Chimney Flashing in Riga
A precisely built chimney connection to the roof - front, side, and back sheet metal flashing with a correctly built waterproofing detail. Included as part of a new roof installation or covering replacement project.
Any roof where the covering meets a chimney
We carry out chimney flashing for owners of single-family and residential buildings with a masonry, ceramic-block, or metal flue chimney in the roof plane - regardless of whether the chimney sits near the ridge, in the middle of the roof, or close to the eaves. The service is a natural part of roof installation, covering replacement, and full replacement projects, where the chimney detail is built or rebuilt together with the whole covering.
The most vulnerable roof detail
A chimney is a rigid, fixed element in the roof plane - it doesn't contract and expand along with the timber structure and metal covering. This different dynamic, together with the chimney's height above the covering line, makes the connection point the most common leak risk if the flashing and waterproofing aren't built correctly during installation.
A Complete Chimney Flashing Solution
Waterproofing detail
A self-adhesive or flexible waterproofing strip around the chimney base, beneath the sheet metal layer.
Front connection (cricket/diverter)
A sheet metal profile above the chimney that diverts rainwater to the sides of the covering, rather than straight against the chimney.
Side and rear connections
Side sheet metal flashing built in under the covering rows, and a rear diverter - a small "saddle" that splits the water flow around the chimney.
Chimney surround and closing profile
The visible sheet metal finish around the full chimney perimeter, painted to match the roof covering or facade.
How the Connection Detail Is Built
Sheet metal flashing isn't just a decorative element - it's a system with a defined layer sequence.
1. Waterproofing layer. Right against the chimney's masonry or block surface we fit a flexible waterproofing strip or membrane that rises at least 150-200 mm above the covering plane and sits tightly against the chimney surface.
2. Sheet metal connection profiles. Over the waterproofing layer we install shaped sheet metal profiles - separately for the front, side, and rear connections - with overlaps that ensure water is directed downward along the covering.
3. Integration into the covering. The side and rear sheet metal elements are built in under the relevant covering rows (tile, metal sheets, or shingles), not over them - this is the key precondition for watertightness.
4. Chimney surround. Finally we install the visible sheet metal surround around the full perimeter, which covers the transition and protects the masonry from rainfall exposure at the top of the chimney.
Choosing a Sheet Metal Material
| Material | Best use | Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Painted steel sheet | Metal, standing-seam, and profiled-covering roofs | Precise colour match to the covering, corrosion-resistant |
| Copper sheet | Tile roofs, architecturally high-value projects | Long service life, natural patina over time |
| Aluminium sheet | Lightweight structures, easily shaped details | Won't rust, easy to work into complex details |
| Galvanized steel sheet | A more economical solution where visibility isn't a requirement | Lower cost, good corrosion resistance |
Why This Spot Requires Special Precision
The chimney connection is one of the most frequently cited problem sources in roof structures - not because sheet metal itself is a complex material, but because three different elements meet here: masonry, timber structure, and a flexible covering. Each behaves differently under temperature changes.
The rear connection (the diverter above the chimney, facing up-slope) is particularly important - it's exactly here that rainwater flow from the entire roof plane is directed around the obstacle. If this element is too small or incorrectly positioned, water pools and works its way under the covering.
How Chimney Flashing Is Built
Site Visit
Assessing chimney size, material, and its position in the roof plane.
Waterproofing
Fitting the flexible waterproofing layer around the chimney base.
Making the Sheet Metal Profiles
Shaping the front, side, and rear connection elements to the detail's measurements.
Installing into the Covering
Building the sheet metal in under the covering rows to match the material type.
Fitting the Surround
Installing the closing surround around the chimney perimeter.
Inspection
Checking the detail's water-tightness visually and with a water-flow test.
What We Check Before Handover
Before handing over the site, we check the overlap and fastening density of each connection, and the continuity of the waterproofing layer. At critical points - the rear diverter zone and side connections - we carry out an additional visual check to make sure no gaps or insufficient overlaps have been left.
Every stage is photographed, so you can see the detail even after it's covered by the visible surround.
What Affects Cost and Timeline
The price of chimney flashing is affected by the chimney's size and shape, the chosen sheet metal material (galvanized, painted steel, aluminium, or copper), and the complexity of the connection - whether the chimney sits in the middle of the roof, near the ridge, or close to the eaves. We prepare an exact quote after a site visit - read more about pricing principles on our pricing page.
Building one chimney's flashing usually takes 0.5-1 working day and is carried out as part of a larger roof work project. Completed work and materials carry a written warranty - see terms on our warranty page.
Chimney Flashing as Part of a Finished Roof
We build chimney flashing as one of the details in roof installation or covering replacement projects - see completed sites where this solution is integrated into the overall roof structure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. We adapt the connection detail to the specific covering - metal roof, tile, standing seam, slate, or shingles - changing only the flashing shape and fixing method, not the underlying principle.
A chimney is a rigid, fixed element in the roof plane, subject to different thermal expansion and settling dynamics than the covering itself. Without correctly built sheet metal flashing and a waterproofing layer, this exact point is the most vulnerable to water infiltration.
No - we specialize in building new chimney flashing as part of a new roof installation, covering replacement, or full replacement project. Repairs to existing, damaged details and emergency situations are handled by our partner, jumtaremontsriga.lv.
A Precise Chimney Connection Starts with a Site Assessment
Request a free site visit - we'll assess the chimney detail on your roof and prepare a clear solution.