CHIMNEY FLASHING REPAIR
Just like any other part of your chimney, flashing can deteriorate over time. Flashing can tear, crack, or become loose; be ripped or blown off by the wind; or even be eaten by animals! Deteriorated flashing can cause severe damage to the interior of your home, including attic areas, walls, and ceilings, as water can enter the house structure from the roof. When you notice leaking around a chimney you should have one of our trained technicians inspect the problem area.
Just like any other part of your chimney, flashing can deteriorate over time. Flashing can tear, crack, or become loose; be ripped or blown off by the wind; or even be eaten by animals! Deteriorated flashing can cause severe damage to the interior of your home, including attic areas, walls, and ceilings, as water can enter the house structure from the roof. When you notice leaking around a chimney you should have one of our trained technicians inspect the problem area.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the difference between flashing and step flashing?
Flashing can be made of sheet metal, lead, and/or copper. It is a term that describes the combination of two integral parts. The first part is the “step flashing,” which consists of L-shaped pieces of sheet metal that are woven in with the shingles to prevent rain from entering between the roof and the chimney. The second part is known as “counter flashing.” This layer is commonly constructed of lead or copper and is embedded into the masonry and then hangs over the step flashing. Counter flashing prevents rain from getting behind the step flashing, thus sealing the chimney. In the case of standing seam roofs, the step flashing will be constructed of the roofing material.
Is deteriorated flashing the most common cause of a leak?
No. Leaks are most often caused by water penetrating the masonry structure above the roofline. In these cases, waterproofing the masonry above the roofline can solve leaks where flashing was thought to be the culprit (see masonry waterproofing for more information).
Are there any quick fixes for flashing damage?
Yes. A product called Flash Seal can be used to solve problem leaks around the base of chimneys, stacks, and vents. It works by forming a flexible waterproof membrane. It’s formulated for permanent adhesion to asphalt shingles, metal flashings, brick, and other chimney and roofing materials. It remains permanently flexible and has a seven-year warranty when used with Flash Seal Reinforcement Fabric. That said, we prefer to repair the flashing with proper step flashing and counter flashing techniques and reserve the use of Flash Seal for quick fixes or for special cases where lead cannot be installed.
