Roof flashing repair in Tulsa.
Ask a roofer what causes most residential roof leaks and the honest answer is flashing. Not shingle failures. Flashing. The metal transitions at chimneys, skylights, walls, and valleys are the most vulnerable points on any roof. They take the most thermal stress, the most movement, and the most water concentration. When they fail, water finds its way in.
Q: Why do most roof leaks in Tulsa trace back to flashing rather than shingles?
Flashing failures in Tulsa follow predictable patterns tied to the local climate. The freeze-thaw cycles from November through February work mortar loose at chimney tops, allowing counter flashing to pull away from the brick. Oklahoma summer heat causes aluminum step flashing to expand against tight brick courses, eventually bending out of alignment. Valley flashings corrode faster in our humidity than in drier climates.
The most common repair we do in Midtown Tulsa neighborhoods is chimney step flashing and counter flashing. The old brick homes in the 74103 and 74105 corridors have chimneys that have moved incrementally over 60 to 80 years. The original flashing installation is often long past its service life. When the counter flashing separates from the mortar joint, water runs freely behind it and into the wall assembly.
We repair and replace all flashing types. We do not caulk over separated step flashing and call it a repair. For chimney-specific flashing, see our chimney flashing repair page.
Six flashing failures we repair.
Step flashing separated from wall
Step flashing interlocks with shingles along a wall or dormer. When it pulls away from the wall surface, water runs behind it on every rain event.
Counter flashing pulled from mortar
Counter flashing sits in mortar joints and caps the step flashing below. When the mortar cracks or the flashing pulls free, the entire chimney or wall assembly becomes an entry point.
Valley flashing corroded through
Open metal valleys concentrate significant water flow. Galvanized valleys corrode over time, especially in low spots where water pools. Corroded through means active leak.
Skylight curb flashing failed
The uphill flashing at a skylight curb is the highest-risk point on the skylight assembly. Improper installation or aged flashing allows water under the curb on every driving rain.
Pipe boot flashing cracked
While technically not step flashing, pipe boot collars at plumbing vents are flashing components. Cracked rubber boots are one of the most common leak sources in Tulsa residential roofing.
Drip edge missing or improperly lapped
Drip edge at eaves and rakes protects the fascia and deck edge. Missing or improperly lapped drip edge allows water wicking under the shingles and eventually into the fascia.
Repair method matched to the failure type.
Identify the failure location
We inspect every flashing point in the suspect zone systematically. Step flashing, counter flashing, valley, drip edge, and pipe boots all checked in sequence.
SystematicAssess repair vs. replace
Flashing that is structurally intact but has lost its seal can sometimes be re-bedded. Corroded, bent, or improperly installed flashing needs to come out and be replaced correctly.
Honest assessmentReplace or re-bed correctly
New step flashing interwoven with shingles where required. Counter flashing tuck-pointed back into mortar joints. Valley flashing replaced full-width with proper overlap. No caulk as primary waterproofing.
Correct methodDocument and warrant
Before and after photos of every flashing point repaired. Written warranty on all work. We note any adjacent flashing that should be monitored.
Written warrantyMost Tulsa roof leaks start with flashing. We find it.
We replace the flashing. We do not caulk over it.
The quick fix on failed flashing is a bead of roofing caulk or tar over the gap. It holds for one or two seasons. Then the caulk cracks, the flashing moves again, and the leak comes back. We have replaced flashing that had four or five layers of previous caulk repairs on top of the original failed installation. Each layer bought a year or two.
We remove the failed component, install the replacement correctly, and warrant the work. A properly installed step flashing sequence at a dormer or chimney lasts for decades. A caulk repair lasts until the next Oklahoma freeze-thaw cycle. The cost difference is not large. The difference in outcome is significant. See also: chimney flashing and roof leak repair.
Flashing repair across Tulsa and:
Questions about
roof flashing.
If you have an active leak that may be flashing-related, call us directly.
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Whether your shingles are curling, your gutters are sagging, or you just want a second opinion before your insurer's deadline runs out, book the inspection. We don't charge for it, and we don't push for it.
(918) 978-2660Direct line · 7am – 9pm · 7 days