Weathered brick chimney base with metal flashing on an asphalt shingle roof

Serving all of Southeast Michigan

Chimney Crown & Flashing Repair

Most chimney leaks start at the top or where the chimney meets the roof. We repair or replace cracked crowns and failed flashing so rain stays outside where it belongs.

60-point inspection, cleaning included
Photos of every finding
Estimate before any repair work

Call (586) 636-6424 Request an Inspection

The two most common places chimneys leak

The crown is the slab that caps the top of a masonry chimney. It's the first line of defense against rain and snow, and it takes the worst of the weather. When it cracks, water runs straight down into the brick and the flue, and every freeze widens the crack.

Flashing is the metal that seals the joint where the chimney passes through the roof. Over time it can pull loose, rust, or lose its seal, and the result is often a water stain on a ceiling or wall near the chimney, sometimes rooms away from where the water actually gets in.

We look at both during every inspection and photograph what we find. Some crowns can be repaired; others are too far gone and need to be replaced. Same with flashing. You'll see the photos and know which is which before any work starts.

How our 60-point inspection and cleaning work

Don't wait on this

Signs of crown or flashing problems

Cracks in the crown
Visible cracks or crumbling at the top slab let water straight into the chimney.
Ceiling or wall stains
Water stains near the chimney, inside the house or attic, often point to flashing.
Rust or loose metal
Flashing that's lifted, rusted, or pulled away from the brick has lost its seal.
Caulk-only repairs
Thick caulk or roofing tar smeared at the chimney base is usually a temporary patch.
Damp or musty fireplace
Moisture or odor in the firebox can mean water is getting in from above.
Damaged top courses
Spalling or loose brick near the top often starts with a failing crown.

How it works

Inspect first. Then fix it right.

No guesswork and no surprises. You know what's wrong and what it costs before any work begins. If we uncover more damage, we stop and get your approval first.

1
Inspect the top & roof line
We get up close to the crown, cap, and flashing and photograph every crack, gap, and loose seam.
2
Repair or replace?
We show you whether the crown and flashing can be repaired or need to be replaced, and what each option costs.
3
Do the work right
Crowns are rebuilt or repaired with proper materials and shaped to shed water; flashing is resealed or replaced.
4
Check the brick around it
If water has already damaged nearby brick or mortar, we'll point it out so nothing gets missed.

FAQ

Crown & Flashing questions

Straight answers from the crew that does the work.

More FAQs

What does a chimney crown do?

The crown covers the top of the chimney around the flue and sheds water away from the brick. A sound crown keeps rain and snow from soaking into the masonry from above.

Can a cracked crown be repaired, or does it need to be replaced?

Small cracks in an otherwise solid crown can often be repaired. If the crown is crumbling, badly cracked, or was built incorrectly, replacement is usually the better fix. The inspection photos will show you which situation you're in.

How do I know if my chimney flashing is leaking?

Common signs are water stains on the ceiling or walls near the chimney, damp spots in the attic around the chimney, or flashing you can see is loose, rusted, or covered in old caulk. We check flashing up close during the inspection.

Is a leaking chimney an emergency?

Active leaks can damage framing, drywall, and insulation, so it's worth acting quickly. Call (586) 636-6424, explain what you're seeing, and we'll do what we can to get to you as soon as possible.

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