Why Is Chimney Flashing So Important? – Family Roofing

Posted on by David Reid

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.

 

Why Is Chimney Flashing So Important?

Chimney flashing is a term for the metal used to wrap exposed parts of your roof and chimney to protect them from water damage.  While most of your roof (whether asphalt shingles or metal sheets) is designed to shed water rapidly, the areas at the roof edge, as well as those surrounding vents and chimneys must be protected, for it is in these areas that water tends to seep in.  The area around your chimney needs special attention because it is essentially a hole in your roof.  Making sure your roofing joins to the outside of your chimney is critical to ensure that water does not cause damage to your roof or create mold problems in your home.

  • What it is.  Chimney Flashing is the name for thin metal sheets that act to prevent water from reaching susceptible areas of your home.  It is part of weatherproof construction, which uses impervious materials to make your home shed water effectively.  Chimney Flashing can be made out of any sheet metal, including aluminum, copper, zinc, lead, or stainless steel.  The choice of material depends upon the application and the budget.

  • Why it is important.  Chimney Flashing is important because it protects water from damaging the area around your chimney.  As one of the major areas of potential water damage, your chimney needs to be joined to the rest of the weatherproof design on the roof.  Improper or inadequate chimney flashing can result in major roof and chimney damages.  Because your chimney protrudes, it is the first to undergo wind and water during a storm. chimney flashing allows a seamless fit.

  • The risk of water damage.  If water is permitted to pool in and around your chimney structure, it cannot only require a major roof repair; it can be a breeding ground for mold growth, which can then seep into the interior walls.  You need to ensure that your chimney flashing material is of high quality and that it lasts long.  Copper is generally acknowledged to be one of the best materials for chimney flashing.

Now, the chimney flashing consists of three main parts: cap flashing, step flashing, and base flashing.

  • Counter Flashing

This component of a chimney flashing is L-shaped and designed to seal the step flashing.  Also called counter 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.

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 chimney technician 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.

Why Hire a Professional to Flash Your Chimney

When you are experiencing chimney flashing warning signs, do not resort to DIY.  Call a professional! A professional will confidently diagnose what is going on. Though moisture issues are often due to flashing problems, there are a suite of other chimney problems that can cause water issues.  Also, if flashing is the issue, a team of professionals will be able to evaluate the extent of the damage to determine if it needs to be repaired or replaced.

When it comes to chimney flashing installation, there is no room for uncertainty.  If you are trying to take care of this job without professional training, you are bound to make mistakes, which can lead to leakage in the future.