Duluth homes built before 1950 in neighborhoods like Central Hillside and Denfeld often have masonry chimneys with original lead or copper step flashing that has fatigued from repeated freeze-thaw cycles moderated by Lake Superior. When snow sits against the chimney for weeks, meltwater finds gaps at the counter flashing line and travels under the roof deck, especially on north-facing slopes common in Piedmont Heights and Morgan Park.
We replace damaged step flashing with new 26-gauge galvanized or copper sections cut to match the existing brick courses, then reinstall counter flashing with proper hemmed edges to shed ice. In East Hillside and Lakeside properties where roofs meet steep grades, we add cricket flashing behind the chimney to redirect snow melt away from the penetration rather than letting it pool.
Edge cases we see regularly include flashing that was never let into the mortar joints during earlier roof work, allowing wind-driven rain off Lake Superior to enter, and rubber boots installed over existing metal that trap moisture against the masonry. We always check the full perimeter and the condition of the chimney crown before closing the roof.
Technician insight
In Duluth the thing that catches most people out with chimney flashing repair is assuming the leak is only at the front of the chimney. On older homes in Denfeld and Morgan Park the north and west sides take the brunt of wind-driven snow off Lake Superior, so we always pull shingles on three sides even when the homeowner only sees water in one spot.
West Duluth Brick Chimney Leak
Homeowner in West Duluth reported water stains on the second-floor ceiling after a heavy March snow. We found the original step flashing had pulled away from the mortar on the west side where snow had piled against the chimney for weeks. We replaced the step and counter flashing, added a small cricket, and sealed the joints. No further leaks reported through the following winter.
Chimney Flashing Repair Services We Offer
✓Step Flashing Replacement
Remove failed step flashing and install new sections woven into the shingles to restore a watertight seal around the chimney base.
✓Counter Flashing Repair
Cut new counter flashing into mortar joints or secure surface-mounted flashing with proper sealant to stop water tracking behind the chimney.
✓Ice Dam Flashing Upgrade
Add extended cricket and apron flashing behind chimneys on homes in West Duluth and Park Point where heavy snow accumulation creates repeated ice dams.
✓Chimney Cricket Installation
Build and flash a new cricket on the uphill side of the chimney to divert snow melt on steeper roofs common in Lincoln Park and Endion.
✓Lead Boot Replacement
Replace deteriorated lead or rubber pipe boots at chimney vent penetrations that leak during spring thaw in older St. Louis County homes.
Chimney Flashing Repair Cost in Duluth, MN
| Service | Typical Range | What Affects It |
|---|---|---|
| Standard step and counter flashing repair | $450–$850 | Single-story homes with easy ladder access in flat neighborhoods |
| Chimney cricket addition | $650–$1,100 | Requires framing and additional flashing on steeper roofs |
| Multi-story or difficult access repair | $900–$1,400 | Homes in hilly areas like East Hillside or with tall chimneys |
| Lead or copper flashing upgrade | $750–$1,250 | Premium materials for historic homes in Central Hillside |
Ranges are typical for Duluth, MN and confirmed with an exact written quote before any work starts.
How it works
- 1
Site Inspection
We climb the roof and examine flashing condition, mortar joints, and evidence of past leaks from the attic side on homes in the target neighborhoods.
- 2
Material Removal
Carefully remove existing flashing and any compromised shingles without damaging the chimney masonry or roof deck.
- 3
New Flashing Fabrication
Cut and bend new step and counter flashing on site to fit the chimney dimensions and roof pitch.
- 4
Installation and Sealing
Weave new flashing into the roof, secure counter flashing, and apply compatible sealant at all joints.
- 5
Final Check
Test the repair with a hose and document the work before leaving the property.
Pricing
Upfront written quotes after roof inspection; price varies with chimney height, access, and material choice.