Chimney Flashing Repair
Boston Area Chimney Repair Team
Guaranteed Chimney of New England is a trusted name when it comes to a wide range of chimney services, including chimney flashing repair. A leaking chimney can cause chaos for homeowners. It is oftentimes tough to identify exactly how your chimney is leaking. One common cause for chimney leaks is poor flashing installation. The flashing is simply a sheet of metal designed for one purpose: to seal the chimney from water. The flash is the connection between the chimney and the roof.
However, the effectiveness of the flashing wears over time and needs to be repaired. An annual chimney inspection is a simple way to avoid this problem, as every inspection would catch a deteriorating chimney flash. For more information about chimney flashing repairs, please contact us.
Chimney Repair Estimate
When you reach out, we can provide you with a free estimate! Get on top of your chimney issues with a professional hand. And sometimes a simple chimney flashing repair is not all that is required to maintain the safety of your chimney and, subsequently, your roof. If you are in need of any service for your chimney, please contact us today for a free estimate as well. Other notable chimney services include cap rebuild, damper repair and flue replacement. The professionals at Guaranteed Chimney proudly serve residents in the Boston area.
Chimney Flashing Repair Warning Signs
Leaks around the chimney may not always present themselves right away and the signs can hide, causing damage to your foundation without you knowing. Moisture can enter the roofing and ceiling areas and rot the wood and damage the drywall. Inspections once or twice are year are imperative to keeping your home safe from water damage.
During an inspection of a chimney, the flashing gets a careful look. The most vulnerable area to a leak is at the bottom of a roof slope. This is an area that typically needs extra attention during an inspection, as well as possible repairs to ensure that your chimney is waterproof and keeps your home dry. If you are experiencing leaks, then get in touch with us to discuss our chimney waterproofing services. Our chimney flashing repair services can be trusted to get the job done right!
What Causes Chimney Flashing to Leak?
Chimney flashing is exposed to the weather year-round. Over time, several problems can cause flashing to deteriorate or lose its seal, including:
- Loose or damaged metal flashing
- Cracks or gaps where flashing meets the chimney
- Deteriorated sealant or roofing cement
- Corrosion and rust
- Improperly installed flashing
- Damage caused by severe weather
- Deteriorating brick or mortar around the flashing
- Water collecting around the base of the chimney
A chimney leak does not always mean that the flashing itself is the only problem. Water can travel through roofing materials or masonry before becoming visible inside the home. That is why identifying the actual source of the leak is an important part of professional chimney flashing repair.
Chimney Flashing Repair Process
When the roof flashing separates from the brick around chimneys, it allows rainwater to leak into the house. But this loose flashing can be a quick and simple repair job. A few simple steps and your roof can be safe from water damage. Here are the general steps to our chimney flashing repair jobs:
- First, any leaves or debris in the area is cleaned between the flash and the chimney.
- Then, a chisel is used to remove any remaining hardened roofing cement. This is done to ensure that the new roofing cement has a clean hold of the chimney.
- Once that is applied, the flash needs to be tightened against the chimney.
- After it is screwed back in, more roofing cement is used to cover any exposed nails or screws. as well as applying it to the joint between the brick and the flashing.
- To finish, this cement is simply evened out to look smooth.
Chimney flashing repair can be a crucial aspect when trying to stop a chimney leak. The steps laid out above should only be handled by a chimney professional. You know, like the ones here at Guaranteed Chimney of New England.
Chimney Flashing Repair vs. Flashing Replacement
Not every flashing problem requires complete replacement. Depending on the condition of the existing materials, a chimney flashing repair may involve securing loose flashing, repairing failed joints, replacing damaged sections, or resealing the connection between the roof and chimney.
When the existing flashing is severely corroded, improperly installed, or too damaged to provide reliable protection, chimney flashing replacement may be the better long-term solution. The appropriate repair depends on the condition of the flashing, roofing materials, chimney masonry, and surrounding areas. Good thing for you, though, because whether you need a repair of a full replacement our team has you covered.