How Important Is Chimney Flashing? You Might Be Surprised.
Chimney flashing is one of those components that nobody thinks much about until problems lead to a minor or major catastrophe.
Felgemacher Fireplace Shop of Buffalo, NY, would like to share a little about the amazing value that properly installed chimney flashing can bring to your home.
What is Flashing?
Flashing is the name for the sections of material, usually metal, that wrap the base of the exterior chimney where it meets the roof.
Flashing consists of a piece that adheres to the roofing material, a piece that’s connected to the chimney, and a piece that covers the vertical piece for added safety.
Why is Flashing Important?
In most home and chimney construction, there’s a slight gap between the four sides of the chimney and the four adjoining sections of the roof. This gap must be blocked, and flashing is the way it’s done.
If rain and melting snow are able to get into this gap, a variety of problems can occur.
Water Damage
When water moves below a compromised flashing seal, big problems can start:
- Damage to the roof
- Damage to the attic, floors, ceilings and walls
- Masonry damage to unseen sections of the chimney
- Mold growth that can spread throughout the home
How Flashing Becomes Unstable
Chimney flashing can be damaged by lightning strikes and major hail storms. It can become rusty. It can pull away from the chimney, the roof or both. Normal house settling can gradually break the adhesive that holds flashing in place. An improperly built chimney footing can cause the chimney to move and break the flashing seal.
Because you don’t normally see your chimney’s flashing, it can be damaged without your knowing it. This is why you should get up there and take a look at it a couple times a year.
You’re looking for:
- Missing sections that have torn off or been blown off
- Water and rust stains
- Warped sections
- Sections that are loose
- Faded or deteriorated sections of the roof where the flashing is laid
If you see any of these signs, it’s time to repair or replace your flashing.
Putting Down New Flashing
If you’re handy with this sort of work, you can probably do a good job replacing the flashing yourself. If you’re not handy and don’t like working up on the roof, hire a chimney company to handle the job.
Your technician will inspect the area and let you know the extent and location of damage that may have resulted from the flashing issue. You can then arrange to have the damage repaired and new flashing installed correctly so that it will hold up and serve you well for many years to come.
Having new flashing installed isn’t a time-consuming or expensive job, but it’s a job that can save you a lot of headaches – and money – down the line.
Get Your Flashing into Shape
Felgemacher Fireplace Shop, located in Cheektowaga, NY, can help with damaged flashing and other chimney repairs.
Our field division, Felgemacher Masonry & Chimney, specializes in all types of chimney work, including inspections, repairs, rebuilding and chimney sweeping.
If you would like to schedule and expert repair or service, we are happy to assist you!
Contact a chimney expert in the Buffalo, NY, or Rochester, NY, regions by calling (716) 907-4914. You can also get in touch with our simple contact form.
