Spokane homes built before 1960 in neighborhoods like Browne's Addition and the South Hill often have brick chimneys with original step flashing that has corroded from decades of snow load and ice dam pressure. Copper or lead flashing fails when the freeze-thaw cycle lifts the metal away from the mortar joints, allowing meltwater to enter the attic. We replace these sections with 16-ounce copper or painted aluminum step flashing that matches the existing roof slope and extends at least six inches under the shingles.
Rapid temperature drops after Chinook winds common in Spokane County create contraction cracks at the chimney crown and counter-flashing seams. Homeowners frequently notice stains on second-floor ceilings near the fireplace during the first spring thaw. Proper repair requires removing the lower courses of shingles, installing new cricket flashing on the uphill side, and re-sealing with high-temperature silicone compatible with both masonry and metal to handle the extreme swings between 20 below and 50 above.
DIY sealant tubes applied from ladders rarely reach the hidden step flashing behind the brick, so leaks return within one or two winters. We always pull permits when the repair affects more than ten square feet of roof decking, ensuring the work meets Spokane County requirements for wind uplift in exposed ridge locations.
Terrain plays a role on the South Hill where steeper pitches accelerate water flow toward the chimney. We install additional diverter flashing on these roofs to direct snow melt away from the penetration rather than letting it pool against the masonry.
Technician insight
In Spokane the thing that catches most people out with chimney flashing repair is how quickly the freeze-thaw cycle on the South Hill lifts old lead flashing out of the mortar joints after one heavy snow load winter.
South Hill Brick Chimney Leak
Homeowner noticed ceiling stains near the fireplace after March thaw. We found lifted step flashing on the north side where ice had pushed the metal away from the brick. New copper step flashing and a small cricket were installed, and the leak stopped through the following winter.
Chimney Flashing Repair Services We Offer
✓Step Flashing Replacement
Remove and replace corroded step flashing on brick chimneys common in pre-1960 Spokane homes to restore a watertight seal against snow and ice.
✓Cricket Flashing Installation
Build and install a new cricket on the uphill side of chimneys to divert heavy Spokane snowfall and prevent ice dam formation behind the stack.
✓Counter Flashing Repair
Cut new reglets into chimney mortar and install counter flashing that accommodates the expansion and contraction from Spokane's freeze-thaw cycles.
✓Chimney Crown Sealing
Apply masonry-compatible sealant and flashing upgrades to cracked chimney crowns that allow meltwater to enter attics during spring thaws.
✓Slate Roof Chimney Flashing
Match and repair flashing on older slate roofs found in Spokane's historic districts without disturbing the surrounding slate courses.
Chimney Flashing Repair Cost in Spokane, WA
| Service | Typical Range | What Affects It |
|---|---|---|
| Basic step flashing repair | $250–$450 | Single chimney on accessible one-story roof |
| Cricket and step flashing | $550–$850 | Uphill side addition on South Hill pitches |
| Full chimney flashing replacement | $700–$1,200 | Multiple sides plus crown sealing on older brick |
| Slate roof integration | $400–$700 | Careful removal and reset of slate courses |
Ranges are typical for Spokane, WA and confirmed with an exact written quote before any work starts.
How it works
- 1
Site Inspection
We climb the roof from the north and south sides to check flashing condition, note ice dam locations, and photograph any rot in the decking around the chimney.
- 2
Material Selection
We choose copper or painted aluminum flashing to match the existing roof color and slope, confirming compatibility with the brick mortar in Spokane's cold climate.
- 3
Removal and Replacement
Old flashing is cut out, shingles are lifted carefully, new step and counter flashing is installed, and shingles are reset with proper overlap.
- 4
Final Seal and Test
All seams receive high-temperature sealant, the cricket is verified for pitch, and we run water across the repair to confirm no leaks before leaving the site.
Pricing
Most chimney flashing repairs in Spokane fall between a few hundred and just over a thousand dollars depending on access and material.