Chimney Flashing Importance
There are many various components that make up a chimney, and each one plays a crucial part in determining how well it functions. Your home’s security is put in jeopardy in the event that even a single component of the chimney is broken, severely damaged, or simply absent. The flashing of chimneys is not an exception. The flashing of chimneys is frequently overlooked in favor of other chimney services such as tuckpointing, sweeping, and lining, which are more commonly discussed. However, the flashing around your chimney is a very critical component in ensuring that your chimney functions properly.
What exactly is flashing a chimney?
At the place where your roof joins your chimney, you will find something called flashing. It is designed to provide a watertight seal that prevents moisture from penetrating your roof and chimney. It is possible for chimney flashing to endure more than 30 years when it is built correctly; however, this is dependent on a number of factors, including the size, shape, and location of your chimney as well as the materials that were utilized. There are a number distinct varieties of chimney flashing, each of which will be discussed in turn in the following paragraphs:
Aluminum – a highly common choice. Aluminum flashing may be used on any kind of roof, and it is both affordable and easy to install. Additionally, it is resistant to corrosion.
Another frequent material for chimney flashing is steel, which is also a highly strong material. Offers superior resistance to corrosion in addition to its impressive strength.
Copper is an attractive material that is not only lightweight but also incredibly durable. Copper will never rust and is unaffected by the elements in any way. Copper, on the other hand, is the alternative with the highest cost.
Vinyl or PVC – either one – should never be utilized in environments with cold temperatures. Can become brittle when subjected to severe weather conditions. This is not something that is recommended for use in Chicago homes.
Flashing components of the chimney
The complete chimney flashing is composed of a few different components that fit together. The first type of flashing is called the base or step flashing, and it may be located underneath the shingles on your roof and curved upwards against the outside of your chimney. The counter flashing appears directly on top of the step flashing. The counter flashing for your chimney will need to be bowed down before it can be fitted in the mortar joints. Its role is to provide a watertight seal over the top of the base flashing. A saddle flashing is something that has to be fitted on chimneys that are broader than 30 inches. The installation of saddle flashing results in the formation of a peak that enables precipitation, such as water and snow, to slide down your roof and away from the chimney.
It is essential to check that your chimney is equipped with all of the necessary flashing components in order to prevent any water damage to your property. Vertical Chimney Care can undertake an examination of your chimney to ensure that it is in good condition if you are worried about the state of your flashing or if you do not feel comfortable examining it yourself.
Keep a Keen Lookout for Flashing That Is Leaking
If you just moved into a new house or haven’t done any repair to your existing chimney in a very long time, you should be on the lookout for indicators of poor chimney flashing. If you don’t take care of the chimney flashing immediately away, chimney leaks are quite likely to occur, and if you wait too long to fix the problem, it might lead to significant complications.
Failure of the chimney’s flashing can result in damage to both the roof and the attic of your home. Damage to a roof is not something that should be ignored, and if you spot any damage, it is imperative that you locate a roofing company to address the work as soon as possible. Not to mention that the chimney itself might experience significant water damage if the flashing was done improperly.
If sufficient water penetrates your chimney, the mortar joints between the bricks will become brittle, and the chimney’s overall structural integrity will be put at danger as a result. It is imperative that you have your chimney inspected at least once a year in order to prevent something like this from taking place. Always err on the side of caution instead than regret. It is preferable to have to repair minor flashing damage as opposed to having to repair your roof and chimney because they have been weakened by excessive water exposure.
If you have any concern or inquiries but is not sure who to ask for help, you can call Local Chimney Sweep Cleaning to help you. We also offer professional Chimney Cleaning Dunlap and repairing.