Chimney Flashing Repair in Clarksville, TN

We have been xing chimney flashing in Clarksville since 2003. Older homes near downtown.

Newer homes with prefab replaces. Even commercial buildings with industrial chimneys. The

problem is almost always the same: the metal that seals the gap between the chimney and the

roof has failed.

This article covers chimney flashing repair. How to spot a leak. What the repair costs. And why

you should never let anyone just smear caulk on it. Call (931) 666-1469 for a free estimate.

How Chimney Flashing Fails in Clarksville

Let us explain how chimney flashing is supposed to work. There are two layers. Base flashing

goes under the shingles. Counter- flashing goes over the base flashing and is embedded into

the mortar joints of the chimney. Water runs down the chimney, hits the counter- flashing, and is

directed onto the roof, not behind the flashing.

Over time, the mortar cracks. The counter- flashing loosens. Water gets behind it. Then it runs

down the base flashing, which might also have lifted. Then it drips onto your decking. Then it

rots the wood. Then it stains your ceiling.

Clarksville's freeze-thaw cycles make this worse. Water gets into tiny cracks in the mortar. It

freezes. It expands. The cracks get bigger. More water gets in. The flashing loosens further. We

see this every spring after a winter with multiple ice storms.

Fort Campbell homes with prefab chimneys (metal) have different issues. The flashing on

prefab chimneys is usually a metal collar that clamps around the pipe. The rubber gasket inside

the collar dries out. The clamp loosens. We replace the entire collar kit. Cost is about $200 in

materials.

How We Repair Chimney Flashing (Step by Step)

This is detailed work. Here is our process.

1. We inspect the chimney from the ground and the roof. We look for cracked mortar, lifted

flashing, rust stains, and white e orescence. We also inspect the attic near the chimney for

water stains.

1. We remove the old flashing. We pull back shingles around the chimney. We remove the

old counter- flashing. We grind out the old mortar if it is embedded. We remove all old caulk and

sealant.

1. We inspect the decking and framing. If water has been leaking for a while, the decking

around the chimney might be rotted. We replace it. We also check the chimney cricket (a small

roof built behind the chimney to divert water). If it is rotted or missing, we build a new one.

1. We fabricate new base flashing. We bend aluminum coil stock to t the chimney base.

The base flashing goes under the shingles and up the side of the chimney.

1. We install new counter- flashing. We cut a groove into the mortar joints using a grinder. We

slide the counter- flashing into the groove. We seal the groove with urethane mortar repair. We

also screw the counter- flashing to the chimney with masonry screws.

1. We install new shingles over the base flashing. We weave them in with the existing

shingles. We nail carefully so we do not puncture the flashing.

1. We seal everything with proper sealant. Not caulk. We use a urethane-based sealant that

stays exible. It is rated for 30 years. We apply it to all seams and corners.

1. We test with a garden hose. We spray the chimney area for ten minutes. Someone in the

attic watches for water. No drips? Good. The repair is done.

Why Hire a Local Clarksville Roofer for Chimney Flashing?

Masonry chimneys are tricky. Cut the counter- flashing groove too deep and you weaken the

chimney. Cut it too shallow and the flashing pulls out. Use the wrong sealant and it fails in a

year. We have the tools and the experience to do it right.

Also, we can spot related problems. A leaking chimney is often a sign of a missing or

inadequate cricket. A cricket is a small peaked structure built behind the chimney to divert

water around it. Without a cricket, water and snow pile up behind the chimney. It rots the

decking. We build crickets as part of the flashing repair when needed.

Another common problem: someone used caulk instead of proper flashing. Maybe a previous

homeowner or a handyman. They smeared a bead of silicone or roofing cement around the

chimney base. It worked for a few months. Then it cracked. Now water is pouring in. Caulk is

not a permanent solution. Flashing is.

For Fort Campbell families, chimney flashing repair is a common wintertime call. Ice dams form

behind chimneys. Water backs up. We have done dozens of these repairs on base housing.

The housing office knows our work.

Frequently Asked Questions