Chimney leaks are the most common source of water damage in Union homes — and the most frequently botched repair. We solder every flashing. No caulk. No callbacks.
In Union's newer subdivisions, chimney leaks often show up 8–12 years after the home was built — right when the builder-grade caulked flashings are failing. In older homes, the pattern is the same: someone caulked over the original flashing, the caulk cracked in a cold winter, and now water is getting in.
The permanent fix for a chimney leak is proper flashing — not more caulk. Great American Roofing hand-solders every chimney flashing: step flashings, counter flashings, saddle, and cap. Soldered lead-coated copper creates a watertight bond that moves with the structure through Kentucky's temperature swings without cracking or separating.
Step flashing runs up the chimney sides, one piece per shingle course. When properly soldered at every overlap, it creates a watertight channel that can't fail the way caulk does.
Counter flashing is embedded into the chimney's mortar joints and caps the step flashing. We recut mortar joints and use lead-lock counter flashing for a sealed system.
Chimneys wider than 30 inches need a properly built saddle behind them to divert water. Missing or poorly built saddles are common in Union's builder-grade construction.
Not every ceiling stain near the chimney is a chimney leak — sometimes it's a valley or pipe boot nearby. We find the actual source before any work starts.
Because it was caulked, not soldered. Caulk is a temporary repair for chimney flashing — it typically fails within 3–5 years under Kentucky's freeze-thaw conditions. Soldering is the permanent fix.
We won't — because it won't last. You'd be paying again in a few years. We give you an honest price for the correct repair.
If the failure was accelerated or caused by storm damage, yes — many policies cover it. We document the condition and help you determine if a claim makes sense.
No cost. No obligation. A roofing expert will respond within one business day.