Home Flashing Repair: What It Is, Why It Matters, and How to Get It Done Right
Flashing might not be the most glamorous part of your home, but it’s one of the most important when it comes to keeping water out and protecting your roof, siding, and structure. If you’ve noticed leaks around your chimney, skylight, roof valleys, or where walls meet the roofline, damaged flashing could be to blame.
In this in-depth blog, we’ll walk you through everything homeowners need to know about home flashing repair—from signs of damage to step-by-step solutions, costs, materials, and when to call in the pros.
Whether you’re in Jefferson, Ashtabula, Madison, Chardon, Geneva, or anywhere in Northeast Ohio, this guide is your go-to resource for flashing repair.
What Is Roof Flashing?
Roof flashing is a thin layer of waterproof material—usually metal—that’s installed around critical areas of your roof to prevent water from seeping into joints, seams, or transitions.
Common flashing locations include:
- Chimneys
- Skylights
- Roof valleys
- Wall intersections
- Vents and pipes
- Dormers
- Eaves and rakes
Flashing acts like a shield to redirect water away from vulnerable areas and toward the gutters. Without it—or with flashing that’s cracked, rusted, or improperly installed—your roof can quickly develop leaks, mold, rot, and expensive damage.
Why Flashing Fails
Flashing is designed to last for decades, but several factors can cause it to deteriorate faster:
❌ Poor Installation
Improper overlaps, unsealed edges, or gaps can allow water in from day one.
⛈️ Harsh Weather
Ohio winters and storms can cause flashing to lift, crack, or pull away from your home.
⌛ Age and Corrosion
Galvanized steel and aluminum can rust or corrode over time, especially near salt or moisture-heavy environments.
🧱 Settling or Shifting
As your home shifts over time, flashing may pull away from masonry or wood, creating gaps.
🔨 Roofing Work or Repairs
If new shingles or vents were installed and flashing wasn’t re-integrated correctly, leaks can occur.
Signs Your Flashing Needs Repair
Not sure if your flashing is the problem? Look for these warning signs:
- Water stains on walls or ceilings
- Leaks around skylights, vents, or chimneys
- Missing shingles near edges or valleys
- Rusted, bent, or loose flashing
- Mold or mildew in the attic
- Drips during heavy rain
Sometimes the flashing issue is small and localized; other times, it’s widespread and requires a more intensive fix. Either way, addressing the problem quickly can save you thousands in future repairs.
Types of Flashing You May Need to Repair
There are different kinds of flashing based on where they’re installed. The most common include:
🔹 Step Flashing
Used where the roof meets a vertical wall. Installed in layers with shingles.
🔹 Counter Flashing
Goes over step flashing and is usually embedded into masonry like chimneys.
🔹 Valley Flashing
Runs along roof valleys (where two roof planes meet).
🔹 Vent Pipe Flashing
Rubber or metal flashing that seals around plumbing vents.
🔹 Drip Edge Flashing
Installed at eaves and rakes to guide water into gutters.
Understanding which flashing is leaking will help determine the scope of repair needed.
DIY Flashing Repair: What You Can (and Can’t) Do
If you’re a confident DIYer and the issue is minor—like a loose piece of drip edge—you may be able to handle a temporary repair.
Tools & Materials:
- Roofing nails or screws
- Roofing cement or flashing sealant
- Caulk gun
- Utility knife
- Pry bar
- Replacement flashing (aluminum, copper, galvanized steel)
- Safety harness and ladder
Small Fix Example: Re-Securing Drip Edge
- Lift the shingle layer above the drip edge.
- Secure loose flashing using galvanized nails or screws.
- Apply roofing cement to seal edges and prevent wind uplift.
CAUTION:
Do not attempt major flashing repair (especially around chimneys or skylights) unless you’re experienced. Incorrect repairs may worsen the leak or void warranties.
How Professionals Repair Flashing
At S&K Construction and Remodeling LLC, we follow a thorough process to ensure your flashing is repaired properly and lasts for years to come.
🛠️ Step 1: Inspection
We examine the flashing, shingles, decking, and surrounding areas to determine the source of the leak and extent of the damage.
🛠️ Step 2: Removal
Old or corroded flashing is carefully removed without damaging nearby roofing materials.
🛠️ Step 3: Surface Prep
The area is cleaned and dried. If the underlayment or decking is damaged, we replace that too.
🛠️ Step 4: New Flashing Install
We install high-quality, weather-resistant flashing with proper overlap, sealing, and fastening.
🛠️ Step 5: Seal and Shingle
The flashing is integrated under surrounding shingles, and waterproof sealant is applied where needed.
Cost of Home Flashing Repair
The cost of flashing repair depends on the location, size of the repair, roof pitch, and accessibility.
| Flashing Area | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Drip edge repair | $150–$400 |
| Chimney flashing | $300–$1,200 |
| Skylight flashing | $250–$750 |
| Full roof valley | $500–$1,000+ |
| Step flashing (wall) | $400–$800 |
We provide free estimates, and we’ll never upsell you on services you don’t need. If flashing repair isn’t possible, we’ll offer options for full replacement and explain everything clearly.
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Flashing Problems
Many homeowners delay flashing repairs because the leaks seem minor—but the damage behind your walls could be growing fast.
Failing flashing can lead to:
- Structural rot in walls and roof decking
- Mold and mildew in insulation
- Ceiling damage and drywall repairs
- Ice dam formation in winter
- Increased energy bills due to poor insulation
Repairing flashing now can save you thousands in full roof, siding, or interior restoration later.
Why Choose S&K Construction for Flashing Repairs?
We’re a local, family-owned roofing and remodeling company serving Northeast Ohio with pride, honesty, and craftsmanship.
✔ Owens Corning Preferred Contractor
We use only top-tier materials and follow strict standards.
✔ 5-Star Google Reviews
“Great price. S&K Roofing did amazing work! I would highly recommend them.”
✔ Trusted Across Northeast Ohio
Based in Jefferson, OH, we serve:
- Ashtabula
- Madison
- Geneva
- Conneaut
- Chardon
- Mentor
- Willoughby
- Painesville
- Surrounding counties
✔ Free Inspections and Quotes
We never charge for inspections, and we explain all your options before doing any work.
✔ Flexible Financing Options
Don’t delay repairs due to cost. We offer financing plans with low monthly payments.
Flashing Repair vs. Roof Replacement
Sometimes, flashing issues are just the tip of the iceberg. If your roof is more than 20 years old, has multiple leaks, or has widespread damage, a full roof replacement might be the better investment.
We’ll help you compare options based on:
- Roof age and condition
- Overall repair cost
- Warranties
- Long-term protection
Preventative Flashing Maintenance Tips
Want to avoid future flashing issues? Here’s what we recommend:
✅ Annual Roof Inspections
Have a professional inspect your flashing every year—especially before winter.
✅ Clean Your Gutters
Clogged gutters can back up water and force it under flashing.
✅ Watch for Ice Dams
Use proper attic ventilation to prevent ice dams, which often cause flashing leaks.
✅ Use Quality Flashing Materials
If you’re remodeling or reroofing, invest in aluminum, copper, or coated steel flashing.
Let’s Fix That Flashing – Contact S&K Construction Today
Water has no mercy, but we do. Don’t wait until a flashing issue becomes a flooded ceiling or ruined walls. Trust the local experts at S&K Construction and Remodeling LLC for prompt, professional flashing repairs that last.
📍 Serving Jefferson, Ashtabula, Madison, Geneva, Chardon, and beyond
📞 Call us for a free inspection and estimate
💳 Ask about our roofing financing programs
🌐 Visit our website or message us today!