A Roof Replacement in Ferndale with a Large, Complicated Chimney Flashing
When it comes to roofing in Ferndale, Michigan, every home has its own story. The city is known for its charming older neighborhoods filled with historic homes, unique architecture, and plenty of character. But with that character often comes challenges—especially when it’s time to replace the roof.
Recently, our team had the opportunity to complete a roof replacement in Ferndale that highlighted just how important expertise and attention to detail are when working in older communities. This particular home not only needed a full roof replacement, but it also featured a large, complicated chimney that required specialized flashing work.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through the project, why chimney flashing is so important, and why choosing an experienced roofing contractor in Ferndale makes all the difference.
Roofing in Ferndale’s Older Neighborhoods
Ferndale is known for its older housing stock. Many of the homes were built decades ago, often featuring unique details that newer subdivisions don’t have. While this adds charm, it also means that roofing projects here require a special level of care.
Older homes often have:
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Multiple roof planes and pitches that intersect in unusual ways
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Chimneys, dormers, and skylights that demand proper flashing
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Aging framing or decking that may need repair before new shingles go down
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Historic details that must be preserved and protected during the work
For this particular home, the most notable challenge was the chimney. It wasn’t just tall—it was wide, with multiple surfaces meeting the roofline at different angles. Situations like this can be difficult even for experienced roofers, which is why proper planning and execution are key.
Why Chimney Flashing Matters So Much
If you ask any roofing expert in Metro Detroit what one of the most common leak points on a roof is, the answer will almost always be: the chimney.
That’s because the area where the chimney meets the roof is a natural weak spot. Water running down the roof has to navigate around this structure, and without proper flashing, it will eventually find its way inside.
Problems caused by poor chimney flashing include:
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Water leaks into the attic or walls
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Rotting roof decking or rafters
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Mold growth from hidden moisture
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Damage to plaster or drywall inside the home
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Expensive repairs that go beyond just the roof
In older homes like this one in Ferndale, many times the existing flashing is either worn out, improperly installed decades ago, or simply unable to keep up with today’s storms. That’s why part of our roofing process always includes carefully inspecting and re-flashing the chimney.
How We Approached This Ferndale Roof Install
Step 1: Full Roof Tear-Off
Before addressing the chimney, our team began by performing a complete tear-off of the old roof. This allows us to inspect the roof deck and make sure the new roof has a solid foundation. As expected with an older home, there were a few areas of soft decking that we replaced before moving forward.
Step 2: Ice and Water Shield Installation
In Ferndale, where winters can be brutal, protecting against ice dams is critical. We installed ice and water shield around the eaves, valleys, and—most importantly—around the chimney. This underlayment provides an extra layer of protection against water infiltration.
Step 3: Custom Chimney Flashing
With the deck prepared, we turned our attention to the chimney flashing. Because this chimney was so large and uniquely built, off-the-shelf solutions weren’t going to cut it. We fabricated custom step flashing and counter flashing to fit perfectly against the brickwork and roofline.
Our process included:
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Cutting into the mortar joints to properly install counter flashing
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Overlapping step flashing pieces with each shingle course
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Sealing the entire assembly to ensure long-term watertight performance
Step 4: Installing the Shingles
Once the chimney was properly flashed, we installed the new shingles across the entire roof. The homeowners chose an architectural shingle, which not only provides durability but also adds depth and style that fits the character of Ferndale’s older homes.
Step 5: Clean-Up and Final Inspection
We believe in leaving every home better than we found it. That means a thorough clean-up of all debris, nails, and materials, followed by a complete inspection to guarantee everything was done to the highest standard.
Why Homeowners in Ferndale Trust Us for Roofing
Roofing in Ferndale isn’t the same as roofing in a new subdivision. Older homes require an experienced crew that understands how to work with complex structures like oversized chimneys.
Here’s why homeowners choose us for roofing in Ferndale:
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Experience with older homes: We’ve seen it all, from slate tear-offs to complicated flashing.
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Attention to detail: Especially when it comes to chimneys, valleys, and other high-risk areas.
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Local knowledge: We know how Michigan weather affects roofs and what it takes to make them last.
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Respect for property: Clean worksites and protection for landscaping and driveways.
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Long-term solutions: We don’t take shortcuts. Everything we do is designed to perform for decades.
Signs Your Ferndale Home Might Need a Roof Replacement
If you live in Ferndale, here are some things to look for that might indicate it’s time for a new roof or new chimney flashing:
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Shingles that are curling, cracking, or missing
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Water stains on ceilings or walls inside your home
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Granules from shingles collecting in your gutters
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Moss or algae growth on the roof
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Visible gaps or rust around your chimney flashing
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A roof that’s more than 20 years old
If you notice any of these, it’s time to have your roof inspected by a professional.
Final Thoughts
This Ferndale roof replacement was a great example of how every home presents its own challenges. The oversized, complicated chimney required skill and craftsmanship to flash correctly, but by taking the time to do it right, we were able to give the homeowners peace of mind knowing their roof is watertight and built to last.
If you live in Ferndale or the surrounding Metro Detroit area and your roof is showing signs of age—or if you have a tricky chimney that might be leaking—don’t wait until water damage sets in. Our team specializes in roofing for older homes, and we’d be happy to provide an inspection and a long-term solution.
Check out our recent post about Low Slope and Flat Roofing