Flashing repair where the chimney meets the roof in Little Havana

Sealant supports flashing but cannot replace it

Sealant has a place at a chimney. It closes the reglet, the ends of laps and the hidden side of bends. It is not meant to be the barrier itself, because sealant hardens, tears and pulls away from masonry as it ages.

If a past repair relied on a thick bead of caulk over an open joint, we say so in the findings. The repair we propose rebuilds the metal lap first and then uses sealant where the detail calls for it. Ask which joints will be sealed and which will be lapped. The answer should be specific.

Choosing the metal for the new pieces

Flashing metal has to resist corrosion and hold its shape where the chimney meets the roof. Brick industry guidance favors stainless steel and copper for chimney work. It advises against aluminum set into fresh mortar, because the alkalis in mortar attack it. Copper can stain the masonry below it.

We explain which metal we propose and why it suits your chimney and roof. If an earlier repair mixed metals, we point that out, because some metals corrode faster where they touch. The metal named in the estimate is the metal that goes on the roof.

What the flashing estimate spells out

A flashing estimate should let you see exactly what is being opened, replaced and put back. Ours for homes in Little Havana list the parts below, face by face, so two proposals can be compared line for line.

With upfront pricing, the amount on the approved estimate covers that scope in full. If the work reveals something new, it comes to you as a separate item before it is done.

• The faces of the chimney included in the work
• Which metal pieces are replaced and which are kept
• The roofing to be lifted and how it is restored
• Any items priced separately, such as repointing or decking

Looking at flashing after a strong storm

After a strong storm, it is worth looking at the chimney from the ground. Wind can lift the edges of counter flashing, loosen pieces at the corners and bend metal that was already weak. Damage may not leak until the next heavy rain.

Look for metal standing away from the brick, pieces hanging loose or roofing disturbed near the chimney. Stay off the roof and away from anything hanging. If you see damage, describe it when you call, and we will look at the flashing and the top during the visit.