FAMILY-OWNED · SINCE 1979 MADISON, WI · CENTERVILLE, IA LIC. DC-080900045
24/7 STORM LINE (608) 909-9109
Chimney Flashing & Leak Repair · WI, IA & IL

Most roof leaks start at the chimney.

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.

FreeinspectionMetal, not caulkWrittenreportOwncrews
4.9 on 200+ Google reviewsRead our Google reviewsSee our BBB profileRead our GuildQuality reviewsRead our Yelp reviews·Own crews·Family-owned since 1979
GAFMaster
Elite
★★★★★ 4.9200+ GOOGLE REVIEWSRead our Google reviewsSee our BBB profileRead our GuildQuality reviewsRead our Yelp reviews
FREE ESTIMATE · NO OBLIGATION

Find out where the leak is really coming from

    GAF Master EliteTop 2% nationwide
    FORTIFIED1 of 4 in WI
    BBB A+10+ regions
    InterNACHI100% staff certified
    4.9 / 5200+ Google reviewsRead our Google reviewsSee our BBB profileRead our GuildQuality reviewsRead our Yelp reviews
    The parts that keep it dry

    What a proper chimney flashing is made of.

    Tap each piece to see what it does - and see the one “fix” that always fails.

    Apron (base) flashing

    Bends over the roof at the downhill front of the chimney and sheds runoff out onto the shingles - the first place water hits.

    Step flashing

    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.

    Counter flashing

    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.

    Cricket / saddle

    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.

    The caulk ‘fix’ - what fails

    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.

    Warning signs

    Signs your chimney flashing is leaking.

    Catch it early and it’s a small flashing fix. Wait, and it becomes decking, insulation and drywall.

    Stains around the chimney

    Ceiling or wall discoloration around the chimney chase is the classic first sign water is getting past the flashing.

    Rust or staining on the metal

    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.

    Drips only during storms

    A leak that shows up in driving rain and dries out afterward points straight at the chimney joint.

    Tar-smeared or lifted flashing

    Flashing that’s lifted, split, or smeared with tar is an old quick-fix that’s now failing.

    Crumbling mortar or white residue

    Deteriorating mortar joints or white efflorescence on the brick let water in behind the flashing.

    A musty smell in the attic

    A damp, musty smell near the chimney in the attic means moisture is already getting in and sitting.

    How it’s priced

    No caulk-only “fixes,” no surprises.

    What a chimney flashing repair costs depends on your chimney - here’s what shapes it.

    A free written report

    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.

    Scope drives the price

    Resetting counter flashing costs less than a full strip-and-replace or a new cricket - your estimate matches what your chimney actually needs.

    Metal, not sealant

    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.

    Deductible on a claim

    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.

    The right repair

    Matched to what your chimney needs.

    Sometimes it’s a reset, sometimes a full replacement - we recommend the smallest fix that actually holds.

    Flashing repair

    When the system is mostly sound, we reset the counter flashing and replace the failed sections so it seals again.

    Full flashing replacement

    We strip the old patchwork and install new step, apron and counter flashing in metal, set the right way.

    Re-flash with a new roof

    Replacing the roof? We install all-new chimney flashing at the same time - reusing old flashing is a leak waiting to happen.

    Cricket / saddle

    For a wide chimney, a peaked saddle behind it splits water around the chimney instead of letting it pool and back up.

    Why the quick fix fails

    A caulk “fix” buys a season - then costs you more.

    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.

    In weeksSoaked decking

    Water wicks into the wood sheathing under the shingles, and the deck begins to soften and rot right where the flashing failed....Repair cost

    In monthsMold & lost insulation

    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

    Left longerCeilings & structure

    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.

    BGC Flashing done the right way

    Metal flashing, set to last - with a written warranty.

    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.

    GAF Master EliteTop 2% of US roofers
    Metal, not caulkSet into the mortar
    Written warrantyWorkmanship, in writing
    Our own crewsOne point of contact
    How we fix it

    Find the source, then fix it once.

    No guessing, no cover-ups - a straight path from leak to dry.

    Free leak inspection - we find the actual source of the leak, not just where the stain shows up, and give you a written report.
    Written estimate - you get a clear, written scope and price before any work starts - no surprises later.
    Strip the old patchwork - we remove the failed caulk, tar and old flashing instead of covering over it.
    Install proper metal flashing - new step, apron and counter flashing set correctly, with counter flashing into the mortar joint.
    Walkthrough & written warranty - we confirm it’s watertight, walk it with you, and hand over a written workmanship warranty.
    Homeowners trust us

    4.9 stars, pulled straight from Google.

      4.9 / 5 · 200+ verified reviewsRead our Google reviewsSee our BBB profileRead our GuildQuality reviewsRead our Yelp reviews
    Posted on Google Google
    Joy I profile picture
    Joy I
    Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex 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 Google
    Shelly Ziegler profile picture
    Shelly Ziegler
    Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex 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 Google
    Amy Stephens profile picture
    Amy Stephens
    Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex 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 Google
    Rob Anast profile picture
    Rob Anast
    Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex 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 Google
    paolo masone profile picture
    paolo masone
    Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex 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 Google
    Doug Cooper profile picture
    Doug Cooper
    Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex 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 Google
    christos karampetsos profile picture
    christos karampetsos
    Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex 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 Google
    Jason Montez profile picture
    Jason Montez
    Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex 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.
    Frequently asked

    Chimney flashing, answered.

    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.

    Where we work

    Chimney flashing across southern Wisconsin.

    Two offices - our Madison, WI headquarters and our Brodhead, WI office - serving homeowners across Dane & Milwaukee counties and into southern Iowa.

    ● Wisconsin · Headquarters

    Madison, WI Office

    621 N Sherman Ave, Suite B5
    Madison, WI 53704

    Mon-Sat 8AM-5PM · 24/7 Storm Line

    ● Wisconsin · Brodhead Office

    Brodhead, WI Office

    17312 W Hafeman Rd
    Brodhead, WI 53520

    Mon-Sat 8AM-5PM · 24/7 Storm Line

    Popular service areas
    Free inspection · no obligation · WI, IA & IL

    Stop the chimney leak for good.

    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 ESTIMATE · NO OBLIGATION

    Leak by the chimney?

    Free inspection, straight answer.

    ★★★★★ 4.9/5 on 200+ Google reviewsRead our Google reviewsSee our BBB profileRead our GuildQuality reviewsRead our Yelp reviews

    Crew available todayFreeInspection1 dayMost installsDeductible onlyOn covered claims4.9 / 5200+ Google reviews

    ●  From the crew that writes the guides

    Done reading? Let us look for you.

    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.

    Free roof inspection

    Three fields. Twenty minutes on site. Zero cost, zero obligation.

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    Rather talk? (608) 909-9109