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Flashing and chimney leak repair
Roof Flashing and Chimney Leak Repair in Baton Rouge, LA
Most leaks around chimneys, walls, dormers and valleys come from flashing, not the shingles. We inspect the joint, work out why it failed and repair it with proper metal and sealing, not just a bead of caulk.
Baton Rouge and nearby areasSource-first diagnosisWritten scope of work
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Flashing & Chimney Leak Repair
Why flashing is the most common leak point
Flashing is the thin metal that keeps water out where the roof meets something else: a chimney, a wall, a dormer, a valley or a skylight. These joints take the most water and movement, and they are where roofs most often leak even when the shingles look fine.
Flashing fails for several reasons. Metal rusts or bends, sealant dries and cracks, and the house moves slightly with the seasons. Old repairs that rely only on caulk tend to fail again within a few years. A durable repair usually means replacing or reworking the flashing itself.
Chimneys deserve special attention. A chimney can leak at the base flashing, at the counterflashing set into the masonry, at the cap or crown, or through the brick and mortar. Knowing which one matters, because each needs a different fix.
What to look for
Signs of a flashing or chimney leak
Stains on the ceiling near a chimney or wall
Water enters at the joint and runs down inside the wall or ceiling next to it.
Rusted, bent or lifted metal at joints
Visible corrosion or gaps in the flashing mean water can get behind it.
Cracked or missing sealant
Dried-out, cracked caulk at flashing edges is a sign it has stopped sealing.
Damp attic framing near the chimney
Wet wood or stains around the chimney chase point to a flashing or masonry leak.
Leaks only in heavy or wind-driven rain
Flashing problems often show only when water is pushed sideways or arrives in large volume.
Loose or crumbling mortar on the chimney
Masonry damage can let water in separately from the roof flashing.
Causes01 02 03 04
Common flashing and chimney leak causes
Worn step flashing and counterflashing
Metal pieces along walls and chimneys rust, loosen or were never installed correctly.
No chimney saddle (cricket)
On wider chimneys, a small peaked structure behind the chimney diverts water around it. Without one, water pools and leaks.
Valley flashing wear
Valleys carry a heavy water load. Worn metal or lifted shingles along the valley can leak.
Caulk-only repairs
Sealant alone dries and cracks. It is a stopgap, not a lasting repair.
How the work goes
How we handle flashing & chimney leak repair
Inspect the joint closely
Check every piece of flashing, the sealant and the surrounding shingles and masonry.
Identify why it failed
Rust, movement, poor installation or damage all lead to different repairs.
Replace or rework the flashing
Install new flashing, integrated with the shingles and, at chimneys, the masonry.
Seal where sealing is appropriate
Use sealant as a supporting detail, not a substitute for metal.
Check the surrounding area
Inspect nearby shingles and the attic for any other water damage.
Repair or something bigger?
Repair, replace or wait: how to decide
The right answer depends on the cause, the roof’s age and condition. Here is how to think about it.
Repair is usually enough when
The flashing problem is localized and the roof is otherwise in good shape.
Consider more work when
Flashing is failing throughout the roof, or the decking around the joint is wet or rotted.
Involve a mason when
The chimney itself, such as the crown, cap or mortar joints, is the source. Roof flashing will not fix a masonry leak.
Spotting flashing problems early
- Look at joints after storms Check chimney, wall and valley joints for lifted or bent metal.
- Watch for stains near chimneys A new stain beside a chimney is a prompt for inspection.
- Avoid repeated caulking Layers of caulk hide the real condition and complicate repair.
- Keep valleys clear of debris Leaves and needles dam water and speed wear.
- Mention any previous repairs History helps pinpoint what has already been tried.
Related leak repair services
Explore more roof leak repair services
Leaks rarely have a single cause. These related services cover the other places water commonly gets in.
Roof Leak Detection
Trace the stain back to the real entry point before anything gets repaired.
Explore this service
Shingle Roof Leak Repair
Cracked, lifted or missing shingles: targeted repair that actually stops the leak.
Explore this service
Skylight Leak Repair
Reflash, reseal or replace? Find out what is really leaking.
Explore this serviceEmergency Leak Repair & TarpingStorm Damage Leak RepairRoof Leak DetectionShingle Roof Leak RepairFlat & Low-Slope Roof Leak RepairVent Boot & Roof Vent Leak RepairSkylight Leak Repair
Want to know what repairs involve before you call? Read our guides to roof leak repair costs in Baton Rouge, common roof repair price factors and what to do when your roof leaks in heavy rain. Back to the main roof leak repair page.
Can I just re-caulk the flashing?
Caulk can be a temporary measure, but it dries and cracks. A lasting repair usually involves replacing or reworking the flashing.
Why does my chimney leak only in heavy rain?
Heavy or wind-driven rain overwhelms small gaps that handle light rain. That points to flashing or masonry that is barely keeping water out.
What is a chimney saddle or cricket?
A small peaked structure on the uphill side of a chimney that diverts water around it. Wider chimneys often need one.
Is it the flashing or the chimney itself?
Both are possible. A careful inspection of flashing, crown, cap and mortar tells you which, and sometimes both need work.
Do valleys need flashing?
Valleys carry a lot of water and need either properly installed metal or a carefully installed shingle valley. Worn valleys are a common leak source.
How long does flashing last?
It varies with materials, installation and exposure. Flashing that looks rusted, bent or loose should be inspected.
Frequently asked questions
Flashing & Chimney Leak Repair questions
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Send a message through the form and tell us what you are seeing. Include the location of the stain or drip and when it appears so the team can understand what help you need.