We Specialize In Flashing Installation & Repair
Flashing is the band of sheet metal that surrounds the place where your chimney and roof are connected. It should be designed and installed to create a waterproof barrier; otherwise, the flashing can be one of the most problematic areas on a chimney. In fact, when a customer tells us that his or her chimney is leaking, the flashing is one of the very first things we check. Rusty nail holes, loose caulking, inferior materials, and general wear and tear over the years can allow water to leak through flashing.
Also, too often, chimney flashing isn’t installed by a professional—or has been shoddily installed by someone who claims to be a professional—and the flashing soon begins to leak. A leaking chimney can spell big trouble, especially if it goes too long undetected or ignored. If you think your chimney may be leaking from the flashing or from another chimney component, call Davis Chimney. We can make sure that your flashing doesn’t leak, and if necessary, we can install new flashing or repair your old flashing. This is normally a relatively easy and inexpensive fix when done by trained and experienced professionals.
Anatomy Of Chimney Flashing
Chimney flashing isn’t a job to take on yourself—unless you’re a certified chimney professional. Though its purpose is simple—to keep water out of that crucial place where your chimney and roof intersect—its construction is best left to someone who understands the layering techniques required to waterproof a chimney for the long-term.
Quality flashing will utilize two layers of flashing, usually made of lead, aluminum, or galvanized steel. Copper is a higher-end option and is different in that its corners can be soldered to achieve a watertight connection. The first layer of flashing that we install is called “step flashing,” which involves embedding and overlapping sections of L-shaped sheet metal with the roof shingles and up against the chimney.
Note: For this reason, it’s a great idea to have your chimney flashing redone every time you put a new roof on your house. Next, we use counterflashing, which we embed into mortar joints on the chimney and fold down to cover the step flashing. We pay special attention to cut and bend the metal around all corners, as water could easily enter even the smallest openings. Any tiny openings that are left are sealed with durable urethane caulk. Because caulk is used in the construction of almost all chimney flashing jobs, it often means that we sometimes inspect leaky flashing only to find small cracks or that some caulk has worked loose and needs replacing.
An easy fix! Sometimes we find the flashing in terrible condition— covered in rust, misshapen, or poorly built, to begin with—and recommend all-new flashing. Either way, it’s crucial that your chimney’s flashing be in tip-top shape to maintain the integrity of your chimney and to protect your property from potentially devastating water damage. Whatever the age of your chimney, it’s important to have your chimney technician inspect your flashing during each annual inspection.
Live in the greater Beaumont Texas area and need a quote to replace or repair your chimney’s flashing? If your problem has anything to do with a chimney, consider it fixed. Call Davis Chimney today, or contact us using our appointment request form!
We can remove unsightly stains from your chimney with a pressure washing treatment. Our trained technicians can also diagnose what’s causing the stains and make recommendations for stopping them at the source. Take advantage of this brick repair service from Davis Chimney.
