Chimney Services in Flatbush, NY
Chimney Services for Flatbush (11226) homeowners. Licensed, insured, and serving Brooklyn.
The chimney is one of the most vulnerable points on any Flatbush roof. Where the chimney meets the roof, improper flashing is the number one cause of roof leaks — and we see it constantly throughout Brooklyn.
Chimney Roofing Services in Flatbush
We handle all chimney-related roofing work for Flatbush 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 Flatbush 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 New York City 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 Flatbush
Chimney flashing repair in Flatbush typically costs $300-$800. Complete flashing replacement runs $800-$2,000. Cricket installation adds $500-$1,000 depending on chimney width.
Get Your Free Flatbush EstimateFrequently Asked Questions
What causes chimney leaks in Flatbush homes?
Failed flashing is the #1 cause — the metal transition between chimney and roof loosens or corrodes over time. Cracked crowns, porous brick, and missing caps are the other usual suspects on Flatbush homes. We diagnose the actual source before quoting anything.
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 wide chimneys need special flashing?
A cricket is a small peaked diverter built behind the chimney that splits water flow around it. Building code calls for one on chimneys wider than 30 inches — without it, water and snow pile up behind the chimney and eventually find a way in.
Will insurance cover chimney flashing repair in Flatbush?
If storm damage caused the failure — wind-lifted flashing, impact damage — coverage is common. Gradual corrosion typically isn't covered. We document the cause with photos and help Flatbush homeowners with claims when weather is to blame.
Ready for Chimney Services in Flatbush?
Free estimate, no obligation. Licensed and insured.