Where your chimney meets the roof is the hardest spot to keep watertight - and it’s where most leaks begin. The fix is real metal flashing, not another smear of caulk that fails by next spring. We find the actual leak source, strip the old patchwork, and install step, apron and counter flashing set the right way - counter flashing into the mortar, not on top of it.
Tap each piece to see what it does - and see the one “fix” that always fails.
Bends over the roof at the downhill front of the chimney and sheds runoff out onto the shingles - the first place water hits.
Small L-shaped pieces woven into the shingles up each side of the chimney, one per course, so every seam is lapped. Skip them or reuse them and the sides leak.
Cut into the chimney’s mortar joint and folded down over the step flashing. It’s what makes the joint permanent - the piece quick fixes almost always skip.
A small peaked ridge behind a wide chimney that splits water around it instead of letting it pool and back up on the uphill side.
A bead of caulk or tar smeared over the gap. Looks sealed for a season, then sun and freeze-thaw crack it - and it traps water, so the next leak is worse. This is the patch we replace with metal.
Illustrative - your chimney is inspected in person to confirm the real leak source before any work.
Catch it early and it’s a small flashing fix. Wait, and it becomes decking, insulation and drywall.
Ceiling or wall discoloration around the chimney chase is the classic first sign water is getting past the flashing.
Rust streaks on the flashing, or dark staining running down the brick, mean the metal is failing or water is going where it shouldn’t.
A leak that shows up in driving rain and dries out afterward points straight at the chimney joint.
Flashing that’s lifted, split, or smeared with tar is an old quick-fix that’s now failing.
Deteriorating mortar joints or white efflorescence on the brick let water in behind the flashing.
A damp, musty smell near the chimney in the attic means moisture is already getting in and sitting.
What a chimney flashing repair costs depends on your chimney - here’s what shapes it.
We inspect and give you a written report on the actual leak source, usually within a couple of days - whether or not you hire us.
Resetting counter flashing costs less than a full strip-and-replace or a new cricket - your estimate matches what your chimney actually needs.
We quote real flashing done right, never a bead of caulk that buys a season - so you’re not paying to fix the same leak twice.
If a covered storm caused the damage, we document it and you typically pay only your insurance deductible.
The result: you pay for a repair that lasts, not a patch you’ll pay for again next spring. On a covered insurance claim, you typically pay only your deductible.
Sometimes it’s a reset, sometimes a full replacement - we recommend the smallest fix that actually holds.
When the system is mostly sound, we reset the counter flashing and replace the failed sections so it seals again.
We strip the old patchwork and install new step, apron and counter flashing in metal, set the right way.
Replacing the roof? We install all-new chimney flashing at the same time - reusing old flashing is a leak waiting to happen.
For a wide chimney, a peaked saddle behind it splits water around the chimney instead of letting it pool and back up.
Caulk or tar over failed flashing looks sealed for a season, then cracks in the sun and freeze-thaw - and traps water behind it, so the next leak is worse. Here’s where a small chimney leak goes when it’s left alone.
Water wicks into the wood sheathing under the shingles, and the deck begins to soften and rot right where the flashing failed....Repair cost
Moisture spreads into the attic. Mold takes hold and wet insulation stops working, so the damage starts showing up on your energy bills too....Repair cost
Stains bleed through ceilings and drywall, and the rafters and framing can be damaged - the costliest repairs of all, and all from one small leak....Repair cost
That’s why we won’t sell a caulk-only fix. We strip the patchwork and set real metal flashing that lasts - counter flashing into the mortar joint, not smeared on the surface.
We find the real leak source, strip every quick-fix patch, and install step, apron and counter flashing in metal - counter flashing set into the mortar, not smeared with caulk. You get a written workmanship warranty when we’re done. GAF Master Elite, FORTIFIED-trained, BBB A+, family-owned since 1979, with our own crews.
No guessing, no cover-ups - a straight path from leak to dry.
Posted on Google![]()
Joy ITrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
When the big storms came through the Madison-area in April 2026, I immediately started looking for a reputable roofer—who also understood the importance of weather-resistant materials that can withstand hail and wind. It didn’t take me long to find Brad from BCG. We had damage that needed to be repaired before the next round of storms came through later that day and Brad had a crew out within hours. Our neighbors also had damage, and when their roofing company didn’t show up, Brad and his crew also took on fixing their damage on the spot. The contracting process was done over email and we were able to clearly understand all of the options available to us. On the day of install, the crew was efficient and fast with their work. But also, mistakes can happen. And what matters to us is not that there’s perfection (because that’s not realistic), but how a contractor deals with a mistake. As they were taking down the tarps when they were finished with the roof, one of our lights next to the garage broke. Brad helped find a replacement online and had it shipped directly to our house! Such great service! All in all, we were very happy with Brad and the service we received from him and BCG. We’ve since recommended their services to several of our friends and neighbors who also had storm damage. While I hope we won’t have to do that again for a long time, we would work with BCG again in a heartbeat!Posted on Google![]()
Shelly ZieglerTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I am extremely pleased with the service Matt Walmer from Buckshot General Contracting (BGC) provided for me during the hailstorm damage in Madison in April. I had just switched insurance companies one year ago and was worried about how much they would cover. Matt assured me everything would be taken care of and had nothing to worry about. True to his word he immediately answered phone calls during off hours even when he was with daughter at volleyball and answering texts in seconds Matt met up with assessor and arrived 20 minutes early. During roof replacement he stopped in 3 times to check the progress and next day he came back to do a walk around to make sure the cleanup was to his standards. I have been so blessed to work with Matt at BGC as my contractor as everything went so smoothly. No problems with my insurance company and I was the first one on my block to get my roof done. I also was telling Matt about some of my neighbors having problems with their insurance and he was willing to look at their paperwork and giving them advice on how to deal with them. I can proudly say I announced to them how good Matt was and gave them his card. Thank you so much Matt for your excellent service and being a great representative for Buckshot General Contracting. These days days it’s hard to find a business that is 100% committed to making sure the customer is their #1 concern. Going to be doing more work and sticking with them as I know it will be top quality.Posted on Google![]()
Amy StephensTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
We contacted BGC after storm damage and had them completely re-roof and re-side our house, garage, and shed. The entire process was incredibly smooth from start to finish. They were easy to work with, handled all the details, and made what could have been a stressful situation completely worry-free. Our contact, Jayce Kirkland, was outstanding. His professionalism, communication, and courteous demeanor were truly a breath of fresh air. He took care of everything for us and made sure the project stayed on track every step of the way. We couldn’t be happier with the experience and have and would highly recommend BGC to anyone needing roofing or siding work!Posted on Google![]()
Rob AnastTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Very customer focused company. Replaced my roof and siding after hail and wind damage 6 years ago. Second hail and damage storm this year and they are my vendor of choice again. In process now to replace my roof and siding.Posted on Google![]()
paolo masoneTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Brad gave me a good price and the roof looks great! The roof was replaced in one day.Posted on Google![]()
Doug CooperTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
They did an excellent job! Fast, efficient and did a great job cleaning up.Posted on Google![]()
christos karampetsosTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
My family member needed a roof replacement after the recent storm in Madison , Chad came out to inspect the roof and went over the options with us. Full roof replacement and the new roof looks GREAT, they were done with in 2 days and left no mess behind which was very thankful for. Thanks !!Posted on Google![]()
Jason MontezTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
*update* number 2 I have been through about 4 different people now to get my issue fixed. They came and fixed the side that was leaking. The contractor that came out confirmed the siding wasnt installed properly and put in some flashing to fix the issue. Since it wasnt installed right i wanted the rest of the house done to prevent other issues and the company agreed to do that. Still not done and now im dealing with yet another person who has not contacted me to resolve my issue. Told them when this job was completed i wanted a new patio door as well to get the last year of the energy credit. Crickets. I have been very patient, but am beyond frustrated at this point. *update* After posting i was contacted regarding my review. Turns out the reason i wasn’t contacted was because my salesman is no longer with the company and never responded to tell me that when i called him (his number was still correct at the time of the call). I had a rep come to my home and immediately discuss solutions to the issue. Everything was done properly on my home, its just one of those things no one could foresee. I am beyond happy with the speed things are moving once i was contacted. Already making plans for additional work needed next season. Had windows and siding done. The windows crew was fantastic. Personable as well as professional. Siding crew was also great. My issue comes with the after care. My basement was leaking during rains. It also leaked running the sprinkler for new grass. Contacted my salesman and never heard back. Been probably a month? Had a contractor friend of mine come look and the issue was the siding wasnt ran low enough (or a piece of flashing would have worked as well) to stop water from coming through the basement from under the sill plate. Id have even paid to have it corrected, but no call. My issue is a simple one, but the aftercare deserves a one. The total score is because their crews were great. The people in admin simply need to be better. I had to remove foam that was trafficking water in and will be using flex seal to create a barrier since no call was made back. Update as of april, 2026. After some frustrating back and forth one of their contractors came our and looked at my situation late summer of 2025. Confirmed the siding wasnt done properly and installed flashing where the leak was and i haven’t had an issue since. Despite the numerous tornados weve had. With that said, Fall of 2025 i told them (after being informed the siding wasn’t done properly by their guy) i told them while the basement no longer seems to leak, i want the rest of the house covered with that flashing incase their are other problems. i dont want to refinish my basement to discover issues. The “salesman” essentially accused me of only wanting free things and after him explaining to me how awesome he was and that i was wrong, i stopped the phone call. The subcontractors they hire are overall solid, but some of the staff have made the company unusable for me. Just be cautious if you use them. Communication is great… until they get your money.
Very often, yes. Where the chimney meets the roof is one of the most common leak points on any roof, because the flashing there takes the most abuse. We inspect to find the actual source – not just where the stain shows up – and give you a written report.
We won’t sell you a caulk-only fix. A bead of caulk or tar over failed flashing buys a season at most, then cracks and traps water so the next leak is worse. Proper repair means metal flashing, with counter flashing set into the mortar.
Step flashing is the L-shaped metal woven into the shingles up each side of the chimney, one piece per course. Counter flashing is set into a cut in the mortar joint and laps down over the step flashing. You need both – quick fixes usually skip the counter flashing.
Yes. Reusing old flashing under a new roof is a leak waiting to happen, so we install new chimney flashing as part of any roof replacement.
We handle the flashing and roofing side, including setting counter flashing into the mortar joints. If the chimney itself needs masonry rebuilding, we’ll flag it and can coordinate that work so the repair holds.
Get it looked at before it spreads. A small flashing fix now is far cheaper than the soaked decking, ruined insulation and drywall a slow leak causes. Our inspection and written report are free whether or not you hire us.
Two offices - our Madison, WI headquarters and our Brodhead, WI office - serving homeowners across Dane & Milwaukee counties and into southern Iowa.
621 N Sherman Ave, Suite B5
Madison, WI 53704
Mon-Sat 8AM-5PM · 24/7 Storm Line
17312 W Hafeman Rd
Brodhead, WI 53520
Mon-Sat 8AM-5PM · 24/7 Storm Line
We find the real source, strip the old caulk and tar, and install step, apron and counter flashing in metal - set into the mortar, not smeared on top. Free written inspection, and on a covered claim you typically pay only your deductible.
Free inspection, straight answer.
Crew available todayFreeInspection1 dayMost installsDeductible onlyOn covered claims4.9 / 5200+ Google reviews
The guides tell you what to check from the ground. We get on the ladder, photograph every facet, and tell you straight: a claim, a repair, or nothing to worry about.
Three fields. Twenty minutes on site. Zero cost, zero obligation.
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