Welcome to Family Roofing

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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.

 

What is Chimney Flashing?

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.

Flashing is found at the point where your roof meets your chimney.  It’s 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:

• 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

When we think about important parts of a chimney the first things that come to mind are usually the bricks, the construction, and the mortar lined joints.  These parts are all integral to the function of the chimney but there is another piece that is also very important and that piece is the flashing.  Flashing lines the bottom edge of the chimney and, when it is installed and functioning properly, prevents water from entering the house via gaps between the roof and the edge of the chimney.  This is typically done using two courses of flashing; The base and the counter. The base flashing is embedded in the shingles and bent upwards.  The counter flashing is embedded in the mortar. Here are some photos of flashing that will fail or has already failed (leak:)

Now, the 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.

Keep an Eye Out for Leaky Flashing

If you recently moved into a home or you haven’t done any work to your current chimney in a long time, you should watch for signs of faulty chimney flashing.

Chimney flashing is a very common contributor to chimney leaks and can end up causing major problems if it’s not taken care of right away.  Your roof and attic can become damaged as a result of chimney flashing failure.  Roof damage is nothing to ignore, so if you notice any damage, it’s important to find a a professional to fix the job right away. Not to mention your actual chimney can sustain heavy water damage from poor flashing.

If enough water gets into your chimney, the brick and mortar joints will become brittle and the chimney’s entire structural integrity is now at risk.  In order to avoid this from happening, you need to get a chimney inspection at least once per year.  It’s better to be safe than sorry.  Repairing minor flashing damage is better than having to repair your roof and your chimney because too much water has compromised them.

Signs of Faulty Chimney Flashing

Some signs of faulty or worn-down chimney flashing is easier to spot than others. If you’re wondering if it is time to repair your chimney flashing, here are some things to look out for.

• Leaking Chimney – For most people, a leaking chimney is the most common sign of broken flashing. Leaks indicate that water is seeping in past the seal.

• Water Stains – Are you noticing water stains or other signs of water damage on your ceiling and walls near your chimney? It could be a sign that water is getting in through your chimney.

• Rust Stains – If your existing chimney flashing is looking rusty, it may not be deflecting water as well as you want it to.

• Discolored Bricks – Is your chimney looking worn down and discolored? This could be a sign of a water-damaged chimney.

Chimney Flashing Lifespan

There’s a need to know how long it will take until your flashing needs replacement.  This can be confusing for persons having no idea of when the chimney flashing was installed. This is especially true if you recently moved into the building.  Typically, a chimney flashing should last over 30 years.  However, this is only the average as multiple factors may impact replacement frequency.  The most common of these factors include your location, materials used as well as the size and shape of your chimney.

Knowing When to Replace Chimney Flashing

Among the key chimney maintenance requirements is knowing when to call for flashing replacement. As stated earlier, chimney flashings come with an estimated lifespan of 30 years.  This important chimney component will show several signs pointing to the need for replacement.  You’ll have to be attentive enough to notice. In situations where there’s doubt, it’s best to have a chimney technician come around for inspection.

Signs pointing to the need for chimney replacement include visible gaps in caulking around flashing and internal or external leaks.  Other signs include water stains, dripping sounds, discolored bricks, and rust stains. However, not all such signs are 100% proof of flashing disrepair.  Other causes outside of a faulty flashing may be the reason. This is why further inspection is necessary.

• Visible Gaps in Caulking Around Flashing

There are situations where visible gaps appear in caulking around the chimney flashing.  When such is noticed, it’s best to take urgent action to fix the problem.  Here, it’s evident that your flashing needs to be replaced.  In some cases, repair may be carried out while replacement may be the only option in other situations. It all depends on recommendations from your chimney technician.

• Internal or External Leaks

Sometimes, you may experience leaks from the inside or outside of the chimney.  At other times, both may apply.  Here, a professional must be called urgently to provide a fix.  This is likely to involve chimney replacement.

• Water Stains

When chimney flashings are faulty, they let in water which causes stains on walls or interior ceilings. These visible stains require investigation.  Your chimney flashing will likely have to be replaced.

• Dripping Sounds

Sometimes, you may hear dripping sounds caused by leaks from chimney flashing.  Further evidence is seen in puddles appearing among others.  This is a clear reason to have your flashing checked and possibly replaced.

• Discolored Bricks

Like discolorations to interior ceilings, bricks may also get discolored when your chimney flashing is damaged.  With further investigation, the need to change your chimney flashing may arise.

• Rust Stains

Moisture easily promotes rust.  This is likely to be the case when a chimney flashing is faulty.  A chimney contractor should be called upon to carry out further investigations and necessary actions taken.

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.