To the average person, a roof may appear to be nothing more than the cap to your home, however, it is so much more than that. Roofs are made up of many different parts, all of which work together to protect the integrity of your home. At Samra, our roofing contractor team is trained to handle all things roof related – from shingle cleaning to chimney repair and all points in between. Chimney flashing – or the material that prevents water from leaking in around your roof – is one such component. This guide will help you understand chimney flashing and what maintenance needs are required to keep your home safe and secure.
Understanding Chimney Flashing
Chimney flashing works as pseudo weather stripping for your chimney, helping prevent moisture from leaking into your home by creating a waterproof seal where the chimney meets the roof. This flashing is often made up of a step flashing that lies under your shingles, a cap flashing that covers the step flashing and is cut into your chimney bricks, and a base flashing that protects the joint between the roof and chimney. These components work together to keep water where it belongs – outside your home.
Signs of Chimney Flashing Failure
From the ground, you may be able to notice rust or other damage to the flashing material around your chimney. If this damage goes unnoticed for too long, it may lead to noticeable water stains or leaks inside your home on the ceiling and walls near your chimney. If you notice the bricks and mortar of your chimney falling apart, this is also a good indication that your flashing is failing and that you need to seriously consider chimney repair.
Risks Associated with Damaged Chimney Flashing
Damaged chimney flashing is so much more than an aesthetic eyesore. As noted above, damaged flashing can lead to water damage on your interior ceilings and walls. Beyond that, more water in your home equates to a higher risk of mold and mildew growth which can be very bad for your health. If left unfixed, you run the risk or significant structural damage to your chimney, roof, and underlying ceiling areas.
Benefits of Regular Chimney and Flashing Maintenance
Like with many home projects, regular maintenance can save you a lot of money and headaches in the long run. Structural damage repairs are costly and can be prevented by regular or semi-regular maintenance and inspection. Similar to taking care of your shingles, regular chimney and flashing maintenance can extend the lifespan of your roof and also improve its energy efficiency and indoor air quality.
Professional Inspection and Maintenance
At a minimum, it is a good idea to conduct a formal inspection of your chimney flashing twice a year – usually before and after the harsh winter season. You can conduct a simple inspection yourself, but a professional chimney inspection conducted by a roofing contractor could showcase many things that only an expert would notice. If you truly care about your home, hiring a qualified professional is the only way to go.
Choosing the Right Contractor
Choosing the right roofing contractor is critical. Look for companies that have been working in the region for a significant amount of time, as each climate has different demands on a roof. Always ask for proof of work or examples from their portfolio, and in today’s digital world the power of online reviews can be used to the consumer’s advantage. If you are unsure, it is also acceptable to call for references and follow up with them to discover what they liked or disliked about the services provided.
Preventative maintenance is key to protecting the structural integrity of your home and increasing the longevity of your roof. By regularly inspecting your chimney and chimney flashing and tackling every minor chimney repair before it blossoms into something dramatic, you will save yourself countless time, money, and headaches down the line. Whether you notice signs of wear on your chimney flashing or have recognized that it has been far too long since your last inspection, give Samra Brothers Roofing a call today. Our expert team is happy to provide an estimate, schedule an appointment, or simply be a sounding board to make sure you are going through all the right steps to protect your roof and home.
