There are various reasons water will leak through your roof. If you ever come across any water stains on the roof or within the walls of the property, then you might need to have your chimney maintained. Chimneys are prone to leaking with one of the common complications being leakages through the metal flashing. The chimney flashing might be an essential aspect of the chimney but not everyone is aware of this particular fact.
What is Chimney Flashing?
This refers to individual strips of metal that are placed on the front edge, corners and nooks of the chimney. These are designed to provide waterproofing where the roof and chimney meet. However, if the flashing was not well installed you could end up with serious complications. During harsh weather conditions including storms, you may end up with severe damage. There are various types of roof flashing and the one you choose will depend on various factors. Some of these factors include your budget as well as the design of your chimney as well.
How to evaluate a Chimney Flashing Leak
There are various methods through which one can evaluate the performance of a chimney flashing. This includes installing a low-pressure hose around the chimney and roof intersection to check for the presence of water. You have to ensure that the water is poured on the flashing which will indicate if there are any apertures. This process is more successful when its conducted by two individuals. One individual should be operating the hose while the other controls the water flow in the attic. You need to maintain communication through the use of walkie-talkies or perhaps by talking loudly to each other. Both individuals will be of evaluating the flashing for any seepage or identifying full leaks as well.
When to Replace Chimney Flashing
Similar to all the important aspect of any property, the flashing will require replacement or maintenance at one point. For those who are not aware, the chimney is by far one of the most important aspects of the contemporary home design. It provides convenient ventilation benefits and it also contributes towards the market value of the property as well. Although there is no specific timeline for replacing your Chimney Flashing, a good recommendation is every six months. This works well in mitigating the effects of leaks and preventing damage to the home. More so, if the flashing is comprised by rust or notably separated from the chimney, then you might be in line for a replacement procedure. Additionally, you can replace the shingles on your roof and install new flashing for improved performance.
How to Repair Loose Chimney Flashing
Once you are sure that the only complication with your flashing is to replace the sealant, then you might consider various DIY procedures. The following are some of the high-quality tips for you to consider:
- Scrape away any leftover or hardened roofing cement by using a chisel
- Apply a sufficient amount of roofing cement behind the flashing to seal any gaps or apertures
- Ensure the flashing is tightly positioned against the chimney with special screws or nails
- Cover any exposed sections or screw heads by using roofing cement
- Smooth the roofing cement over any joint by using a special tool such as a paint stirrer
- Remove any leaves or debris that may compromise the structure of the gap in between the chimney and flashing
Any leaks that are found around flashing can be difficult to determine and repair. In fact, just a small aperture on the openings can let in a significant amount of water, particularly during harsh rains. If you have repaired the flashing and the roofs still leaks, then you might need to consult with a roofing contractor to provide reliable services for your roof repair needs. Alta Roofing has the special skills and resources to help you achieve long-lasting results. More so, we have the appropriate knowledge and competence level required to help you achieve a fully functional chimney and identify any potential complications or problems.
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