Chimney flashing is essential for preventing water from entering your chimney and home.
One of the most essential parts of your chimney system is flashing. Many homeowners assume it’s part of the roofing; others think it’s part of the chimney—but what is it? The chimney flashing is made up of thin sheets of metal placed meticulously to shed water in a certain way to prevent water damage. The flashing should only be installed by a chimney professional and inspected annually to ensure it’s in place. Keep reading to learn about the importance of chimney flashing.
What Is Chimney Flashing?
In general, flashing is material that covers up joints, intersections, and seams of your roof. Flashing can be found alongside elevation changes on your roof and, of course, the chimney. The job of chimney flashing is to prevent water from entering your chimney and home. For that reason, the flashing must be repaired or replaced when water issues occur. Some common warning signs include water droplets inside of the chimney, condensation within the firebox, musty smells, and water stains on the walls near your chimney.
Why is It Important?
Flashing around your chimney is as important as flashing on other parts of your roof. It keeps water from entering your home through the seams. At the same time, it extends the lifespan of your chimney. Brick and mortar deteriorate faster when exposed to water. When moisture enters your home through chimney flashing, your chimney may experience rapid deterioration and, eventually, structural damage.
Professionally Installed Chimney Flashing
Flashing should be installed by a licensed and certified chimney professional like Champion Chimneys. A general contractor may say they can handle the repairs, but they likely can’t complete the job properly, not being trained in chimney science and fire safety. The flashing must be installed by a professional who understands the placement of the metal sheets, the angle of the roof, and the material of the chimney.
Signs Your Chimney Needs Repair
There are moments when repairing or replacing chimney flashing is the only choice. If you have a leak in the house, checking the flashing along with the rest of the roof is beneficial. You should also check your flashing when performing roof maintenance. With proper care, your flashing and roof can last longer than average. There are signs you can look for when determining if your chimney flashing is damaged. These signs include:
- Water stains on the walls or ceiling near the chimney
- Rusted or cracked flashing
- A musty smell coming from the fireplace
- Loose flashing
- Missing screws or fasteners
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.