Chimney Services in Franklin Lakes, NJ
Chimney Services for Franklin Lakes (07417) homeowners. Licensed, insured, and serving Bergen County.
The chimney is one of the most vulnerable points on any Franklin Lakes roof. Where the chimney meets the roof, improper flashing is the number one cause of roof leaks — and we see it constantly throughout Bergen County.
Chimney Roofing Services in Franklin Lakes
We handle all chimney-related roofing work for Franklin Lakes homes:
- Chimney flashing repair/replacement — step flashing, counter flashing, and base flashing
- Cricket/saddle installation — diverting water around wide chimneys
- Chimney cap installation — preventing water, animals, and debris entry
- Crown repair — sealing the concrete cap that protects the chimney top
- Waterproofing — applying breathable sealant to prevent moisture penetration
- Chimney rebuild — rebuilding deteriorated chimney tops above the roofline
Why Chimney Flashing Fails
Chimney flashing in Franklin Lakes homes fails for several predictable reasons:
- Improper original installation — the most common cause, often using roofing cement instead of proper step flashing
- Thermal movement — the chimney and roof expand/contract at different rates, breaking seals
- Mortar deterioration — counter flashing embedded in failing mortar joints loosens
- Ice damage — freeze-thaw cycles in Bergen County winters work flashing loose over time
- Missing cricket — chimneys wider than 30 inches need a cricket to divert water
Proper Chimney Flashing Installation
We install chimney flashing the right way — using individual step flashing pieces woven with each shingle course, counter flashing cut into mortar joints (not surface-mounted), and a proper cricket on wider chimneys. This multi-layer approach creates a watertight seal that moves with the structure instead of fighting it.
Chimney Service Costs in Franklin Lakes
Chimney flashing repair in Franklin Lakes typically costs $300-$800. Complete flashing replacement runs $800-$2,000. Cricket installation adds $500-$1,000 depending on chimney width.
Get Your Free Franklin Lakes EstimateFrequently Asked Questions
What causes chimney leaks in Franklin Lakes homes?
Nine times out of ten it's the flashing, not the chimney itself. Freeze-thaw cycles in Bergen County work the sealant and metal loose. Cracked crowns and missing caps cause the rest — we pinpoint the source first.
What is chimney flashing and why does it fail?
Flashing is the layered metal seal where the chimney meets the roof — step flashing woven into the shingles plus counter-flashing set into the masonry. It fails from thermal movement, corrosion, and shortcut installs that rely on caulk instead of proper layering.
Do you repair chimney crowns and caps?
We handle the full top-of-chimney system: crown repair or recasting, cap installation, and masonry repair where freeze-thaw has spalled the brick on Franklin Lakes homes.
How do I know my chimney flashing has failed?
Water stains on the ceiling or walls near the chimney, damp attic framing around the chimney chase, rust streaks on the flashing, or visible gaps in the sealant line. If you see staining inside your Franklin Lakes home, the leak has existed for a while — have it inspected promptly.
Ready for Chimney Services in Franklin Lakes?
Free estimate, no obligation. Licensed and insured.