Why is it Important to Replace Chimney Flashing During a Roof Replacement?
What is Chimney Flashing?
Chimney flashing is made up of thin sheets of metal or other waterproof materials that are installed around the base of a chimney where it protrudes through the roof. Its primary function is to create a watertight seal that directs water away from the chimney-roof intersection, preventing it from seeping into the home. Water leakage in this area can lead to significant damage to the roof structure, interior walls, and ceilings.
Why do I Need to Replace the Chimney Flashing?
When it’s time to replace your roof, you'll need to consider more than just shingles and basic roofing materials. While a roof inspection will point out many areas of concern regarding the roof shingles (or other roofing materials) and underlying structure, there is also flashing around your chimney, vents, and other roof penetrations that needs to be accounted for. Sometimes, roofing contractors will try to cut corners by leaving the chimney flashing in place. This is a guaranteed way to open up your roof to problems down the road.
Here are are signs that your chimney flashing might need repair:
- Leaks from either inside or outside the chimney
- Audible dripping
- Puddles forming near the chimney
- Rust stains on or around the chimney
- Discolored bricks
- Water stains on walls, ceilings near the chimney
- Visible gaps in the caulking around the flashing
How Many Layers of Protection in a Chimney Flashing?
Proper layering of flashing is essential for keeping water out. A chimney's defense against moisture involves 3 layers of protection.
Ice & Water Leak Barrier
This layer is the initial barrier, protecting the chimney and roof junction from all forms of moisture, including snow and ice accumulation.
Aluminum Step Flashing
L-shaped pieces of sheet metal are interwoven with the shingle layers, extending up the chimney's sides to ensure a watertight seal where the shingles meet the chimney.
Lead Flashing
This secondary layer involves lead strips embedded in the chimney's mortar joints, then bent downwards to cover the step flashing. The lead follows the contours around the corners, and all joints are subsequently re-mortared to secure the seal.
How We Repair Damaged Chimney Flashing
Whether the chimney flashing wasn’t installed properly in the first place, or it has become damaged with the passage of time and onslaught of the elements, sometimes it falls into disrepair and must be fixed. We can use a variety of techniques to repair flashing, such as releading, reflashing, and caulking.
We Perform aThourough Inspection
Initially, we conduct a thorough inspection of the area to pinpoint the leak's origin and decide on the most effective repair strategy. Our expertise extends to both the installation, repair, and complete replacement of chimney flashing.
We Use Compatible Materials when Installing or Reparing Flashing
Not all roofing materials work with the same types of flashing. For example, if you are replacing your asphalt shingles with a metal roofing system, your existing flashing won’t adequately protect your roof deck. In fact, using incompatible materials can cause more problems in the long run. Flashing that doesn’t conform to the roofing materials is difficult to seal, resulting in gaps that let water through, leading to roof leaks, mold, and other water damage.
Expert Chimney Flashing Installation with Master Roof
Our team at Master Roof is always ready to provide you with the roof repair services you need. Whether that’s a scheduled roof replacement or emergency repairs after a storm, you can rely on us to take care of your roof.
