Should a Roofer include the Chimney Flashing on Reroof
 

I would concretely identify the source of the leak first.

We, as a standard, replace the chimney flashing so that we are responsible for it. If you did not pay for new flashing around the chimney, technically it is your responsibility at that point.

I agree. Any roof I have ever had put on, 4 that I can remember, the roofers re flashed around the chimney as part of the job.

So...How long has it been. I'm not a roofer but I would think all flashings would/should be renewed when a roof is renewed.

[QUOTEShould a Roofer include the Chimney Flashing on Reroof][/QUOTE]

Yes. If only to prevent issues such as this.

This is it, the flashing was never mentioned when the roof quote was given, I just assumed it was changed as part of the job, the old layers of roof were stripped off and I believe the old shingles were 20 + years old.......

so how old the flashing is, I do not know......

Now the question comes as to the step flashing, was there step flashing put in place to go up under the counter flashing that was not changed...

So are we generally of the opinion that it is part of the roofers job to change this on a reroof?

Many thanks!

Exactly!

We have done a few jobs for some frugal owners (usually rentals) who will not pay to have the chimney done correctly. Those jobs we use the old flashing and high quality sealant. Usually in a few years, they pay to get the flashing done right or remove the chimney all together.:thumbsup:

Re-flashing a chimney takes time, material, and expertise to do correctly. It's not a simple job like laying down some I&W, even though that's all some companies do around penetrations.

But............. was OP even given the option? I think it’s the roofers responsibility in “all cases” during the bidding process to discuss flashing issues.

On new construction it’s the roofer that installs all of the flashings that ends up buried under the siding. New flashings are a critical detail if the roof is going to perform the 30+ years as advertised and should be a part of any new roof.

The point I’m trying to make is if the importance of new flashing isn’t discussed up front then the roofer isn’t doing his job. If the customer wants to cheap out then so be it but at least they had all of the pertinent info to make that choice.

It’s not the customers responsibility to understand the details of a roofing system. In this case if the roofer never discussed this then he’s in the wrong and OP has every right to be pissed. Does OP have any recourse? If it's not in writing, probably not.

The roofer is responsible for doing exactly what they put on their contract, no more and no less. When my roof was redone, the chimney flashing was not included. The contract specified exactly what was to be done, specifically damaged sheathing would be replaced, the old shingles would be completely removed, the old felt would be removed, new felt would be placed, ice and water shield would be installed, drip edge would be replaced, a specific brand and weight of a specific shingle type would be installed, hand nailed. That was the contract. It did not include any flashing around any penetrations, no chimney flashing, and no gutters. Your contract should specify what the roofers were going to do, and if the chimney flashing is not part of it, they don't owe you any more work than you agreed to.

I agree with your wholeheartedly in this case.

This is the reason that we explain to the consumer what should be done and let them make the decision. Most will defer to our recommendations in that case.

At the end of the day, the customer, in most situations, has to be their own advocate unfortunately.

Kind of a gray area.
Gray as-in shady.:)

You got that right!

Just like when the “new flashing” is cut down on the wall side to barely tuck under the siding instead of up the wall and under the weather barrier as it should be. :huh:

Agreed, but as you have read right here on this forum......some people take that as "trying to make more money off the homeowner". I remember a thread asking if new sheathing was needed over old shiplap boards. Some thought it was an upsell for the company. Others saw it as a great idea.

The hardest thing in the business is telling people what they should do in their best interest. Forums like these make some people think they know more than the pro's (DIY so I know it's done right). It's just what comes with the business I guess.

Agree's with Bud Cline..very shady grey area. Every trade is a specialty,a craft so to speak, And the average homeower does not know what goes into each system of there home or the specifics, which is why most go the "smart route" and call a professional.Maybe knowing that each system ties into another in some form or fashion should be common sence, but anything more than that should fall on the Pro to somewhat educate the Homeower. How that contractor handled your situation was unprofessional and wrong,probibly not much you can do about it though. I just went thru a similar problem earlier this year so i can relate. But you came to the right place these guys here are the real deal and will help out with advice if you need it, good luck

No offense, as these are very true statements, but that's much easier to say when you are a structural engeneer