Chimneys: Where Most Roof Leaks Really Start
If I had to name the single most common source of roof leaks, it wouldn’t be shingles.
It would be chimneys.
Over the years, we noticed a pattern at Roofer Chicks®. When customers called us back for warranty issues, an overwhelming number of them traced back to chimneys. Not because the shingles failed – but because of how the chimney was detailed.
That realization changed how we roof.
Why Chimneys Are Such a Problem Area
A chimney is essentially a giant hole punched through your roof. Where roofing materials meet masonry, things get complicated – and that’s where shortcuts happen.
Many roofers reuse old chimney flashing during a reroof. It saves time and money, and once the shingles are on, it looks fine. But flashing is not decorative – it’s a waterproofing system. Reusing old flashing is one of the fastest ways to guarantee a future leak.
Once we realized how many issues were coming from chimneys, we made a firm decision:
When we replace a roof, we replace all chimney flashing. Period.
Chimney Crickets: Code-Required and Commonly Skipped
Another major issue we see all the time is missing or poorly built chimney crickets (also called saddles).
A cricket is required by code for chimneys wider than 30 inches (depending on jurisdiction). Its job is simple but critical:
It diverts water and debris around the chimney instead of allowing it to pile up behind it.
When a cricket is missing or improperly built, water sits at the back of the chimney. Over time, that water finds a way in – usually into the roof decking, framing, and siding.
Many builders and roofers skip crickets entirely. Others build them incorrectly.
We don’t.
Stick-Built vs. Soldered Crickets (And Why It Matters)
We prefer soldered crickets.
Why?
- Cleaner, more professional appearance
- Fewer seams
- Superior water shedding
- Longer lifespan
- Better leak prevention
They take more skill and more time – but they work.
Chimney Caps: Small Detail, Big Consequences
Improperly installed chimney caps are another frequent source of leaks. A cap that isn’t sized or flashed correctly allows water to enter the chimney chase, where it can cause hidden damage long before you see stains inside.
When we see a cap that’s been installed incorrectly, we replace it. Ignoring it just means the problem shows up later – and costs more to fix.
A Recent Project: When “Just a Chimney” Becomes a Major Repair
Recently, we completed a reroof that included a chimney with:
- a leaking stick-built cricket
- a poorly installed chimney cap
By the time the homeowner called us, the damage had already spread. Water intrusion had rotted out not only the roofing components, but also the surrounding siding – all of which had to be replaced.
This is exactly why we’re so meticulous about chimneys. What starts as a small flashing detail can turn into extensive structural repairs if it’s ignored or done incorrectly.
This Is What We Do Exceptionally Well
Chimneys are not an afterthought for us. They’re one of the areas where our experience shows the most.
Whether it’s:
- replacing all chimney flashing during a reroof
- installing properly designed soldered crickets
- repairing chimney leaks without replacing the entire roof
- correcting improperly installed chimney caps
…this is work we do exceptionally well.
It’s not flashy. It’s not something most homeowners know to ask about. But it’s one of the biggest reasons our roofs last – and why our warranties don’t come back.
Because a roof is only as good as its details.
And chimneys are where the details matter most.