Chimney flashing protects your chimney from moisture or leaks that could cause damage or mold.
You may have heard that flashing is an important part of a chimney but you might not know what it actually does. It’s an essential piece of your chimney that helps protect it from moisture or leaks that could otherwise cause damage or mold. Preventing long-term water damage is an important aspect of chimney maintenance, so it follows that chimney flashing is equally as important. Here’s a breakdown of why chimney flashing matters.
The “Why” of Chimney Flashing
Your chimney flashing helps protect both your chimney and your entire roof. That’s because it helps prevent moisture from entering the joints between the roof and chimney. It also prevents excess moisture from getting directly into your brick and mortar. It may seem like a small problem, but if left unresolved, it may eventually cause serious (and costly) structural issues for your home.
Why is water so dangerous? Not just mold, but that water can also get trapped inside your chimney or roof. Once winter comes around, it can then expand and contract over and over, which may cause those structural problems. The solution is to use chimney flashing, paired with a chimney cap, to prevent moisture from getting inside your chimney.
Different Kinds Available
We usually see chimney flashing in one of four different materials. Aluminum is the most common in recent years since it is inexpensive and highly resistant to rust, plus it’s easy to install on many different kinds of roofs. Vinyl is also inexpensive but prone to cracking in cold temperatures, making it only suitable in warm environments. Copper is more expensive, won’t rust, and is durable, so it’s good if you live somewhere with a lot of rain and snow. Lastly, steel is common in older chimney flashing and can rust over a long enough time.
How to Maintain It
Work with a professional to maintain or repair your chimney flashing. It’s dangerous to try to climb on your roof and do it yourself. However, depending on the material you choose, it should be as simple as having your chimney sweep check your flashing once a year when they do your chimney maintenance. If they find an issue, they can tell you what to do from there and figure out a way to resolve it.
Schedule Your Chimney Cleaning from Champion Chimneys, Inc.
When you need a trusted company for your chimney inspection and chimney cleaning, you can trust our team. Champion Chimneys, Inc. is a fully licensed, bonded, and insured chimney service company that has served customers in Baltimore County, Howard County, and Anne Arundel County, Maryland, since 2001. Our team is trained and certified by Certified Chimney Professionals, Inc. (CCP, Inc.). We specialize in all aspects of your chimney system. Whether you need chimney and flue cleaning service or a full chimney rebuild or inspection, contact us at 443-Chimney today and let us fix all your chimney problems. Also, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.