What the service should establish
Flashing work may require coordination between a roofer and a chimney professional. Ask who is responsible for each side of the junction and whether the estimate describes an assessment, a temporary measure or a full repair.
Where the scope stops
A bead of sealant should not be described as equivalent to every flashing repair. Request evidence of the entry route, the affected roof materials and any concealed conditions that could change the scope once work starts.
The Advisor standard · Define before deciding
Decide who owns the roof-to-chimney interface
Ask whether a roofer, chimney contractor or coordinated team will evaluate the junction. A homeowner should not have to discover after the job that each trade excluded the other side of the interface. The scope should identify responsibility for affected roofing, chimney surfaces and any concealed conditions.
What a comparable proposal looks like
Clarify whether the proposed work is a temporary response, a limited repair or replacement of specified flashing components. Ask how adjacent materials will be protected and how completion will be recorded. A sealant-only description should not be treated as equivalent to every other flashing proposal.
Four items to take away
- Roof and chimney responsibilities
- Repair versus replacement boundary
- Adjacent-material protection
- Concealed-damage allowance
Should I hire a roofer or a chimney company?
Ask who is qualified for the actual work and whether another trade is needed. Some projects span both. Get one clear description of responsibility rather than assuming either title guarantees the whole scope.
Original homeowner comparison checklist, not a technical specification. For maintenance and inspection background, see CSIA homeowner resources. Follow the applicable appliance instructions and on-site findings. How this guidance is produced.
Background and safety references
For inspection and maintenance background, consult CSIA homeowner resources. Product-specific work follows the applicable manufacturer instructions and local requirements. Our official resources page separates government safety advice from industry education.