Chimney Flashing Repair

Step flashing: L-shaped pieces woven into each course of roof shingles along the chimney sides. Counter flashing: metal embedded into the mortar joints that overlaps the step flashing. Base flashing: continuous sheet metal at the chimney base that directs water onto the roof surface. Saddle cricket: a peaked diverter behind wide chimneys that prevents water and debris pooling. Each component must work together to create a complete waterproof system.

Pasadena homes built before 1980 often have galvanized steel flashing that has rusted through. Many roofing contractors use roof cement as a shortcut instead of properly integrating step and counter flashing. Seismic movement separates flashing from mortar joints. Decades of UV exposure and thermal cycling crack sealants. Our inspectors identify the specific failure mode and recommend a targeted repair rather than a generic patch.

We remove the failed flashing, clean the mortar joints, and install new step and counter flashing in corrosion-resistant aluminum, copper, or lead-coated copper. Counter flashing is set into freshly cut reglets and sealed with high-temperature polyurethane caulk. We test the repair with a controlled water spray before closing up. If a cricket is needed, we frame, sheath, and flash it during the same visit.