The US has over 27 million homes with fireplaces.
Winter nights spent along the warmth of the fireplace are great. But with a fireplace comes great responsibility – the responsibility of maintaining your chimneys at all times.
There are many reasons you could have a leaky chimney that can cause many problems. This could ultimately lead to costly repairs.
However, harsh weather and condensation can cause your metal flashing to wear and tear over time, causing a chimney leak when it rains or snow melts.
This blog explores what chimney flashing is and what causes chimney leaks.
What is Chimney Flashing?
Chimney flashing is a kind of roof flashing used to create a waterproof seal to protect your chimney. This helps protect the chimney against water damage.
Chimney flashing consists of three parts: step flashing, cap/counter flashing, and base flashing. The three parts come together to create a waterproof seal.
What Damage Can a Leaky Chimney Flashing Cause?
While the main aim of chimney flashing is to protect your chimney, it also helps protect your roof against water damage.
If the flashing around your chimney is damaged, it will allow water to seep through the roof and cause severe damage to your attic, roof, and other house interiors.
How to Detect a Leaky Chimney Flashing?
When the chimney flashing is installed correctly, it can last for up to 30 years.
How long the flashing lasts depends on the details of certain factors, such as the size and shape of your chimney, the material used, etc.
Here Are Some Evident Signs That You Need to Get Your Chimney Flashing Repaired:
- Sound and evidence of dripping
- Leaking from the inside and outside of the chimney
- Discoloration of bricks
- Rusting stains
- Water stains around the fireplace, the interior of the ceiling, or the walls
- Obvious gaps in the caulking
How to Repair Leaky Chimney Flashing?
Sometimes chimney repair services can fix a leaky chimney flashing by resealing it with new caulk.
However, a proper chimney inspection is essential to ensure there’s no internal damage before resealing with new caulking.
Without a proper inspection, if you reseal the flashing and internal damage isn’t fixed, it can cause greater damage to your chimney and house. Plus, a professional job means a job well done without any errors.
Contacting the Experts
Chimney flashing repair and replacement requires very expensive professional equipment and years of expertise and skills. There are high chances of a DIY job going south and resulting in more damage than anticipated.
Contact us for a quick and reliable chimney repair job at an affordable price. Many companies use materials like aluminum, lead, and copper that can put your family in danger.
Our experts at Ct Chimney Repairs put your safety first by using only the best materials for all your chimney repairs.
Visit our website for more information.
