Roof Problems
Failed Flashing: Where Roofs Meet Walls, Chimneys, and Curbs
Flashing seals the joints where a roof meets something else. When it fails, water gets behind the roof.
Where to look
Common flashing spots:
- Chimneys and walls
- Skylights
- HVAC curbs
- Roof edges
Why it fails
Sun, heat movement, loose fasteners, and caulk-only repairs.
Lasting repairs
Layered metal or membrane flashing that sheds water, with counterflashing where needed.
Common questions
- Can flashing be reused on a re-roof?
- Sometimes, but new flashing is often wiser.
- Is caulk OK?
- Only as a short-term patch.