Chimney Flashing Repair Process

03 Jan Chimney Flashing Repair Process

Chimney flashing repairs are a frequent chimney service. They come in various shapes and sizes. But they all have the same goal – watertight chimneys.

A chimney is more than just a stack of bricks going up into the air. In addition to being an artful design element, chimneys serve as ventilation for your home. Bring fresh air into your living space while expelling dangerous carbon monoxide from deadly fireplace fires.

The chimney also serves as part of an overall drainage system for your roofing materials. Allow rainwater to move away from the foundation of the house. It does not create a damp environment where mold or insects can set up shop.

What is Chimney Flashing?

Familiarize yourself with three forms of chimney flashing. Here they are:

Step Flashing

Use a step flashing chimney repair often at the roof and intersection. Cap the chimney with a metal or slate roof. In this scenario, the step flashing chimney repair is a metal strip that Pro-Tech Chimney can install below the shingles and above the chimney. It has a series of steps that create a watertight seal when the shingles overlap them.

Step flashing the side involves installing a metal plate on one side of your chimney. Know this type as step-flashes because they have steps or ledges that stick out from behind them. Make contact with roofing sheets attached at various intervals above. This is before spanning across them like stairs going up towards heaven itself.

The material is over three inches wide and tall. There is always enough space beneath each nailhead for proper waterproofing when Pro-Tech Chimney installs it properly.

Counter or Cap Flashing

You can call this chimney flashing repair counterflashing. It occurs at the top of your chimney, beneath the wood or metal cap that covers it.

Attention to detail entails notching out an area for one corner of this chimney repair material. This lets your chimney crown overlap with the flashings below it. Attached to chimney flashings with nails driven through these corners cutout areas into gray slate roofs. A warm copper strip runs along its bottom edge full-length for durability and beauty.

The bottom cap flashing is a single piece of metal that covers the vertical portion of your chimney. Fasten only to prevent leaks and become sturdy enough for your needs. In good quality work, bend it to make mortar joints with one inch (two to three cm) or more depth.

Base Flashing

The chimney flashing repair at the base is also a single piece of metal. It covers the entire opening at the base of your chimney. This flashing is sturdy and fits snugly against the chimney masonry. The sealant should overlap the chimney mortar joints completely.

Installers slope it towards the roof to ensure proper drainage. The top edge butts up against the siding or brick veneer. Extend out about three-quarters of an inch (two cm). Use a self-adhesive silicone sealant to keep water from entering the joint.

When it comes to chimneys, flashing is one of the most important elements. It diverts water and snow away from the chimney and roof. Keep moisture from seeping into chimney masonry, leading to deterioration.

Signs of a Leaky Chimney

When you have a chimney leak, there are several signs to watch out for. Here they are:

• Water stains on the chimney or around chimney flashing repair
• Chimneys leaning or bent out of shape
• Bricks falling off chimneys toward the roof
• Crumbling mortar joints between bricks

Once the water has entered your chimney, it can damage or warp any part of the roof flashing. This leads to leaking around your home’s foundation and expensive repair bills.

The flashing design is specifically for keeping out weather like rain. You do not have a problem with standing water on lawns next door while waiting 10 years. That is until there is a significant rainfall again. When this material fails due to wear and tear over time or even during one heavy downpour, you can incur more than mere cosmetic damages. Ceilings might cave in and walls may break.

How to Prevent Chimney Leaks

Several chimney problems can lead to leaks. You might have some chimney flashing repair on your slate roof or chimney cap flashing not yet installed. When any of these conditions are present, you need Pro-Tech Chimney flashing repair services in Long Island.

Slate roofs are thicker than wood shingles. It requires a stronger chimney flashing material to support it properly without breaking or warping. As the older generations pass along, this sort of chimney knowledge fades into history with them. That is when you are not around to hear about it.

When you notice signs of leakage in chimneys, there is no time to lose in contacting Pro-Tech Chimney. We will send an experienced technician for swift chimney repairs and chimney flashing repair.

Repairing a Chimney Flashing

The chimney flashing repair procedures you can perform include applying a bead of caulk or sealant to the crack. Make use of self-adhesive chimney flashing tape to hold it in place. But these quick fixes will likely need repeated applications later. Water penetrates through the chimney again sooner or later.

For more serious cases, technicians recommend chimney re-pointing. It features pushing new mortar into joints with tuckpointing machines. Avoid chimney replacement for repairs this low on your chimney building materials priority list.

Call Pro-Tech Chimney for immediate help when leaks occur during periods of high humidity and rainfall with cold moist weather ahead. You want experienced professionals to take care of chimney problems you cannot handle yourself.

How Much Does It Cost to Have Chimney Flashing Repaired?

Chimney flashing repair costs vary depending on the chimney’s length and chimney flashing materials. The chimney’s design also affects the chimney flashing repair cost. We will provide you with a free chimney inspection and chimney repairs estimate for your approval before we get to work on it.

You should call Pro-Tech Chimney when it comes time to repair chimneys. It is our area of expertise and we offer fast service at reasonable rates! You could save more money when you do not need to replace your chimneys due to structural damage from water infiltration around the chimneys’ mortar joints.  

Should You Replace The Flashing Yourself?

Learn more about three scenarios to consider in replacing the flashing by yourself. Below is a guide:

Safety Precautions

Before you start, take some safety precautions:

• Make sure the chimney is cold before beginning. This will help prevent any injuries from occurring.
• Use a sturdy ladder when reaching the roof. Chimneys can become dangerous to climb. Take your time and be careful.
• Wear gloves and a hat to protect your hands and head from the cold.

Replacing chimney flashing

The first step in replacing chimney flashing is locating the leak. Once you find it, remove the old flashing material using a pry bar or screwdriver. Do not damage the brick or mortar around the chimney.

When the old flashing is still in good condition, you can reuse it by applying a new coat of roofing tar or asphalt. Damaged old flashing means you will need to replace it with a new one.

Make sure the new flashing is the correct size and shape for your chimney. It should have material that can withstand the weather conditions in your area.

Tools and Material Considerations

Replacing chimney flashing is an easy project that you can complete with a few simple tools. The most important tool you will need is a good pair of gloves to protect your hands from the cold and sharp edges of the metal flashing.

You will also need:

• A screwdriver or pry bar
• Chisel
• Hammer
• Safety glasses
• New chimney flashing material

There are a variety of materials you can use for chimney flashing. Include lead, copper, and aluminum. But lead is no longer used because it is a health hazard. Copper and aluminum are both favorable choices since they resist corrosion.

Time Considerations

Replacing chimney flashing does not require a lot of time. But it will depend on the size and complexity of your chimney. You can complete this project in a few hours. When you are not comfortable working on the roof or do not have the proper tools, you should call Pro-Tech Chimney to do the service for you. Chimney repair professionals have the experience and tools to finish it quickly and safely!

The cost for chimney flashing repair ranges from $200 to $600. This depends on the amount of needed work. The chimney height also plays a role in the chimney flashing cost. We can provide you with an estimate upon inspection of your chimneys.

Finding an Expert to Help You

Pro-Tech Chimney will take care of your repair, inspection, cleaning, or restoration. This includes the chimneys’ flashing around the mortar joints. You do not have to worry about water infiltration anymore. Please give us a call for more information on our chimneys’ repair service.

We are proud to serve residents in Long Island and New York. For more information on chimney flashing services that we offer in your local area, please call today at 631-676-2875.

When it comes to chimney flashing repair, Pro-Tech Chimney is your best bet! We have the experience and tools necessary to do the service quickly and safely! Our chimney flashing repair process is simple and finished in a few hours. Plus, our rates are affordable. Contact us today for more information or to schedule an appointment.