What Is Chimney Flashing and Why Is It Important

Have you ever heard of chimney flashing? Whether you answer yes or no, this component of your chimney system plays a vital role in keeping your home safe. So what is chimney flashing exactly and why is it important? Read on to find out the answers to both of those questions!

What role does chimney flashing play?

Multiple parts of your home have flashing. This is a thing piece of material that building contractors use to redirect water and keep it from entering your home. Often, they use flashing at critical joints where two parts of your home intersect, such as where your roof meets your gutters.

Chimney flashing works in the same way. Roofing contractors apply flashing to the base of your chimney, utilizing materials we’ll discuss shortly. Chimney flashing acts as a waterproof barrier to prevent any kind of moisture from penetrating your roof and damaging your home.

Types of chimney flashing materials

Generally speaking, there are four primary types of materials a roofing contractor will use for flashing. They include:

• Aluminum, the most common flashing material and one that is generally rust-proof though less durable;
• Steel, sturdier but prone to rusting and more common with older homes;
• Copper, a rust-proof and incredibly durable option, but more expensive;
• And PVC, though ideally only utilized in warmer regions as it’s prone to cracking.

Chimney flashing parts

When a homeowner thinks about their chimney flashing, they typically picture the metal barrier that they can physically see. However, there are actually two additional components, including one that is utilized only in special circumstances.

The first is your base flashing. This part of your flashing slides into the nearby shingles at the base of your chimney. It then bends upward at an angle where it lays against your masonry.

The second part is known as the counter flashing. It acts as the seal between your masonry and your base. The final part of your flashing is something you’ll have only if you have a chimney that is wider than thirty inches. Called saddle flashing, its purpose is to allow rain and snowfall to run off properly.

Signs your chimney flashing is failing

Chimney flashing is overall relatively durable. However, there are a few signs to keep in mind. If you see any of these, it may mean your flashing has started to fail.

The most obvious is leaks inside of your home. Any sign of water damage is cause for an immediate inspection by your Chimney Solutions technician.

The second sign is cracking or brittle masonry. As this is a porous material, deterioration of your brick and mortar points to water damage. Finally, visible staining on your chimney’s exterior can also point to flashing that has started to fail.

Repairing your chimney flashing for over twenty years

Our company has over twenty years of experience inspecting, sweeping, and troubleshooting chimney systems. From repairing your masonry to waterproofing to general maintenance, we can handle it all.

If your chimney flashing needs repair, let us know. Contact Chimney Solutions, LLC by giving us a call at 317-757-6979 or let us know your need by filling out our short contact form.