Spring is here and that means warmer temperatures and lots of rain. It also means that any snow that winter left behind will quickly be melting. Water brings greenery and new life to the world around us. However, it is not good for you masonry chimney. If you have a leaky chimney, water can cause real issues that are costly and time-consuming. That’s why it is important to make sure that every component of your chimney is working properly after heavy winter usage.
One area of your chimney that is especially vulnerable is the chimney flashing. It’s in a highly exposed position on the top of the roof means that it has been bombarded by sleet, ice, and debris all winter. If your chimney flashing is damaged, there is a lot of potential for water intrusion. At The Chimney Guy, we want you to be nice and dry when the snow melts. That’s why we offer chimney flashing inspections and repairs.
Your Chimney Flashing’s Job
Your chimney flashing is strips of metal that cover the gap where your chimney intersects with the roof. If this gap isn’t covered, melting snow and rain can run off your roof and down your chimney and inside your home. This can lead to all sorts of damage including masonry damage, warped and stained walls, and rotting framework. Because of its exposed location, your flashing is susceptible to being dented, ripped, rusted, and even torn off completely. When this happens, your chimney flashing has lost its effectiveness, meaning your home is more susceptible to water damage.
Sometimes, issues with flashing happen because of poor installation. If the person who installed your flashing used the wrong materials, it can cause your flashing to degrade quickly. Although galvanized steel is a popular choice, it has a tendency to rust. That’s why we recommend stainless steel or copper flashing. Another common issue we run across is sloppy installation. If the person installing your flashing was untrained or in a hurry, your flashing may have been installed or sealed incorrectly.
Prevention is key to a dry home
To avoid chimney leaks, it is important to have your chimney inspected at least once a year by a Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) certified chimney technician. At The Chimney Guy, our CSIA certified chimney technicians will go on your roof and check the condition of your flashing. If your chimney flashing needs minor repairs, we can use a product called FlashSeal to repair it. FlashSeal is a water resistant sealant that fill in any leaky areas in your flashing. However, if your flashing is in very poor condition, we can replace it completely for you.
Don’t live with a leaky chimney any longer, call the team at the Chimney Guy today at 920-830-1920. You can also schedule an appointment online to have one of our experts inspect your chimney flashing today!
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