CALL OR EMAIL US TODAY FOR YOUR FREE ESTIMATE – 202-276-5004 FAMILY.ROOFING@YAHOO.COM
At Family Roofing, we take great pride in our experience, expertise, quality and customer service. It is our mission to provide excellent workmanship and complete customer satisfaction from start to completion of a project. Our reputation is based on service, safety and quality, regardless of how large or small the job.
CHIMNEY FLASHING
Chimney flashing will help prevent water from leaking into the chimney. Failed or improperly installed flashing is one of the most common reasons for leaks. When it comes to flashing there are many types available. The area you live in, the weather conditions, the shape and size of the chimney, as well as the roofing material will all help determine the best type of flashing for your chimney.
There are many different aspects of a chimney and all of them play important roles in how it performs. If one part of your chimney is damaged, completely broken or just plain missing, your home’s safety is at risk. Chimney flashing is no exception.
People often talk about tuckpointing, sweeping, liners and other chimney services but flashing often flies under the radar. However, chimney flashing is an extremely important part of your chimney’s functionality.
What is Chimney Flashing?
Flashing is found at the point where your roof meets your chimney. It is supposed to create a waterproof seal that protects your roof and chimney from moisture penetration.
When chimney flashing is properly installed, it can last over 30 years depending on factors such as where you live, the shape and size of your chimney and the materials used.
There are a few different types of chimney flashing and we’ll go over them below:
Aluminum – a very popular choice. Aluminum flashing is inexpensive and can be installed on any type of roof. It’s also resistant to rust
Steel – steel is also a very common material used for chimney flashing. Provides excellent strength and anti-corrosive properties
Copper – lightweight, extremely durable and boosts curb appeal. Copper will never rust and can withstand any weather. However, copper is the most expensive option
Vinyl or PVC – should only be used in warm weather climates. Can crack under extreme weather conditions.
Parts of Chimney Flashing
There are a few parts that make up the entire chimney flashing. The first is the base or step flashing which is found under your roof’s shingles and bent upwards against your chimney’s exterior.
On top of the step flashing is the counter flashing. Counter flashing is bent down and installed in the mortar joints of your chimney. It’s purpose is to seal off the top of the base flashing.
For chimneys wider than 30″, there should be a saddle flashing/chimney cricket installed. Saddle flashing/chimney cricket creates a peak that allows water and snow to run off and prevents it from building up on your roof and chimney.
It’s important to make sure your chimney has all the proper flashing parts so that your home can stay free of water damage.
About Chimney Flashing Process
To make meaningful progress, it’s important to first clarify what a chimney flashing is and what it does. By its design, a chimney flashing is made to keep out or prevent water penetration. Without the flashing, water easily seeps through the space between the roof and chimney. This is where the chimney flashing is located. Consider the chimney flashing as a weather stripping that serves to combat moisture problems.
Chimney flashing consists of three main parts; cap flashing, step flashing, and base flashing.
Cap Flashing
This component of a chimney flashing is L-shaped and designed to seal the step flashing.
Also called counter flashing, the cap flashing is installed in a way that it fits into a groove that’s created in the chimney brickwork.
Step Flashing
The step flashing is also an L-shaped component made of metal. You’ll find the step flashing beneath the roofing shingles and also along with chimney bricks.
Like other parts of the chimney flashing, its function is to help keep out moisture.
Base Flashing
This is yet another part of the chimney flashing connecting the roofing surface to the vertical surface of a chimney.
All of these chimney flashing parts together serve to prevent water damage to your structure.
Leave Chimney Flashing to the Professionals
There are many things that can go wrong when installing or repairing chimney flashing, so it’s in your best interest to leave the job up to the experts.
Chimney flashing is a skill that takes many jobs to perfect and only experienced masons can truly provide the highest quality work.
CALL OR EMAIL US TODAY FOR YOUR FREE ESTIMATE – 202-276-5004 FAMILY.ROOFING@YAHOO.COM
Chimney flashing will help prevent water from leaking into the chimney. Failed or improperly installed flashing is one of the most common reasons for leaks. When it comes to flashing there are many types available. The area you live in, the weather conditions, the shape and size of the chimney, as well as the roofing material will all help determine the best type of flashing for your chimney.
There are a few parts that make up the entire chimney flashing. The first is the base or step flashing which is found under your roof’s shingles and bent upwards against your chimney’s exterior.
For chimneys wider than 30″, there should be a saddle flashing/chimney cricket installed. Saddle flashing/chimney cricket creates a peak that allows water and snow to run off and prevents it from building up on your roof and chimney.