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Chimneys

A chimney penetrates the roof at one of the most vulnerable points on the entire structure. Wherever a vertical masonry stack breaks through the roofing plane, water finds a way in unless every flashing detail is executed correctly. Over the more than 80 years we’ve been in business, our crews at Henris Roofing have seen how a single failed chimney seal can lead to rotted decking, stained ceilings, and structural damage that spreads far beyond the visible leak.

Why Chimneys Cause So Many Roof Problems

The problem with chimneys is geometry. A chimney interrupts the smooth flow of water across a roof, forcing it to divert around a rigid, immovable obstacle. On the uphill side, water and debris collect against the masonry, which is why the back of a chimney needs a cricket or saddle to split the flow and send it around each side. Without that, water pools, freezes, and works its way beneath the shingles.

The other common source of trouble is the flashing itself. Chimney flashing is not a single piece of metal. It is a layered system of step flashing, counter flashing, and base flashing that must interlock with both the roofing material and the masonry. When any layer is caulked instead of properly integrated, or when old flashing is simply painted over, failure is only a matter of time. We frequently find leaks that homeowners blamed on the roof when the real culprit was tired chimney flashing.

Our Chimney Flashing and Repair Process

We approach chimney work methodically because shortcuts here cause callbacks. Our process begins with a full inspection of the masonry, the existing flashing, and the surrounding decking. Because we operate our own metal shop, we can fabricate custom flashing and crickets to the exact dimensions of your chimney rather than forcing a generic product to fit. That in-house capability lets us match unusual chimney sizes, roof pitches, and material profiles with precision.

A typical chimney reflashing follows a clear sequence:

  • Assessment: We document the condition of mortar joints, the counter flashing reglet, and any water staining on the interior side.
  • Removal: Old flashing and deteriorated sealant are carefully stripped away without damaging sound masonry.
  • Fabrication: We bend new base, step, and counter flashing in our metal shop, along with a cricket when the chimney width warrants one.
  • Integration: Each piece is woven into the roofing courses and set into cut reglets in the mortar so water is directed away, not trapped.

This layered method means the roof and the chimney work together as a single watershed rather than as two systems patched at the seam.

Technical Details That Matter

Material selection for chimney flashing depends on the roof and the climate. We typically use aluminum, galvanized steel, or copper depending on longevity goals and aesthetics. Copper lasts for generations and develops a distinctive patina, while properly coated steel offers durability at a more accessible cost. Because we fabricate on site, we can adjust metal gauge and profile to suit the specific exposure your chimney faces.

Detail work around the chimney also includes crown condition, spark arrestors, and the transition to newer roofing systems. As a GAF Master Elite contractor and a certified Timberline Solar Roofing Contractor, we make sure chimney details integrate cleanly with modern shingle and solar roofing systems. Our ShingleMaster Pro and Energy Solar Certified credentials mean the flashing we install is compatible with the manufacturer warranties covering the surrounding roof.

When to Call Us About Your Chimney

Certain warning signs indicate that a chimney needs attention sooner rather than later. Recognizing them early prevents small repairs from becoming major reconstruction.

  1. Interior staining: Brown rings on ceilings or walls near the chimney chase usually trace back to failed flashing.
  2. Visible rust or gaps: Lifted or corroded metal at the roofline is a clear signal that the seal has broken down.
  3. Crumbling mortar: Deteriorating joints allow water into the masonry and behind the flashing.

We serve both residential and commercial clients throughout Petaluma, CA and surrounding areas, and we offer free estimates with no conditions attached, so you can understand the scope of any chimney issue before committing. When water is actively coming in, our 24/7 emergency service means you are not left waiting through a storm.

We take pride in respecting your property, cleaning up thoroughly after every job, and using environmentally responsible materials and practices. Chimneys are among the most demanding details on any roof, and after eight decades of hands-on work across Petaluma, Penngrove, Novato, Rohnert Park, Cotati, Santa Rosa, & Sonoma, CA, Henris Roofing has built its reputation on getting those details right the first time.