What is Chimney Flashing and Why Is It Important?
Flashing is an important component of any chimney, but what exactly does it do? Flashing is one of many pieces that protects your chimney from excess moisture and leaks. It’s important to keep your chimney flashing in good condition to avoid long-term water damage. Let’s take a look at what chimney flashing is, why it’s important, and the different types of flashing available.
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What is chimney flashing?
Chimney flashing is a layer of material that sits at the point where your chimney meets your roof. It acts as a seal, allowing water to flow down and off the roof rather than seeping into the chimney.
Why is chimney flashing important?
Flashing serves as an important protective layer for both your roof and your chimney as a whole. Without chimney flashing, moisture can seep into the joint between the roof and the chimney as well as directly into brick and mortar. While this may not seem like a problem initially, over time this will lead to structural issues.
Once the moisture is inside the chimney, it will expand and contract with the freeze/thaw cycle. This slowly displaces the brick and mortar, leading to structural consistencies. Durable flashing paired with a chimney cap goes a long way towards keeping moisture out of your chimney.
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What types of chimney flashing are available?
There are four main types of chimney flashing available. Each of these options has its own pros and cons.
Aluminum: This has been the flashing material of choice for many builders in recent years due to its affordability. Although it is inexpensive, it’s still highly resistant to rust. It also works well on many different types of roofs.
Vinyl/PVC: This is another inexpensive form of flashing that is only a viable option in places with consistently warm weather. This is because it is prone to cracking in very cold temperatures.
Copper: Copper is a much more expensive flashing option, but it comes with a variety of benefits. Copper flashing won’t rust at all and is very durable, so it’s a great choice in areas with high levels of precipitation.
Steel: Steel is a flashing material that you’ll often find on older chimneys. It’s extremely durable and takes a long time to rust, although it can still happen over time.
How do I maintain my chimney flashing?
You should always work with a professional to maintain and repair your chimney flashing. Trying to maintain your chimney flashing on your own can be dangerous as it does require you to climb onto your roof.
Your chimney sweep will inspect your flashing as part of your yearly chimney maintenance appointment. If your flashing is starting to see wear and tear, they will recommend the appropriate repairs to keep your chimney flashing in good condition.
It’s also important to have your chimney inspected when you move into a new home. If you’re moving into an older property and the flashing has seen a lot of wear and tear, you may need to replace it.
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This post first appeared on https://www.mychimney.com
