Rutland Chimney Can Install & Repair Your Chimney Flashing
When we get a call to look for a chimney leak, quite often it has to do with the chimney flashing. Chimney flashing plays a crucial role in protecting your home from water damage by sealing the area where your chimney meets the roof, but if it’s damaged, it’s one of the first spots water will be able to enter.
If your flashing is rusted, warped, bent, or missing, Rutland Chimney is here to help. Our skilled professionals are here to keep your home dry and secure. Call or book online today.
What Is Chimney Flashing? Why Do I Need It?
Chimney flashing is a critical component of your chimney system, designed to create a watertight seal between your chimney and the roof. Made from durable materials, like aluminum, copper, or galvanized steel, properly installed flashing plays a huge role in keeping your household safer from water damage.
In fact, without proper flashing, rainwater and melted snow can seep into the gaps between your chimney and roof quite easily.
Why is this spot so vulnerable? Well, while chimney materials and roofing materials are both durable, they both expand and contract as temperatures fluctuate – and at different rates. Because of this, small gaps can form – gaps not big enough for a bird or animal to enter through, but definitely wide enough for water to slip by.
This can lead to leaks and costly damages, like ceiling and wall stains, wood rot, mold growth, damaged masonry, and more.
By preventing water penetration with properly installed chimney flashing, you’re helping to extend the life of your roof and chimney. Flashing ensures that both components function effectively for many years, reducing the need for frequent repairs or early replacement.
Does Chimney Flashing Have Layers?
Yes! Flashing consists of multiple layers, including step flashing and counter flashing, to ensure water is effectively directed away from the chimney and roof joints.
What’s step flashing and counter flashing?
- Step Flashing: Step flashing consists of small, rectangular pieces of metal that are bent at a 90-degree angle. These pieces are installed in layers, with each piece overlapping the one below it. The bottom half of each piece is placed under a shingle, while the upper half is tucked up against the vertical surface (aka your chimney). The overlapping design ensures that water is directed away from the roof and vertical surface, preventing it from seeping into the structure.
- Counter Flashing: Counter flashing is installed over the top of step flashing to provide an additional layer of protection, and is typically installed in two parts – the first part is embedded into the mortar joints of the chimney or wall, and the second part overlaps the step flashing. By overlapping the step flashing, counter flashing provides a secondary defense against water infiltration. It ensures that even if water manages to get behind the step flashing, it is redirected away from the roof and chimney joint, preventing leaks and damage.
Step flashing and counter flashing work in tandem to create a comprehensive waterproofing system.
How Do I Know if My Chimney Flashing Needs Repair?
Annual chimney inspections should be completed before each burn season to ensure your entire system is in tip-top shape and ready for use. Booking these is the best way to ensure any damages (whether in your flashing or somewhere else) are promptly spotted and addressed.
That said, if you notice any of the following in between inspections, don’t hesitate to call us in:
- Rust or corrosion. Since chimney flashing is made of metal, check for any signs of rust or corrosion. This indicates that the material is deteriorating and may no longer be providing a watertight seal.
- Ceiling/wall water stains. Water stains on the ceiling or walls near your chimney are a clear sign that the flashing may be failing. These stains can range from light discoloration to more severe damage, such as peeling paint or wallpaper.
- Leaking water or drips. If you notice water dripping or pooling near your chimney during or after rainfall, it’s a strong indication that your chimney flashing is not functioning properly.
- Loose/missing pieces. If you see flashing itself is loose, bent, or missing entirely, don’t wait to get on the phone with our techs.
- Chimney cracks. Cracks in the masonry of your chimney are a sign that water has been leaking for some time – and it could be due to faulty flashing.
- Fireplace dampness. If the interior of your fireplace or chimney feels damp or you notice mold growth or a musty smell, it could be a sign that water is seeping in.
- Roofing material damage. If the shingles or other parts of your roof appear warped, buckled, or damaged, it could be due to water infiltration caused by faulty flashing.
- Pest or animal invasion. If you notice signs of pests in your attic or near the chimney, they could be entering through gaps in the flashing.
Also, if your roof or chimney is old, it’s worth having the flashing inspected by a professional, even if you haven’t noticed any obvious issues. Over time, flashing can degrade and may need repair or replacement, even if it was properly maintained.
Is Chimney Flashing Different From Roof Flashing?
Chimney flashing is a type of roof flashing, but there are some key differences in their specific purposes and applications.
- Chimney Flashing: Specifically designed to create a waterproof seal around the base of a chimney where it meets the roof, its primary purpose is to prevent water from entering the gaps between the chimney and the roof structure.
- Roof Flashing: This is a broader term that refers to various types of protective materials installed on the roof to prevent water from penetrating joints, seams, or edges. Roof flashing is used in multiple areas, including valleys, vents, skylights, dormers, and around any roof protrusions.
While chimney flashing is a specific type of roof flashing, its role is more specialized, focusing on sealing the junction between the chimney and the roof. It’s because of this that we always recommended hiring a chimney technician for any type of chimney flashing repairs – and not a roofer.
Need advice or servicing? Give us a call – we’d be happy to speak with you and set something up.
We Have Chimney Flashing Repair Solutions
Don’t let faulty or missing chimney flashing compromise your home’s protection. At Rutland Chimney, we are dedicated to providing high-quality chimney flashing solutions that prevent leaks and safeguard your property.
Contact us today to schedule an inspection or service, and trust our team to handle your chimney flashing needs with precision and care.
All chimney repairs are important and that definitely includes chimney leak repairs. Don’t wait – give us a call right away to make sure your home doesn’t suffer from more extensive damage.