Chimney flashing roof damage
Chimney Flashing damage costs money! That’s the plain and simple reason why you should care about this issue. Without proper chimney flashing you are vulnerable to:
Water
Wind
Caulking that chips and peels
Rusting metal and nails
All eventually lead to leaking…which WILL eventually lead to you having to spend money.
What exactly is flashing
Flashing is the metal or synthetic material located around your chimney where the structure meets the roof. Your chimney actually penetrates your decking and thus needs special attention so as not to leak.
There are several types of flashing:
Aluminum - cost effective but subject to corrosion, Contractors like it because it comes in rolls and can be cut and bent to any length and shape
Vinyl/PVC – lightweight and easy to work with, but not good in wet, humid, or harsh weather environments.
Steel – this is one of the most durable and dependable flashing materials. It is somewhat more expensive and takes longer to work with
Copper – a very effective material to flash with that is weather resistant and aesthetically pleasing, but also happens to be the most expensive chimney flashing material
Your contractor can recommend which material is right for you and your roof.
Chimney flashing and roof repair
To properly seal around the base requires more than just the flashing material itself, but without the proper substrate you’re looking at problems in the future. In the case of Flashing, cheaper is definitely not always less expensive.
All of the following need to be checked when repairing the flashing around your chimney. Damage to any of these structures MUST be repaired. Partial repair doesn’t work when it comes to chimneys.
Decking – the substrate to your roof that is attached to the rafters of your structure.
Ice & Water Shield – a fully adhesive membrane located around ALL the penetrations in your deck. It is water resistant.
Front & Back Pan – sheds water as an apron that sits on top of the shingles on the upper &
lower side of your chimney
Alternating Shingle and Step Flashing – multiple overlapping is the most effective method for keeping water out
Counter Flashing – lays over step flashing to make sure nothing gets behind it
*Cricket – pictured above, this structure is sometimes built on the upper side of the chimney to make sure water is diverted
Conclusion
Chimney Flashing is a vulnerable area that can end up costing you thousands of dollars. It’s important to get it installed or have your chimney repair done properly. You have a variety of materials to choose from. If you don’t know if your chimney flashing is in good shape, then let True Line Roofing come do a Complimentary Inspection complete with photos and video. Find out more about proper Flashing here.
Call now and save money 270.226.4258
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