Guide
Copper flashing, valleys, and chimney crickets on complex Bergen roofs
Written by Ultra Power Construction. The credentials page states that this contractor is licensed and insured in New Jersey and lists GAF and Owens Corning programs. Updated 2026-09-27.
On complex Bergen roofs the open shingle field is rarely the leak. Copper or other metal at valleys and chimneys is. Those lines should be visible on the estimate.
- Valleys
- Chimney crickets
- Copper versus painted steel
Valleys
Open metal valleys move a lot of water and are the right call on many long runs. The metal gauge, the hem, and the ice-and-water under the valley matter. “Valley included” is not a specification.
Chimney crickets
A wide chimney needs a saddled cricket so water does not sit on the uphill apron. Counterflashing should be let into the mortar joints, not glued to the brick face. Roof cement is a temporary patch.
Copper versus painted steel
Copper costs more and weathers to brown. Painted steel can be right on a simpler colonial. Name the metal. Do not let a luxury house get a flashing spec copied from a tract bid unless that is an intentional choice.