Chimney flashing fails when step flashing or counter flashing pulls away from brick or siding during high winds and driving rain common in Johnson County. Homes in Cedar Creek and Stonebridge Trails often have asphalt shingles meeting brick chimneys installed in the 1990s and early 2000s, where original lead or aluminum step flashing corrodes at the bends. Severe summer storms push water under the flashing and into the attic, while winter freeze-thaw cycles open small gaps that expand each season. Proper repair requires removing shingles two courses up the roof slope, installing new 26-gauge galvanized step flashing with 4-inch overlaps, and sealing the top with a new counter flashing tucked into a reglet cut in the chimney mortar.
Edge cases appear on homes near Olathe Lake and The Preserve where tree cover keeps roof planes shaded and moss grows along the chimney base, trapping moisture against the flashing. In these locations we always check for rotted sheathing and replace any compromised felt before reinstalling shingles. Kansas building practices in older sections near Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop & Farm sometimes used single-piece flashing that does not allow for differential movement between the chimney and roof deck, leading to repeated cracks. We install independent step and counter flashing systems instead, which accommodates the movement that occurs when the house settles on Johnson County clay soils.
Emergency calls often come after wind-driven rain from spring storms has already soaked insulation above the fireplace. We carry pre-formed step flashing and self-adhered membrane on the truck so we can stabilize the leak the same day and schedule a full repair once the weather clears. Homeowners in Arbor Creek and Nottingham at Heritage frequently ask about painting flashing to match shingles; we advise against it because paint traps moisture and shortens service life. Instead we use pre-finished flashing that matches common shingle colors without adding a coating layer.
Code compliance in Olathe requires flashing to extend at least 6 inches up the chimney and 4 inches onto the roof deck. We meet or exceed this on every job and always photograph the work before shingles go back on so the homeowner can see the new flashing details.
Technician insight
In Olathe the thing that catches most people out with Chimney Flashing Repair is how Johnson County’s freeze-thaw cycles and summer wind storms open gaps at the reglet on homes built in the 1990s in Cedar Creek and Arbor Creek; the flashing looks fine from the ground but water has already reached the deck by the time we get the call.
Cedar Creek chimney leak after spring storms
Water stains appeared on the ceiling after two severe thunderstorms. We found the original step flashing had pulled away at the corners on the north side of the chimney. New galvanized step and counter flashing were installed along with fresh underlayment, and the ceiling stains never returned.
Chimney Flashing Repair Services We Offer
✓Step Flashing Replacement
Removes corroded step flashing along chimney sides and installs new galvanized pieces with proper overlaps to stop leaks in storm-prone Olathe neighborhoods.
✓Counter Flashing Installation
Cuts a new reglet into chimney mortar and tucks in fresh counter flashing to create a watertight seal above step flashing on homes in Cedar Creek and Arbor Creek.
✓Chimney Cricket Repair
Rebuilds or replaces the cricket behind wide chimneys so water sheds properly instead of pooling during heavy Johnson County rains.
✓Emergency Chimney Flashing Stabilization
Applies temporary self-adhered membrane and sealant to stop active leaks from severe storms until a permanent repair can be completed.
✓Flashing and Shingle Integration
Coordinates new flashing with shingle replacement two courses up the roof slope to ensure no gaps remain after the job in neighborhoods like Stonebridge Trails.
Chimney Flashing Repair Cost in Olathe, KS
| Service | Typical Range | What Affects It |
|---|---|---|
| Step flashing replacement only | $350–$650 | Price rises with chimney height and number of sides affected |
| Full counter and step flashing system | $550–$950 | Includes reglet cut and new cricket if needed |
| Emergency stabilization visit | $200–$400 | Temporary fix; permanent repair billed separately |
| Flashing plus shingle repair | $700–$1,200 | Moves higher when rotted sheathing must be replaced |
Ranges are typical for Olathe, KS and confirmed with an exact written quote before any work starts.
How it works
- 1
Site Assessment
Inspect the chimney, flashing, and surrounding shingles from the roof and attic to identify all leak points and any rotted decking.
- 2
Material Removal
Carefully remove shingles and existing flashing without damaging the chimney masonry or underlayment.
- 3
New Flashing Installation
Install new step flashing and counter flashing with correct overlaps and reglet cuts, then integrate self-adhered membrane at the base.
- 4
Shingle Replacement And Cleanup
Reinstall shingles, verify the cricket sheds water, and clean all debris from the roof and yard before leaving the site.
Pricing
Most chimney flashing repairs in Olathe fall between a few hundred and low thousand dollars depending on access and extent of deck damage.