# What are the three different flashing approaches for chimney's? **URL:** \ **Category:** Inspection Education Topics\ **Created:** [August 31, 2021, 1:18am UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/what-are-the-three-different-flashing-approaches-for-chimneys/202746 "2021-08-31T01:18:26Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 7\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![dmatichuk](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/dmatichuk/32/205078_2.png) [@dmatichuk](https://forum.nachi.org/u/dmatichuk)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2021, 1:18am UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/what-are-the-three-different-flashing-approaches-for-chimneys/202746/1 "2021-08-31T01:18:26Z")
One of the study questions ask how may approaches to flashing a typicaly chimney but I haven’t found any information on this anywhere. ![image](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/original/3X/8/b/8be8df2fdad3bbeec46ad5cc0daffff81ab323a3.png) [Practice Questions - InterNACHI®](https://www.nachi.org/my/education/practice-questions?page=58) Can anyone provide some links? Preferably external supporting links. It almost seems like a nachi concept. ---
**Author:** ![mcyr](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/mcyr/32/173319_2.png) [@mcyr](https://forum.nachi.org/u/mcyr)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2021, 12:48pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/what-are-the-three-different-flashing-approaches-for-chimneys/202746/2 "2021-08-31T12:48:49Z")
> **[Chimney Flashings | Carson Dunlop Home Inspection Training](https://www.carsondunlop.com/training/resources/chimney-flashings/)** > > Typically, chimney flashings are more complex than other types of roof flashings and are a common source of roof leaks.... ---
**Author:** ![dmatichuk](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/dmatichuk/32/205078_2.png) [@dmatichuk](https://forum.nachi.org/u/dmatichuk)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2021, 10:20pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/what-are-the-three-different-flashing-approaches-for-chimneys/202746/3 "2021-08-31T22:20:18Z")
@mcyr yes, I’ve seen that article as well as a dozen others but none of them answer the question. None of the articles would lead anyone to believe that there are exactly three approaches, not two or four approaches. Just three and only three approaches. You would get this question wrong otherwise. I’m trying to study for my license exam in Alberta and I’d rather understand the correct answer than simply memorize it. ---
**Author:** ![mcyr](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/mcyr/32/173319_2.png) [@mcyr](https://forum.nachi.org/u/mcyr)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2021, 11:03pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/what-are-the-three-different-flashing-approaches-for-chimneys/202746/4 "2021-08-31T23:03:52Z")
Well, when it comes to chimneys, you have two sides that are typically the same and you have the apron and head flashing, which makes 3, so I am not sure what else to answer your question. How would you get the question wrong if you know how to flash a chimney? ---
**Author:** ![ryoung7](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/ryoung7/32/188798_2.png) [@ryoung7](https://forum.nachi.org/u/ryoung7)\ **Post date:** [September 1, 2021, 8:31am UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/what-are-the-three-different-flashing-approaches-for-chimneys/202746/5 "2021-09-01T08:31:52Z")
> [@dmatichuk](#): > > One of the study questions ask how may approaches to flashing a typicaly chimney but I haven’t found any information on this anywhere. [Try this link from Priddy Chimney Sweeps](https://www.priddyclean.com/chimney-flashing-repair/)… Essentially, chimney flashing functions as weather stripping for a chimney. It is comprised of three major parts: #1: Step flashing. #2: Counter flashing/Cap flashing. #3:Base flashing. #1: Step flashing consists of a L-shaped piece of metal, or other suitable/durable material, that lies underneath roofing shingles and along the brick of your masonry chimney. Step flashing should move independently of the roof deck or chimney. Step flashing should not be fastened to both the roof deck and chimney. #2: Counter flashing is also an L-shaped metal, or other suitable/durable material, designed to cover the step flashing below. The top is embedded into a groove or cut in masonry or imbedded the bed/head mortar joint or brickwork. #3:Base/Cap flashing is installed at the base and head wall of the chimney. You will read different terms and methods. ---
**Author:** ![dmatichuk](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/dmatichuk/32/205078_2.png) [@dmatichuk](https://forum.nachi.org/u/dmatichuk)\ **Post date:** [September 5, 2021, 7:51pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/what-are-the-three-different-flashing-approaches-for-chimneys/202746/6 "2021-09-05T19:51:39Z")
> [@mcyr](#): > > you have two sides that are typically the same and you have the apron and head flashing I’ve never considered different sides as different approaches, except for when I was studying to be a pilot. When the question states different approaches I assume they mean different techniques, strategies or methods of solving the same problem. Why would they call it approaches? ---
**Author:** ![dmatichuk](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/dmatichuk/32/205078_2.png) [@dmatichuk](https://forum.nachi.org/u/dmatichuk)\ **Post date:** [September 5, 2021, 7:54pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/what-are-the-three-different-flashing-approaches-for-chimneys/202746/7 "2021-09-05T19:54:33Z")
> [@ryoung7](#): > > It is comprised of three major parts: #1: Step flashing. #2: Counter flashing/Cap flashing. #3:Base flashing Thank you for the link. I had seen that one already though and I don’t think it answers the question. Even though I think that makes more sense than different sides, I still don’t think they can be called different approaches, at least not if it is intended to be understandable by most students. I’m sure there’s a better name for that than approaches, which is “a way of dealing with something”. How about layers? Three approaches implies three different ways to do the same thing, not three parts of the same way.