If your chimney flashing is installed by professionals, it can last more than 30 years. However, its lifespan may be affected by other factors, including the materials used in building it, the size and shape of your chimney, and the weather of the region you’re located in.

If you have recently seen rust stains in your firebox or signs of a chimney leak, you may need to hire a chimney repair service to repair the flashing.

In this blog, we will discuss what a chimney flashing is and when you need to replace it.

What is the chimney flashing?

A chimney flashing a simply a part of your roof flashing that provides you with a waterproof barrier between the chimney and your ceiling. Flashing works as an important weather protection material which is usually made up of three components: counter flashing, base flashing, and stab flashing.

Counter flashing is a metal piece shaped like an L that is designed to cover your step flashing and is embedded in the chimney brickwork.

a brick chimney

 

Base flashing joins the vertical surface of your chimney and the horizontal surface of the roof to guard it against water damage.

Step flashing is also a metal piece shaped like an L, but it is embedded in the roof shingles along with the brick masonry of your chimney.

These parts of your chimney flashing create a waterproof seal with caulk. If your chimney flashing begins to leak or fall off, it can lead to serious damage to your interior rules, attic, and roofing.

Moreover, as water penetrates through the structure of the chimney, it can begin to crumble and cause serious structural damage to your home. That’s why it’s crucial to identify signs of chimney flashing damage and call chimney repair experts immediately. Delaying chimney repair can add to your maintenance costs and, in some cases, may lead to irreparable damage to your roof.

a chimney with smoke

What are the signs indicating a need for chimney flashing repair?

If your chimney has discolored bricks, water stains on the walls or the interior ceiling, leaking issues, rust stains, or any visible gaps in the flashing, you may need to call chimney flashing repair service immediately.

Due to a lot of rains and humid weather during the spring, chimney leaks are common during this time of the year. However, leaks through the chimney flashing can also occur during thunderstorms and snow falls, leading to severe water accumulation surrounding your roof and chimney.

Since chimneys are usually located very high, it may not be possible for you to notice the signs of water damage until the water has penetrated your roofing and walls. Once your roof flashing is damaged, you may see constant moisture in your ceiling and attic which can further lead to drywall damage and wood rot.

chimney on a rooftop

How can you repair chimney flashing?

Most of the time, a leaking flashing can be repaired using a new caulk or cement to re-seal the leaks. If the flashing is flared or warped, it might be worn out or damaged beyond repair.

The process of removing and replacing the chimney flashing is as follows:

  • The chimney expert will first remove the shingles and flashing around the chimney
  • First, a base flashing will be installed at the bottom of the chimney structure
  • Pieces of shingles and step flashing are interweaved and overlapped to ensure that water cannot penetrate through the chimney into your roof
  • Then a side flashing, back flashing, and front flashing are installed
  • Finally, the expert will install a counter flashing and apply caulk to ensure a waterproof seal around the chimney

If you’re looking for chimney flashing repair services, check out Creative Masonry & Chimney. The leading chimney provider in Connecticut is known for its unmatched customer service and professional masons who do their best to provide you with the most reliable chimney services in town.

Their team offers a range of services, including chimney sweeping, inspection, cleaning, rebuilding, and more. The experts are highly trained individuals with years of experience working with modern and traditional chimney systems.

Contact them today to get one of the best chimney services in town.

About the Author: Smith S. has worked for many leading chimney repair services and has managed over a hundred chimney projects in the past 20 years. His knowledge of old and modern chimney systems is immaculate and many chimney service providers look up to him as their mentor.