Problem
Flashing leaks where the roof meets a wall or chimney
Water rarely comes in through the middle of healthy shingles. It comes in at the flashing against a wall, chimney, or skylight. Stains then show up on a wall or in a closet, so the leak looks mysterious until someone inspects that joint.
Signs we look for
- Stains on an interior wall that shares a roof-to-wall line
- Dampness around a chimney after wind-driven rain
- Rusted or pulled counterflashing in masonry
- Missing kick-out flashing that dumps water behind siding
Why it happens
Flashing is metal that has to move with two different materials. Caulk used as a substitute dries and splits. Freeze-thaw in Minnesota, Illinois, and Missouri opens masonry joints. Hail in Kansas dents the metal. A prior reroof that reused bent flashing is a common source.
What we do next
We inspect the joint, the counterflashing, and the shingles woven into it. The repair may be flashing only, or flashing plus a limited shingle reset. If that whole side of the roof is worn out, we say so instead of burying new metal under a roof that will come off next year.
What not to do
Do not caulk the entire chimney crown and call it done if water is still entering at the step flashing. Photograph the stain and the outside joint from the ground.
Services that address this
Markets where we see this often
Related: All roof problems · Request an estimate.
People also ask
Is a flashing leak always a small job?
- Access, masonry, and whether the rest of the roof still works control the size of the job. Some flashing repairs are half a day. Some need a mason and more shingles.
Topic cluster
More on repair versus replacement
Repair fits when the failure is isolated and the rest of the roof still has life. Replacement fits when wear or storm damage covers several slopes, leaks keep returning, or the deck is involved. The inspection answers that before anyone writes a contract. Full topic.
Next step
Request an inspection for this problem
Send the address, the storm date if you have it, and what you have noticed. We inspect, then give you a replacement or repair price. Your insurance company decides what they pay.