Chimney flashing in Idaho Falls must handle repeated freeze-thaw cycles and heavy snow loads that push water under step flashing and counter flashing. Older brick chimneys common in Downtown Idaho Falls homes often have deteriorated lead or galvanized flashing that cracks when temperatures swing from sub-zero nights to warm afternoons. Proper repair uses 26-gauge galvanized or copper step flashing integrated with new underlayment and ice-and-water shield at the cricket and back pan to prevent the ice dams that form along the Snake River corridor.
West Idaho Falls and Ammon neighborhoods see more wind-driven rain in summer that tests side-wall flashing seals on gable-end chimneys. We remove existing flashing without disturbing sound masonry, install new flashing with hemmed edges to shed water, and seal counter flashing into raked mortar joints rather than relying on caulk that fails within two seasons. East Idaho Falls homes near the Greenbelt frequently have low-slope additions where chimney penetrations meet metal roofs, requiring custom-fabricated cricket flashing to divert snow melt away from the stack.
Bonneville County code requires flashing to extend at least six inches up the chimney and four inches onto the roof deck. We always inspect for rotted sheathing caused by long-term leaks before closing the roof, especially on homes built before 1980 that used asphalt shingles without modern synthetic underlayment. Skipping cricket installation or using surface-mounted flashing instead of reglet-mounted counter flashing is the most common shortcut that leads to callbacks after the first heavy snow.
Technician insight
In Idaho Falls the thing that catches most people out with chimney flashing repair is the way south-facing brick chimneys on pre-1970 homes in Downtown and near the Greenbelt develop hairline cracks in the mortar that let meltwater behind the flashing during the first warm spell after a heavy snow. Homeowners often try to caulk the joint instead of cutting a proper reglet, and the fix never lasts through another Bonneville County winter.
Ice Dam Leak On East Idaho Falls Chimney
Water was entering around a 1960s brick chimney during spring melt on a home two blocks from the Greenbelt. We found the original lead step flashing had lifted where ice had formed. After removing damaged shingles and adding new ice-and-water shield plus a small cricket, the new copper counter flashing was set into a fresh reglet. No further leaks occurred the following winter.
Chimney Flashing Repair Services We Offer
✓Step Flashing Replacement
Remove failed step flashing and install new hemmed galvanized or copper pieces woven into existing shingles to restore a watertight seal on sloped roofs.
✓Cricket and Back Pan Fabrication
Build and install a custom sheet-metal cricket behind the chimney to divert snow melt and rain away from the penetration on homes in East Idaho Falls and near the Snake River.
✓Counter Flashing Reglet Installation
Cut new reglets into chimney mortar and insert counter flashing that overlaps step flashing, eliminating reliance on caulk that fails in Idaho Falls freeze-thaw cycles.
✓Ice Dam Flashing Upgrade
Add extended ice-and-water shield and raised flashing details at chimneys to prevent leaks from ice dams common in West Idaho Falls and Ammon during cold winters.
✓Chimney Sidewall Leak Repair
Repair flashing where chimneys intersect gable walls or low-slope additions, common on older homes near the Idaho Falls Zoo and Museum of Idaho.
Chimney Flashing Repair Cost in Idaho Falls, ID
| Service | Typical Range | What Affects It |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Step Flashing Repair | $350–$550 | Single-story chimney, no cricket needed, standard access |
| Cricket Fabrication And Install | $450–$750 | Required on most two-story or complex roofs in snow zones |
| Full Chimney Flashing Replacement | $650–$950 | Includes new counter flashing, reglet, and ice shield on older brick stacks |
| Sidewall Or Gable Flashing Repair | $300–$500 | Repair where chimney meets vertical wall, common in West Idaho Falls |
Ranges are typical for Idaho Falls, ID and confirmed with an exact written quote before any work starts.
How it works
- 1
Site Inspection And Leak Tracing
We examine the chimney from the roof and attic, identify active leak points, and check for rotted sheathing or ice-dam damage typical in Bonneville County winters.
- 2
Flashing Removal And Substrate Prep
Existing flashing is carefully removed, shingles are lifted, and any damaged underlayment or sheathing is replaced before new flashing is installed.
- 3
New Flashing Fabrication And Integration
Custom step flashing, counter flashing, and cricket are fabricated on site and woven into the roof system with proper overlaps and sealant at all joints.
- 4
Final Seal And Water Test
All seams receive compatible sealant, the roof is restored, and a controlled water test confirms the repair before we leave the job in Downtown or East Idaho Falls.
Pricing
Most chimney flashing repairs in Idaho Falls range from $350 to $950 depending on chimney height, roof pitch, and whether a cricket is required.