Why Flashing Is Critical For Your Chimney
If you know anything about roofing, you know that flashing is vital to protect your roof from developing leaks along the joints and seams. Without it, your roof would become saturated and rot. Did you know that flashing is also vital to chimney’s? Let’s find out why flashing is critical for your chimney.
Flashing Basics
Chimney flashing is a thin layer of aluminum, copper, or galvanized steel that forms a water-resistant seal between your chimney and the roof. Flashing prevents water from entering the joint where the roof and chimney join. It staves off rainwater, melting snow, and ice that, over time, will do extensive damage to your roof and chimney.
What Are the Functions of Chimney Flashing?
It Prevents Water Damage
Water has always been and still is one of nature’s most destructive forces. If your chimney doesn’t have flashing, water will undoubtedly affect your chimney. There is no more destructive force than water when it comes to a masonry chimney.
Water will erode your chimney’s bricks, causing numerous cracks, disintegration, and total collapse. Chimney flashing is an excellent barrier, forcing water away from joints and seams.
Chimney Flashing Helps Save Money on Power Bills
A benefit of chimney flashing that you may not be aware of is energy savings. How does flashing lower power bills? It keeps bills at current or lower levels by preventing water from invading your home. If your home’s insulation becomes damp, it can create drafts, which in turn raises heating costs during the coldest months of the year.
Chimney Flashing Maintains Curb Appeal
If there is a leak where your roof and chimney meet, it can lead to unsightly water stains on walls and ceilings, decreasing your home’s resale value. By investing in chimney flashing, you potentially increase your house’s future resale value.
Saves Money on Chimney or Roof Repairs
If your roof becomes damaged by water seeping through the seam where the roof and chimney intersect, the roof will begin to rot. The roof will sustain damage, and support beams in the attic will also rot, leading to costly roof repairs. You could also have a widespread mold infestation, which is expensive to remove and can take months to completely get rid of.
What do You Do to Maintain Chimney Flashing?
If you have existing chimney flashing or are planning to have it installed, follow these simple tips to ensure your chimney flashing works for years to come:
Routine Inspections
The best way to ensure that your chimney flashing is around for the long run is to have a qualified chimney sweep service inspect it. They have training that allows them to detect issues with flashing that may not be evident to a homeowner. If they detect any problems, they will take action, bringing us to our next step.
Timely Repairs
If a chimney sweep service detects an issue with your chimney flashing that causes a leak, they will get to work. They have the experience and training to confirm that a repair is done right the first time. Once they have completed a project, you can rest assured that the repair will hold up to the elements and time.
To Sum Up
Chimney flashing may seem an unimportant element in preserving your house’s all-around well-being and safety. By understanding its vital role in protecting and being proactive in maintaining it, you can defend your home against the destructive effects of water invasion. It doesn’t matter if your house is new or a venerable old mansion; keep the value of quality chimney flashing in mind—It will keep your roof and chimney in good shape.
Mercer County Chimney Understands the Value of Chimney Flashing
If you have chimney flashing and want it inspected or are seeking to have it installed, we can help. Contact us today if you live in the Mercer County area, including Lawrenceville, Hamilton, Allentown, or Chesterfield. One of our staff members will take the time to discuss it with you and schedule our chimney sweeps to repair or install your flashing.
