Protecting your chimney from water penetration damage is one of the most important things you can do as a homeowner to prolong the life of your chimney. The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) even says that water is the biggest enemy of masonry chimneys because of the extensive and expensive damage it can do. Olde Towne Chimney & Fireplace Sales specializes in fixing leaky chimneys and preventing leaks from ever occurring. We can install a chimney cap to keep water from rain and melted snow from being able to easily get into your chimney, and we also provide waterproofing services to create a barrier against water penetration of the bricks and mortar of your chimney. However, one of the most vulnerable areas for water leaks is where your chimney meets the roof. To protect this area, we offer flashing repair and installation services. We would like to tell you more about flashing and why it is necessary to have flashing to protect your chimney.
What exactly is flashing?
Consisting of metal sheets, flashing is installed by layering these sheets around the chimney where it meets the roof. Whether the sheets are made from aluminum, stainless steel, or copper, they should be cut according to precise measurements of your chimney and your roof. Olde Towne Chimney & Fireplace Sales knows that the custom fitting flashing is necessary to provide a tight seal. We take extra care at the corners, as these can be trouble spots. Over our years of working on chimneys, we have seen many chimney leaks that started because of poor workmanship on the corners of a flashing system. Caulk is used after the metal sheets have been installed to form an even more permanent and watertight seal of your chimney.
How can my flashing get damaged?
Weather events can do a lot of damage to flashing. Strong winds can bend and even break the metal sheets. Weather also can lead to corrosion damage. Even the toughest metals can weaken over the years and can begin to rust after being exposed to rain and snow. Wild animals like raccoons and squirrels can also bend flashing when they attempt to get into your chimney. Finally, your house settles and shifts over time, and if your flashing is not attached to your roof, the metal sheets can bend and create gaps that allow water to enter.
If your chimney flashing has been damaged, contact Olde Towne Chimney & Fireplace Sales as soon as possible. We can repair your damaged flashing and prevent water leaks into your chimney.