Roof Leak Repair
Find where water is getting in and seal it: shingles, nail holes, flashing, valleys and vents.
What Is Roof Flashing?
Flashing is thin metal (usually aluminum or galvanized steel) installed where the roof meets a wall, chimney, skylight or valley. It directs water away from those joints. A pipe boot is the rubber or lead collar that seals a plumbing vent.
Because flashing sits at every seam, it is one of the most common leak sources and a big part of local roof repair in Huntsville.
Where Flashing Fails
- Chimneys: step and counter flashing pulls away from brick, or mortar joints crack
- Plumbing vent boots: rubber cracks in the sun
- Skylights: curb flashing or seals fail
- Walls and dormers: step flashing missing or rusted
- Valleys: debris holds water against the metal
- Drip edge: bent by wind or ladders
Signs of a Flashing Leak
Look for stains on the ceiling or wall next to the chimney or a skylight, rusty streaks on the chimney, cracked caulk, or damp spots near a bathroom vent in the attic. These leaks often show up in wind-driven rain.
Leak near the chimney?
Call and we'll connect you with a roofer who handles flashing.
Repair vs. Re-Flash
If the flashing is intact but the sealant has failed, resealing may be enough. If the metal is rusted, bent or was installed wrong, the roofer removes the shingles around it and installs new flashing, called re-flashing.
Older chimneys on historic homes may also need masonry work. That is often done by a separate mason.
How Flashing Repair Is Done
- Find the failing joint and check the decking below for rot.
- Remove surrounding shingles carefully.
- Install new step, counter or apron flashing, or a new pipe boot.
- Reinstall or replace the shingles.
- Seal and inspect.
Cost Factors for Flashing Repair
A pipe boot swap is usually a smaller job than re-flashing a large chimney. Price depends on the type of penetration, the roof material around it, any rotted decking and roof pitch.
Chimney & Flashing Repair FAQs
Can caulk fix chimney flashing?
Caulk is a short-term fix. Proper flashing is layered with the shingles so water runs over it, not against it.
How long do pipe boots last?
Rubber boots break down faster in strong sun and can crack well before the shingles wear out. Have them checked when the roof is inspected.
Is a skylight leak a roof problem?
Often, yes. The flashing or curb around the skylight is part of the roof system. Sometimes the skylight seal itself has failed.
Do I need a mason for chimney leaks?
If bricks or the chimney cap are cracked, a mason may be needed in addition to roof flashing work.
Can flashing be repaired on a metal roof?
Yes. Metal roofs use flashing and trim at penetrations and walls, and these can be resealed or replaced.
Related Roofing Services
Metal Roof Repair
Loose fasteners, worn washers, open seams and rust spots on standing-seam and exposed-fastener roofs.
Roof Inspection
A close look at your roof's condition after a storm, before you buy or sell, or before filing a claim.