A roof leak around a chimney isn’t always solved by simply sealing the area where the chimney meets the roof. For this Maineville roof repair, TruCraft addressed the roof configuration around the chimney with a newly framed cricket, new flashing and roofing materials integrated with the existing roof.
Creating a Better Path for Water Around the Chimney
One of the key parts of this repair was framing a new chimney cricket, sometimes called a roof saddle.
A cricket is a small peaked structure installed on the uphill side of a chimney. Instead of allowing rainwater, melting snow and debris to collect behind the chimney, the cricket redirects water toward either side so it can continue down the roof.
That’s especially important around a large chimney like this one, where the chimney interrupts the natural path water would otherwise take down the roof.
Flashing the Chimney and Integrating the Repair
Once the new cricket was framed, the roofing details around the chimney were rebuilt to create a properly integrated system.
TruCraft installed new step flashing where the sloped roof meets the chimney along with new corner flashings. Step flashing uses individual pieces of metal layered with the shingles to help direct water away from the roof-to-wall connection rather than relying on surface sealants alone.
The cricket area was covered using CertainTeed Flintlastic® base and cap materials, providing a roofing membrane for this critical transition area. CertainTeed’s Flintlastic line consists of modified-bitumen roofing materials designed for applications where durable, layered waterproofing is needed.
New shingles were then matched to the home’s existing asphalt shingles, helping the repair blend into the surrounding roof.
Small Roof Details Can Make a Big Difference
Chimneys create some of the more complex transitions on a residential roof. Water has to move around a large vertical penetration while the roofing, flashing and masonry all meet in a relatively small area.
That’s why solving a chimney leak may involve more than adding sealant around the flashing. The shape of the roof, the way water drains around the chimney and the integration of the flashing and roofing materials all matter.
For this Maineville home, the new cricket and flashing work addressed those details while preserving the appearance of the existing roof.
Dealing With a Roof Leak Around Your Chimney?
If you’re seeing water around a chimney, ceiling staining or other signs of a leak, start with TruCraft’s roof repair services or schedule a professional roof inspection to determine where the water is entering and what type of repair makes sense.
You can also explore TruCraft’s complete residential roofing services. And when you’re comparing companies to work on your home, the Choosing a Roofing Contractor guide is a useful resource for knowing what to look for before hiring.
Related Residential Roofing Projects
See more completed roofing projects from TruCraft Exteriors throughout Greater Cincinnati:
Cincinnati Nature Center Roof Repair – Milford, Ohio
Targeted roof repairs included work around the chimney and other vulnerable areas of the roofing system.
Loveland Ohio Roof Replacement
A nearby residential project featuring CertainTeed Landmark PRO® shingles and detailed asphalt-roofing work.
Anderson Township Roof Replacement
A Greater Cincinnati residential roofing project showcasing TruCraft’s asphalt-shingle installation work.