Why Repair Chimney Flashing (10 Reasons To Know)

When you think of a chimney, you probably don’t picture something that needs regular maintenance. However, many houses have chimneys with areas that can become damaged or require maintenance to keep them working correctly.

Replacing chimney flashing is one of the most important things you need to know about if you own a house with a chimney. 

This is because it protects the exterior of your home from moisture and water that could get inside and cause damage.

But what exactly is chimney flashing, and why does it need to be replaced on so many houses? Here are ten reasons you should know about repairing chimney flashing before it’s too late.

How chimney flashing works

The current flashing and shingles surrounding the chimney must first be taken off. The base flashing is then put around the chimney’s base. Pieces of step flashing and shingles are placed on one another and intertwined to deflect water away from the chimney and roof.

10 reasons to Repair Chimney Flashing

That is probably the number one reason why you should repair chimney flashing. It’s easy to check, so you will know if it’s worn or missing, and if that’s the case, then it’s essential to repair it as soon as possible. If not, water will leak into your home, especially during rainy seasons or a strong storm, cause damage to the ceiling and walls, and even rot the wood on the floor. 

You want to avoid this, and it’s simple to stop it. Your best bet is to find a company that offers a free inspection or even a free estimate and rely on someone with experience repairing chimneys. This way, you can be sure that the flashing is installed correctly, without any issues, and will last a long time.

Chimneys can leak where the flue meets the roof.

If a chimney leaks, it is most likely because the flue meets the roof. When the flue and roof meet, there can be a gap that allows air to leak in. This is because the flue and roof are not connected. To have a water-tight seal, it is necessary to caulk around the flue and the roof. Caulking will create a tight seal to prevent air from leaking in and out of the chimney.

Flashing can be damaged by age, harsh weather and repairs.

Yes, flashing is damaged by age, harsh weather and repairs. If the flashing was installed improperly or deteriorated and needs replacement, it is best to replace it entirely with a new unit. Old flashing can degrade and become a health risk.

If you must replace an old piece of flashing, it should be replaced with a new one designed for the job. 

Flashing is meant to protect the house from water damage, so it must be installed the first time correctly. If there are areas that leak, the source of the problem should be located and corrected before any additional work is done.

Once the new flashing has been installed, it will not correct any shortcomings in the old installation. As the flashing ages, you must watch it for any deterioration. As it weakens, there is a possibility that water can get behind it and damage your walls, floors and roof.

It protects the exterior of your home.

Chimney flashing is designed to protect the house’s exterior from excess water that might be coming out of the chimney. This is especially important during rainy seasons when water pools on rooftops and can potentially enter through any gaps or openings in the exterior.

This water can damage the exterior of your house and seep into the walls, rotting the framing and causing significant interior damage.

It’s Incredibly Important During Rainy Seasons

Flashing is even more critical during spring and fall when most areas receive the bulk of their yearly rainfall. Water on the roof can quickly get into the gaps around the chimney and cause significant water damage if it isn’t adequately covered.

This can rot framing and walls, causing enormous problems for homeowners and costing them a lot of money in repairs.

Repairing Chimney Flashing Is An Easy DIY Project

Many homeowners with flashing chimneys find that the metal has become corrupted. This happens because flashing is designed to be outside and exposed to elements that can become rusty and eroded with time.

When this happens, it isn’t protecting your house from water damage as it should be. Replacing the flashing is an easy do-it-yourself project requiring only a basic set of tools. You can buy flashing online or at your local hardware store or use the metal you already have.

Water From Showering Can Be Problematic For Chimneys

How often have you stood in your shower, watched the water run down the drain, and wondered where it goes? Many homeowners don’t realize that water can seep into other parts of the house, including the chimney.

Water can start seeping into the walls surrounding the chimney when the drain in your shower clogs up or the standpipe gets blocked. This can cause significant water damage to the exterior of your house, potentially rotting the framing and causing significant damage to the structure.

Winds Can Be Extremely Dangerous For Flashing

We all know that wind can cause damage during storms and hurricanes, but did you know that it can also damage your flashing? When strong winds whip around the chimney, they create air pressure that can damage the flashing. This can allow water to seep inside, potentially causing significant damage to your house.

Other areas of your home may need repair after the flashing is fixed

Occasionally, other areas in your home may experience problems after your flashing is repaired. This is because flashing can sometimes serve as a source of water entry into your home.

For example, if you have cracks in your roof that were not apparent until the flashing was fixed, other areas may also be damaged and leaking. Or, if the flashing was installed on a roof vent that was not functioning correctly, there may be leaks in the roof below the vent.

In these cases, it may also be necessary to repair these additional areas.

Sediment From Showers Can Cause Bigger Problems In The Long Run

The minerals and sediment in your shower drains can clog up your plumbing and cause significant issues in your house. While it may not result in damage right away, over time, this sediment can cause more significant problems. This is particularly true of the vicinity of the chimney. When the water runs down the drain, it can pick up this sediment and flow right into the chimney. This can cause buildup that blocks airflow and causes frequent repairs to the flue.

Installing New Flashing May Be Necessary Regardless of the Damage

Replacing the flashing on your chimney is essential every few years, regardless of whether it has become damaged. This is because flashing naturally deteriorates over time and needs to be replaced every few years to remain effective.

When replacing flashing, it’s a good idea to replace it with a slightly thicker material. This ensures the flashing lasts for a more extended time without needing to be replaced again.

Conclusion

When you think of a chimney, you probably don’t imagine anything that requires routine care. However, many homes feature chimneys that might sustain damage or need upkeep to maintain proper operation.

If you own a home with a chimney, replacing the chimney flashing is one of the most crucial things you should be aware of. 

This is because it shields your home’s exterior from dampness and water that may otherwise seep inside and cause harm. But what precisely is chimney flashing, and why do so many homes require its replacement? Here are ten reasons to learn about chimney flashing repair immediately before it’s too late. 

Chimney flashing can rust, break down, or get damaged in many different ways, which is why it is crucial to keep an eye on it and make repairs as soon as possible.

If you notice any problems with the flashing, you should have it repaired as soon as possible. If you find it damaged, you should get it repaired as soon as possible. This will protect your home and make sure that everything is working correctly.