Chimney Services in Old Tappan, NJ
Chimney Services for Old Tappan (07675) homeowners. Licensed, insured, and serving Bergen County.
The chimney is one of the most vulnerable points on any Old Tappan 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 Old Tappan
We handle all chimney-related roofing work for Old Tappan 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 Old Tappan 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 Old Tappan
Chimney flashing repair in Old Tappan typically costs $300-$800. Complete flashing replacement runs $800-$2,000. Cricket installation adds $500-$1,000 depending on chimney width.
Get Your Free Old Tappan EstimateFrequently Asked Questions
How does chimney flashing work?
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 wide chimneys need special flashing?
Chimneys over 30 inches wide should have a cricket — a mini-roof behind the chimney that diverts water around each side rather than letting it pool against the masonry. Many older Old Tappan homes are missing one.
Do you repair chimney crowns and caps?
Yes — we repair and rebuild cracked crowns, install stainless caps to keep water and animals out, and address spalling brick at the roofline. Crown cracks are a major hidden water entry point on Bergen County chimneys.
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 Old Tappan home, the leak has existed for a while — have it inspected promptly.
Ready for Chimney Services in Old Tappan?
Free estimate, no obligation. Licensed and insured.