At the junction where your roof and chimney meet, there is a layer of protection called flashing. If you’re unsure what flashing is or want to improve your chimney flashing, we have the answers you are looking for. So, here is a guide: Flash Forward: Ingenious Chimney Flashing Hacks for Leak-Proof Roofs.
Understanding Flashing
Chimney flashing refers to a group of custom-made metal pieces designed to fit your chimney, protecting the gap between your roof and chimney. Flashing is installed in two independent layers that run from the chimney to under the shingles or other covering. When the flashing plates are in position, caulking is applied to prevent water from seeping between the plates and the roof. Flashing can be made from a variety of materials, including aluminum, copper, and stainless steel. Of the three materials, copper has the longest life, while aluminum has the shortest.
Flashing is installed in two L-shaped pieces: one piece is flush against the chimney base and roof, and the second straight piece attaches to the chimney and protects the vertical area of the L-shaped section.
What Does Chimney Flashing Do?
Flashing Guards Against Water Damage
When it comes to your chimney, nothing is more destructive than water. It carved the Grand Canyon and can also carve through your masonry chimney. If your chimney doesn’t have flashing, there is no doubt that your chimney will have water seep into it. Water will erode your chimney’s bricks, causing numerous cracks, disintegration, and eventually a total collapse. Chimney flashing is an effective barrier, preventing water from entering joints and seams.
Use Less Energy with Chimney Flashing
Another benefit of chimney flashing is energy savings. How do you use less energy? Simply put, flashing prevents water from getting into your attic, where the insulation is located. When your home’s insulation becomes wet, it becomes less effective, which increases power costs because you will have to run your heater more frequently.
Chimney Flashing Saves on Repair Costs
If water seeps through the seam where the roof and chimney join, the roof will surely rot. Not only will your roof be damaged, but the attic’s support beams will also rot, resulting in thousands of dollars in repair costs.
Water in your roof and insulation can also cause a mold infestation, which is harmful to your family’s health and is also costly to remove.
What do You Do to Maintain Chimney Flashing?
If you have existing chimney flashing or are planning to have it installed, follow these simple tips to ensure your chimney flashing works for years to come:
Regular Inspections
The best way to ensure that your chimney flashing lasts in the long run is to have a professional chimney sweep service inspect it. They possess the knowledge and experience to detect issues with flashing that may not be evident to the average person. If they detect any problems, they will know precisely how to address them, which brings us to our next hack.
Act Fast to Prevent Flashing Issues
If a chimney sweep service detects an issue with your chimney flashing that causes a leak, they will address the problem. They have the experience and training to confirm that a repair is done right the first time. Once they have completed a project, you can rest assured that the repair will withstand the elements and the test of time.
Trust National Chimney Service for Lasting Flashing Repairs
Is your chimney flashing, leaking, and causing damage to your roof? If so, contact us. We have over two decades of experience in repairing chimneys and flashing. We are licensed professionals who proudly serve customers just like you in the Tri-State area. Don’t let defective flashing ruin your chimney. Get in touch today!
Use an Experienced, Established Chimney Sweep Company!
Don’t take chances with uninsured, novice, roofers, unregistered business, no workman’s comp.
Our pros have to know what they’re doing when they put their heads up a chimney and to do that, chimney sweeps obtain specialized training and have years of experience in the field.
