Chimney flashing on Kirkland homes often fails where step flashing meets the masonry because decades-old houses in Downtown Kirkland and Houghton were built with thinner metal that corrodes quickly during repeated freeze-thaw cycles. Roofers here commonly replace the original lead or galvanized sections with copper or painted aluminum that matches the existing roof slope and integrates with the surrounding composition shingles. Edge cases include cricket flashing on chimneys wider than thirty inches, which requires custom bending to shed water toward the valleys that drain into Juanita or Totem Lake drainage basins.
King County code requires any flashing work that penetrates the roof plane to maintain a minimum two-inch overlap and positive drainage, so crews inspect the counter flashing embedded in the mortar joints before sealing. In neighborhoods near Carillon Point or the Kirkland Waterfront, salt air accelerates corrosion on south-facing chimneys, making stainless-steel fasteners and high-grade sealant necessary instead of standard butyl tape. Homeowners in Redmond and Bothell often discover the issue only after water stains appear on ceilings because the dry summers mask slow seepage until the first heavy November rain.
Terrain around Juanita Beach Park creates additional wind-driven rain exposure on east-facing slopes, so proper apron flashing below the chimney must extend at least six inches under the shingles above. Older cedar-shake roofs still common in parts of Houghton demand extra care when removing old flashing to avoid splitting the shakes, which then requires matching replacement pieces rather than a simple patch.
Technician insight
In Kirkland the thing that catches most people out with Chimney Flashing Repair is how quickly thin original flashing rusts through on the north sides of homes in Juanita and Houghton once the wet winters start. The mistake is waiting until interior stains appear instead of checking the metal where it meets the masonry before the dry summer ends.
Houghton Chimney Leak After Heavy Rain
Water stains appeared on the ceiling of a 1970s house in Houghton after the first prolonged November rain. Inspection showed rusted step flashing where the chimney met the composition roof. Crew removed the damaged sections, installed new copper step and apron flashing, and resealed the counter flashing into the brick. No further leaks occurred through the following winter.
Chimney Flashing Repair Services We Offer
✓Step Flashing Replacement
Removes corroded step flashing along chimney sides and installs new copper or aluminum pieces that interlock with existing shingles to restore a watertight seal.
✓Chimney Cricket Fabrication
Builds and installs a custom cricket behind wide chimneys to divert water away from the roof deck in homes throughout Juanita and Totem Lake.
✓Counter Flashing Repair
Reseats or replaces counter flashing set into masonry joints using lead wedges and appropriate mortar to prevent water entry during Kirkland's wet winters.
✓Apron Flashing Installation
Adds or upgrades the lower apron flashing below the chimney with extended coverage to handle wind-driven rain common near the Kirkland Waterfront.
✓Sealant and Boot Refresh
Replaces deteriorated sealant around pipe boots and flashing edges with high-grade, UV-resistant caulk rated for King County temperature swings.
Chimney Flashing Repair Cost in Kirkland, WA
| Service | Typical Range | What Affects It |
|---|---|---|
| Step flashing replacement | $450–$850 | Varies with chimney height and shingle type |
| Full cricket installation | $650–$1,100 | Higher for wide chimneys or steep pitches |
| Counter flashing reseat | $300–$550 | Depends on mortar condition |
| Apron and sealant refresh | $250–$475 | Lower when done with other roof work |
Ranges are typical for Kirkland, WA and confirmed with an exact written quote before any work starts.
How it works
- 1
On-Site Inspection
Technician climbs the roof from neighborhoods like Houghton or Downtown Kirkland to assess flashing condition, shingle integration, and any active leaks.
- 2
Material Selection
Chooses copper, aluminum, or stainless flashing that matches the roof age and exposure, accounting for wet winters and nearby salt air from Lake Washington.
- 3
Removal And Prep
Carefully lifts shingles and extracts old flashing without damaging the roof deck or cedar shakes still found on many older Kirkland homes.
- 4
New Flashing Install
Bends and secures new pieces with proper overlaps, then reseals counter flashing into the chimney masonry before restoring shingles.
- 5
Final Water Test
Runs water over the repaired area to confirm drainage and reports findings to the homeowner before leaving the job site.
Pricing
Pricing based on roof access, chimney size, and material chosen after inspection.