Chimney Flashing: The Leak Defender Most Homeowners Overlook

When most homeowners think about roof maintenance, chimney flashing doesn’t usually make the list. But it should. Chimney flashing is one of the most common sources of roof leaks—and one of the easiest to fix if caught early.

At L&L Roofing & Construction, we’ve seen what happens when flashing is ignored. Water damage, mold, ruined insulation... and big repair bills that could’ve been avoided.

If you have a chimney, here’s what you need to know.

What Is Chimney Flashing?

Chimney flashing is a system of metal (usually aluminum or galvanized steel) that seals the junction where your chimney meets your roof. Its job? To keep water out.

A standard flashing system has three main parts:

• Step flashing: Runs up the sides of the chimney, tucked under each row of shingles.

• Counter flashing: Embedded into the chimney mortar and overlaps the step flashing.

• Cricket (saddle flashing): A peaked piece behind wide chimneys to divert water around it.

Why It Matters in North Georgia

Our Gainesville climate throws a mix of heavy rain, hail, and even ice storms your way. If your chimney flashing isn’t installed right—or has corroded over time—water will find its way into your attic or walls.

We’ve seen cases where:

• Squirrels gnawed at old flashing and created entry points

• Hailstorms split flashing seams wide open

• Rusted flashing slowly funneled water into interior ceilings

Signs Your Flashing Needs Attention

Not sure if your chimney flashing is up to par? Look for these warning signs:

• Stains on ceilings near the chimney

• Crumbling or missing mortar around the flashing

• Rusted, loose, or lifted flashing

• Debris or shingle granules pooling near the chimney base

• Visible daylight between flashing and chimney

If you're up on the roof (or have a drone handy), don’t skip the chimney—especially the back where crickets can collect debris and trap moisture.

Repair or Replace? What We Recommend

At L&L Roofing, we inspect every flashing system during roof repairs and replacements. Here’s how we handle it:

• Minor rust or sealant wear: We’ll clean and reseal it.

• Loose or lifted flashing: Refasten and reseal.

• Bad install or major damage: Replace with new metal, sealed and counter-flashed to code.

• No cricket on a wide chimney? We install one. It’s required by code for chimneys over 30” wide and essential for water diversion.

And we never just “caulk it and hope.” That’s a shortcut that fails fast.

The L&L Difference: Flashing That Lasts

Our crews are trained to flash chimneys the right way—no shortcuts, no coverups. We:

• Use corrosion-resistant metals

• Embed counter flashing into mortar joints

• Install crickets on all wide chimneys

• Integrate flashing properly with underlayment and shingles

• Ensure all flashing sheds water cleanly—no backflow, no leaks

Our commitment to doing the right thing means you’ll never have to guess if your flashing was done correctly.

FAQ: Chimney Flashing for Homeowners

How long does chimney flashing last?
Properly installed metal flashing can last 20–30 years, but it depends on material, exposure, and workmanship.

Does my chimney need a cricket?
Yes—if your chimney is wider than 30 inches. Otherwise, water and debris will pool behind it.

Can I repair flashing myself?
It’s risky. Improper repairs often make things worse. We recommend professional inspection and repair.

Will insurance cover flashing repairs?
If it’s storm-related damage (like wind or hail), yes. We’ll help you document it for your claim.

Your chimney flashing is small, but the protection it provides is huge. Don’t wait for a ceiling stain or moldy attic to tell you something’s wrong.

📞 Call L&L Roofing & Construction at (770) 874-0372 or schedule your roof inspection online.