Chimney Flashing Repair in Des Moines, IA

Stop Chimney Leaks Before They Cause Costly Damage

If you’ve noticed water stains on the ceiling near your fireplace, damp smells, or moisture around your chimney, the flashing may be the problem.

Chimney flashing is the metal barrier that seals the area where the chimney meets the roof. When flashing becomes damaged, loose, or improperly installed, rainwater can slip through the gap and enter your home.

At Freedom Chimney & Masonry, we repair and replace chimney flashing for homeowners throughout the Des Moines area. Our goal is simple — stop the leak, protect your home, and make sure the chimney-to-roof connection is sealed correctly.

What Is Chimney Flashing?

Flashing is a layered metal system installed where your chimney passes through the roof.

It typically includes two main components:

Step flashing
Installed in sections along the roofline to direct water away from the chimney.

Counter flashing
Embedded into the chimney masonry and layered over the step flashing to create a watertight seal.

When properly installed, these components work together to prevent rain and melting snow from entering the home.

Signs Your Chimney Flashing May Be Leaking

Flashing problems are one of the most common causes of chimney leaks.

Watch for signs such as:

  • Water stains on ceilings near the fireplace

  • Moisture in the attic around the chimney

  • Damp fireplace walls

  • Rusted or loose flashing

  • Caulking or roofing tar around the chimney

  • Water entering during heavy rain

In many cases, homeowners assume the roof is leaking when the real problem is failed flashing around the chimney.

Common Chimney Flashing Problems We Repair

Over time flashing can fail due to weather exposure, roof movement, or improper installation.

We commonly repair issues such as:

  • Loose or separated flashing

  • Improperly installed flashing

  • Dried or cracked sealant

  • Rusted or deteriorated metal

  • Storm damage

  • Flashing covered in roofing tar or caulk

Quick repairs help prevent water from entering the attic, damaging framing, insulation, and interior ceilings.

Chimney Flashing Repair vs Replacement

Not every flashing issue requires full replacement.

During our inspection we determine whether the flashing can be repaired or if a new system is needed.

Repair may include:

  • Resealing flashing joints

  • Refastening loose metal

  • Installing missing flashing pieces

  • Correcting minor installation problems

Replacement may be recommended when:

  • Flashing is rusted through

  • The original installation was done incorrectly

  • Major roof work has been completed

  • Water intrusion has been ongoing

When replacement is necessary, we install a proper step flashing and counter flashing system designed to last.

Why Proper Chimney Flashing Matters

A leaking chimney doesn’t just cause cosmetic damage.

Water entering around the chimney can lead to:

  • Rotting roof decking

  • Mold growth in attic spaces

  • Damaged drywall and ceilings

  • Deteriorating chimney masonry

  • Interior fireplace damage

Repairing flashing early helps avoid larger repairs to both the roof and chimney structure.

Chimney Leak Inspection

If you suspect a chimney leak, we start with a detailed inspection to identify the source.

Water can enter through several areas including:

  • Flashing

  • Chimney crown

  • Masonry joints

  • Chimney caps

  • Roofline intersections

Our goal is to locate the exact cause of the leak so the repair addresses the real problem.

Chimney Flashing Repair in the Des Moines Area

Homes throughout the Des Moines area experience heavy rain, snow, and freeze-thaw cycles that can stress chimney flashing over time.

We provide chimney flashing repair for homeowners in:

  • Des Moines

  • West Des Moines

  • Waukee

  • Urbandale

  • Ankeny

  • Clive

  • Johnston

  • Altoona

  • Pleasant Hill

  • Norwalk

If your chimney is leaking, repairing the flashing early can prevent much more expensive damage later.

Schedule a Chimney Flashing Inspection

If you’ve noticed water around your chimney or fireplace, it’s best to have it inspected before the problem worsens.

Freedom Chimney & Masonry provides professional chimney flashing repairs to help keep your home dry and protected.

Contact us today to schedule an inspection.