Why Flashing Is Critical For Your Chimney

Flashing is a vital part of your roof. It protects seams where they meet by covering them and preventing water from getting in. Without flashing, your roof would end up having leaks, which would cause sections of it to rot and further damage to your home. Let’s look further into why flashing is critical for your chimney.

Chimney Flashing Safeguards Your House Against Water Damage

If you want to protect your home from water damage that could cause the need for extensive repairs, then flashing is a crucial part of that protection. Just like shingles or gutters, Chimney flashing is an irreplaceable roof component. Its role in preventing water damage and guarding the structural integrity of your roof is undeniable. Here are some ways chimney flashing can protect your roof.

What Is Chimney Flashing?

Chimney flashing is a roofing material usually constructed from galvanized steel, aluminum, or copper. It creates a waterproof barrier between your Chimney and your roof. The barrier is essential because the area where your Chimney intersects with the roof is highly sensitive to leaks. Flashing protects the intersection, keeping water from intruding into your home.

What Does Chimney Flashing Do?

Chimney flashing aims to prevent water from seeping into the space where a chimney intersects a roof. If flashing isn’t there, rain and melting snow can permeate the junction, triggering several problems, including:

• Water Damage- Water can douse your roof and seep in, causing wood to rot, mold and mildew growth, and damage to insulation.
• Structural Issues- As the years pass, continued water infiltration could impact the structural integrity of your roof and Chimney, which, if not dealt with, will result in a host of expensive repairs.
• Damage to Your Home’s Interior—Leaks near your Chimney don’t just hurt your roof. They can cause ugly stains on your ceilings and walls, make paint flake off and wallpaper peel, and inevitably cause electrical issues when water reaches wiring in your house’s walls.

Chimney Flashing Benefits Most Roofing

Chimney flashing is vital for all types of roofing, from sloped to flat, and for chimneys. Strong flashing fixed around a chimney is crucial to preventing water infiltration, regardless of whether your roof is covered with slate, asphalt shingles, metal panels, or tile.

What Occurs When Sloped Roofs Lack Chimney Flashing?

Here are some of the problems that could occur in a home with a chimney and a sloped roof without flashing:

• Water Damage- As we already stated, the worst and most obvious problem a chimney without flashing has is leaks, which can cause extensive water damage to your home’s structural integrity and ruin its interior.
• Health Issues- Mold and mildew growth fueled by water invading your roof and Chimney can cause health hazards to your family. Mold is highly unhealthy for those with respiratory issues.
• Decreased Property Value- Extensive water damage and structural issues can lower a home’s value, making it harder to sell.
• Increased Repair Costs- Ignoring the need for chimney flashing will only result in expensive repairs in the future because water damage can travel and cause the deterioration of your house over time.

How is Chimney Flashing Installed?

Installing chimney flashing is a painstaking procedure requiring a professional and skilled chimney sweep to ensure it is performed correctly. The process of installing chimney flashing involves multiple steps:

• Preparation- The area near the Chimney is cleaned, and if there is any worn and damaged flashing present, it will be removed.
• Base Flashing- The first layer of flashing, called base flashing, is affixed to the base of the Chimney. It is placed against the side of the Chimney and under the roofing material.
• Step Flashing- This step involves placing L-shaped pieces of metal that cover every shingle and climb up the sides of the Chimney. Each piece is layered with the shingles to form an impenetrable shield.
• Counter Flashing- Counter flashing is placed on top of the step flashing. It’s implanted into a chimney’s mortar joints and folded to hide the top of the step flashing.
• Sealing- The final step is sealing the flashing. Its edges are sealed with roofing cement or another kind of sealant to give a snug, waterproof fit.

To Sum Up

Chimney flashing is vital to any sloped roof that has a chimney. It protects your home from water damage and extends the life of your roof. With proper Chimney flashing installation and maintenance, you can avoid costly repairs and possible health hazards. If you believe your chimney flashing could be damaged or improperly installed, contact a professional sweep service to examine it.

Let us Install Chimney Flashing on Your Roof This Summer

At Dubuque Fireplace and Patio, we have the expertise to install flashing on your Chimney and repair any damage that may have occurred. Our highly trained chimney sweeps will do the job quickly, causing minimal disruption. Contact us today to have Chimney flashing installed. Don’t wait until winter weather returns; get in touch during the slow season. We can service your Chimney quickly so it works when you need it.