Spokane homes built before 1970 often have masonry chimneys with original lead or galvanized flashing that has corroded at the step joints. Winter snow accumulation followed by freeze-thaw cycles drives water under the flashing and into the attic, especially on south-facing slopes where meltwater pools. Proper repair requires removing the first two courses of shingles, installing new 26-gauge galvanized step flashing, and sealing the counter flashing into a fresh mortar joint rather than relying on caulk alone.
Access on Spokane’s older two-story homes in Browne’s Addition or the South Hill frequently means working from ladders on steep pitches with limited staging. We inspect the cricket or saddle behind the chimney for proper slope and replace it when it has flattened, which is a common hidden failure point. All new flashing is tucked a minimum of 1.5 inches into the masonry and counter-flashed with a hemmed edge to shed water away from the chimney face.
Common Failure Points in Spokane
Older chimneys in Spokane County often show rust at the apron flashing where it meets the roof deck. Homeowners frequently notice interior stains only after the second or third winter, once insulation has soaked through. We always check the condition of the flue crown and any adjacent ridge vent terminations that can direct meltwater toward the chimney.
Materials and Detailing
We use 26-gauge galvanized steel for step flashing and 0.032-inch aluminum for counter flashing on most Spokane jobs because it holds up to wind-driven snow better than thinner stock. Where the chimney meets a metal roof we switch to matching painted steel to maintain thermal movement compatibility.
Technician insight
In Spokane the thing that catches most people out with chimney flashing repair is the hidden cricket behind the chimney that has flattened over decades of snow load; once it stops shedding water the flashing fails no matter how many times you recaulk it.
South Hill Chimney Leak
Homeowner noticed ceiling stains after heavy spring melt. We found the original lead step flashing had split at the corners and the cricket had lost slope. We rebuilt the cricket, installed new galvanized step and counter flashing, and the attic stayed dry through the next winter.
Chimney Flashing Repair Services We Offer
✓Step Flashing Replacement
Remove damaged step flashing and install new 26-gauge galvanized pieces tucked into the chimney mortar joints.
✓Counter Flashing Repair
Cut fresh reglets in the masonry and install hemmed counter flashing to direct water away from the chimney base.
✓Chimney Cricket Rebuild
Rebuild flattened or undersized crickets behind chimneys to restore proper drainage on Spokane roofs.
✓Apron Flashing Replacement
Replace corroded apron flashing at the front of the chimney with new material sealed to the roof deck.
✓Flashing Inspection and Report
Detailed on-roof inspection of all chimney flashing with written findings and photos for Spokane homeowners.
Chimney Flashing Repair Cost in Spokane, WA
| Service | Typical Range | What Affects It |
|---|---|---|
| Single-story step flashing repair | $350–$650 | One chimney, standard asphalt shingles |
| Two-story chimney flashing repair | $650–$1,100 | Ladder access and additional safety measures |
| Chimney cricket rebuild | $450–$800 | Includes new framing and flashing |
| Full chimney flashing inspection | Free | When repair work is authorized same day |
Ranges are typical for Spokane, WA and confirmed with an exact written quote before any work starts.
How it works
- 1
Initial Inspection
We climb the roof and examine all flashing transitions, noting mortar condition and any prior repairs.
- 2
Material Removal
Carefully lift shingles and extract old flashing without damaging surrounding roofing.
- 3
New Flashing Installation
Install step and counter flashing with proper overlap and embedment into the chimney.
- 4
Weatherproofing And Cleanup
Reseal joints, reinstall shingles, and remove all debris from the site.
Pricing
Most chimney flashing repairs in Spokane fall between a few hundred and low four figures depending on chimney height and roof access.