Any of these are worth a flashing-specific inspection before authorizing masonry work — a $300–$600 flashing repair is often misquoted as a much larger chimney repair.
Flashing Maintenance Notes
- Have flashing inspected any time your roof is replaced
- Don't rely on caulk alone for a long-term flashing fix
- Check for a cricket if your chimney is wider than about 30 inches
- Address flashing leaks before they reach the attic deck
- Include flashing in your annual chimney inspection
Why Choose The Chimney Sweep for Flashing Repair in Dallas?
For over 45 years, The Chimney Sweep has repaired chimney flashing across Dallas–Fort Worth. Here’s why homeowners trust us with the job:
Accurate Diagnosis
we check flashing before recommending masonry repairs.
Step & Counter Flashing Specialists
both layers repaired together, not just one.
Upfront Pricing
no hidden fees, no surprise charges after the quote.
Full-Service Chimney Care
inspections, sweeps, and repairs alongside flashing work.
Guaranteed Satisfaction
quality craftsmanship and service on every job, since 1980.
Flashing Repair Questions, Answered
Ceiling or attic stains that show up during or right after rain are the biggest clue. We inspect the flashing first, since it's the more common cause — insist on that check before authorizing any masonry work.
Step flashing is L-shaped metal woven between each shingle course along the chimney's sides. Counter flashing is a second layer set into the chimney's mortar joints that overlaps the step flashing from above. A proper repair addresses both.
Caulk-only fixes typically fail within three to five years. A proper repair re-beds counter flashing into fresh mortar rather than relying on sealant alone.
Cost depends on the extent of damage and whether a cricket needs to be added. We provide firm, written pricing after an in-person inspection.
Very often, yes. Flashing sometimes isn't replaced during a re-roof, or is installed incorrectly, and problems can show up within the first year or two.
Hear What Our Clients Say
Stop the #1 Misdiagnosed Chimney Leak
Trusted by Dallas–Fort Worth homeowners since 1980. Get a free, no-obligation quote today.