Chimney flashing is an important part of chimney construction. The flashing around your fireplace opening provides protection from rain water runoff, protects your chimney from drafty windows, and seals the chimney to the flue. The material, also known as mortar, that is used to seal the chimney flashing will deteriorate over time, allowing water to seep through and around the chimney liner. In addition, the mortar used to line your chimney flue is highly susceptible to damage from freezing and thawing. Having the right chimney flashing installed will prevent devastating damage from these winter conditions, as well as protect your home’s interior from smoke and water damage.

What exactly is chimney flashing?

The chimney flashing generally used to seal your chimney at the time of its installation is called brick sealant. Unfortunately, the brick sealant deteriorates over time, allowing water to seep through and around the chimney liner. Repair chimney flashing is a highly recommended procedure, as it is a relatively inexpensive repair. This article discusses the most commonly recommended repairs, as well as the most common mistakes to avoid with this simple repair.

Chimney Flashing And Repair Services Offered By chimney specialists

One mistake that people make with chimney flashing is using the wrong type of flashing. There are three basic types of chimney flashing, each having its own specific uses. These types are exterior, inside-out, and top down. What to look for in a chimney flashing expert:

Chimney Flashing Function

Exterior flashing is designed to protect the outside of your home from water stains and falling leaves. This is done by the flue being kept open, and includes fixtures such as leaf guards. To do this, you want a professional to look at the chimney before they start doing any work, to ensure it is not only structurally sound, but also waterproof and watertight. Leaks need to be repaired immediately, otherwise you could end up damaging or even rotting the wood.

In inside-out flashing, you have channels that run from the top of the chimney flue to the bottom. In order to seal these channels properly, you need to use the highest quality materials and methods. Since inside-out flashings are brittle, they need to be replaced after a few years. Other services include leak detection, repair of cracked or broken seals, and the preparation of chimney liners and other forms of chimney flashing.

Besides chimney sealing and repair, there are other types of services offered. Slate roofs, for example, have a higher chance of leak than other types of roofs. Slate roofs also tend to age much more quickly than other types of materials such as tiles. In this case, a professional will likely be needed to examine the roof, and recommend whether repairs should be done or whether a new roof should be installed.

Leak detection is a chimney cleaning and repair service that many people might not think about until their chimney is leaking. Leak detection services include inspections, which look for leaks, the repair of existing leaks, and the installation of new roof shingles to correct problems with bald spots or other types of flat roofing. It may also include the replacement of old damaged or deteriorating roofing materials. Leak detection and repair may cost more than simple roof inspection, but in the long run, it can save you money because it prevents further damage.

The final type of chimney cleaning and repair service offered by experts are those that specialize in fire suppression. Many chimney fires start because someone was trying to light a stove. In these cases, specialists will remove and dispose of flammable materials, such as paper, and place them in secured receptacles so they do not pose a hazard when disposed of in a typical trash container. This type of chimney cleaning and repair service can be somewhat more expensive than other types of services offered, but it can be well worth the extra expense when it comes time to replace your chimney. Since many chimneys are built several years ago, they may need to be replaced sooner rather than later, and chimney flammables should not be put off.