Chimney Flashing Repair in Woodland Hills, After We Find the Leak

Water that shows up next to a chimney after rain can come from four places: the flashing where the chimney meets the roof, the crown at the top, the brick and mortar on the sides, or straight down an uncapped flue. Paying for new flashing when the crown is the problem leaves you with the same stain next winter. We start with a look from the roof and the attic and, when it is dry, a hose test that wets one part at a time. That tells us which part is leaking before anyone prices a fix.

On many Woodland Hills houses the roof has been replaced at least once since the chimney was built, and the roofer reused the old counter flashing or covered it with sealant. That sealant lasts a few summers in valley heat and then cracks. If that is what we find, the options are a careful reseal with a better sealant, which is cheap and buys some years, or new step and counter flashing cut into the mortar joints, which costs more and lasts much longer.

A reseal suits flashing that is still sound metal with failed sealant at the top edge. A partial replacement suits one bad side, often the uphill side where water and debris collect. Full replacement suits rusted or torn metal, or a wide chimney that needs a cricket behind it to shed water. We write each option with its price and expected life. If your roof is due for replacement in the next couple of years, the sensible move may be a reseal now and new flashing when the roofer is there, and we will say so.

Flashing work goes best in dry weather, so the valley's long dry season helps. If you have a leak in winter, we can do a temporary seal to get you through the rain and quote the permanent repair for spring. That way you are not rushed into a bigger job during a storm.