What to Do About Damaged Chimney Flashing?

The flashing material that seals the gap between your chimney and roof is a critical component that protects both the chimney and parts of the home. Ye Olde Brit Chimney Sweep of San Bernardino, CA, would like to cover some of the details you should know about chimney flashing and what to do if yours is damaged.

Chimney flashing: simple and valuable

Chimney flashing is typically made of three pieces of material, usually metal, that are attached to the chimney, the roof and one another with adhesive. Flashing’s only purpose is to block water from getting down into unseen areas of your home.

What can go wrong with flashing?

Several things affect how long chimney flashing lasts and how well it holds up over the years. Flashing can become compromised by:

• Hail and lightning storms that pound, warp and unseat the flashing
• House-shifting that dislodges the flashing pieces
• Problems with the footing at the base of the chimney that cause the chimney to move and break the flashing adhesive
• Rust that eats away at the flashing material
• Poor workmanship in installing the flashing
• Inferior flashing materials
• Old age, which eventually catches up with everything

Is your flashing damaged?

If you feel safe doing so, it’s a good idea to get up on a ladder or the roof a couple times a year and take a look at your chimney flashing.

You’re checking for missing pieces and pieces that are rusty or starting to peel. Also inspect for water stains and indications of water damage to the adjoining roofing materials.

Manipulate the sections of flashing and see if any of them are loose to the touch. Look closely at all areas where adhesive connects the flashing to see if you can spot any little breaks or gaps.

If you don’t feel comfortable doing this inspection, have a chimney company do it.

The risks of ignoring damaged flashing

When the flashing seal is broken for any reason, major problems are likely to occur at some point. These problems can include:

• Masonry deterioration in parts of the chimney below the roof
• Damage to roofing materials adjacent to the flashing break
• Water damage to walls, ceilings, flooring and the attic
• Mold growth in unseen parts of the home

What to do about flashing issues

Damaged flashing should be repaired or replaced sooner rather than later. Many chimney service companies offer flashing inspections, repairs and installations. These are all jobs that a homeowner technically can do, but if you’re not familiar with the processes, it’s best to hire a professional.

A trained chimney technician can not only resolve flashing issues, but he or she can also perform a proper inspection to determine if the compromised flashing has led to damage elsewhere.

Fix your flashing

If your chimney flashing is damaged, Ye Olde Brit is here to help. For more than 30 years, we’ve helped our San Bernardino-area customers keep their chimneys safe, efficient and looking good.

Speak with a chimney expert today at (909) 880-2120, or get in touch with our contact form.