Chimney Flashing Repair in Virginia

What this service includes

• Step and counterflashing replacement
• Cricket or saddle installation on wide chimneys
• Masonry joint and mortar inspection
• Sealant renewal
• Chimney cap and crown assessment

Warning signs

• Staining on the ceiling near the chimney
• Rusted or lifting flashing
• Deteriorated mortar joints
• Water in the firebox after rain

Common causes

• Original tar-only flashing instead of proper metal
• Mortar deterioration
• Missing cricket on a wide chimney
• Thermal movement between masonry and roof

Systems and materials involved

• Step and counterflashing
• Cricket / saddle
• Lead, copper and aluminium flashing

Repair or replace?

Flashing should be replaced rather than re-tarred. Repeated caulking over failing flashing is a temporary measure, not a repair.

How the work is carried out

1. Inspection of flashing, masonry and crown
2. Removal of failed material
3. New step and counterflashing set into the masonry
4. Cricket installation where required
5. Water testing

What affects the cost

• Chimney size and construction
• Whether a cricket is required
• Flashing metal selected
• Masonry repair needs
• Access and height

Virginia-specific considerations

Older brick chimneys are common across Virginia's historic districts, and freeze-thaw cycling in the north and west accelerates mortar deterioration around flashing.

Questions to ask contractors

• Is the counterflashing set into the masonry or surface-sealed?
• Does my chimney need a cricket?
• Is masonry repair needed before flashing work?
• Are you licensed in Virginia, and what is your license number?
• Can you provide a current certificate of general liability and workers' compensation insurance?
• Who pulls the permit, and which jurisdiction issues it?
• What is included in the written scope - underlayment, flashing, ventilation, decking allowance and disposal?
• What warranty covers workmanship, and what covers materials?
• Who will be on site each day, and is the crew employed by you or subcontracted?