Flashing Repair for Chimneys in Hooksett: Preventing Leaks and Water Damage
Is your chimney leaking? Are there signs of water stains on your fireplace? If so, your roof flashing might be the culprit.
Hooksett homes are exposed to heavy amounts of snow during the winter months. Even an inch or two of snow is enough to cause damage to the chimney flashing. The more snow piles up on the roof, the heavier the load for the roof flashing to bear.
Therefore, it is crucial to check and inspect the chimney flashing before and after the winter season. If you do, it could save you thousands of dollars on roof and chimney repairs! Discover what signs to look for and when to hire flashing repair professionals for chimneys in Hooksett.
What is Chimney Flashing?
Chimneys are vital in homes as they are an outlet for fireplaces which provide warmth during the winter. The flashing is a crucial chimney component and part of the roof system.
The chimney flashing consists of thin metal strips of either galvanized steel or aluminium. The flashing is installed at the base of the chimney, connecting with the roof. The purpose of the flashing is to provide a seal for the chimney and roof to prevent water from entering through any gaps.
Traditional flashing consists of two layers. The first layer is the L-shaped sheet metal woven into the roof shingle and visible on the chimney side. The second layer is the counterflashing, which is also made of metal. It embeds into the mortar joints to cover the exterior layer of flashing.
The corners of the flashing are its most vulnerable parts. It requires precision cutting and bending to ensure the corners do not form gaps where water can penetrate. Thus, the corners are sealed with a high-quality caulking material to prevent water from entering through those gaps. The proper layering technique is as integral as the material used for the chimney flashing to prevent chimney leaks.
Causes of Flashing Damage
Damage to the chimney flashing can result in various vulnerabilities to the entire system. Therefore, ensuring the condition of the flashing and preventing it from deteriorating over time is crucial.
Understanding the cause of flashing damage helps to address the problem and prevent it from recurring.
Age
Like the other chimney components, chimney flashing is exposed to harsh elements. Continued exposure can result in the degradation of the material, making it more vulnerable to damage. Therefore, it pays to assess the age of the chimney flashing to determine if it needs repair or replacement based on its condition.
Extreme Weather
Weather and temperature fluctuations are damaging to chimney flashing. Extreme weather conditions, such as rain and snow, can cause the flashing to dislodge or bend. Other factors, such as extreme heat or cold and UV radiation, also contribute to damage.
Poor Installation
Improperly installed chimney flashing is also vulnerable to damage and leaking. It could result in gaps and improper sealing of the flashing, which allows water and moisture to penetrate the chimney and roof.
Structural Shifting
Any structural shift of the house and roof can also cause the chimney flashing to move out of position, creating gaps in the process. For example, earthquakes can cause the structure to shift and compromise the structural integrity of the chimney and flashing.
Signs Your Flashing Needs Repair
Is it time to repair your chimney flashing? These are the signs you should consider to help you decide if it’s time to call the professionals to repair it:
Water stains on the interior walls of the chimney and fireplace
Dampness or water puddle formation in the chimney space or around the fireplace
Visible leaks in the chimney during heavy rainfall
Musty odor emitting from the chimney after rain
Presence of mold or mildew
Warped or loose chimney flashing
Discoloration on the bricks
Importance of Timely Chimney Flashing Repair
Once you see the signs of chimney flashing damage, don’t delay. Call the professionals to fix the issue immediately because replacing the entire chimney and flashing will cost more.
Timely chimney repair is essential to prevent more water damage to the chimney. It can affect the entire chimney structure if you allow more water to penetrate through the chimney system. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain a watertight seal.
Another reason why timely repair is crucial is that water leaks can encourage mold and mildew growth. These substances are hazardous and can pose serious health risks to your family. Therefore, addressing damage to your chimney flashing can make your home safer.
Lastly, repairing your chimney flashing damage can boost the value of your home. Chimneys are an essential home feature, especially in areas like Hooksett that experience heavy snow. Your fireplace can keep your family warm during winter and with a functioning chimney you won’t have to worry about the potential health hazards and fire risks. A well-maintained chimney makes your home more appealing to potential buyers if you decide to sell it.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace Chimney Flashing?
The cost of chimney flashing replacement varies from $500 to $1,500. It depends on the extent of the damage, location, flashing material, chimney size, and other damages the leak had caused. Chimney repair experts will assess the damage and provide you with a quote for the cost of replacing or fixing chimney flashing damage. However, it will cost you more if you decide to postpone repair.
How to Make Chimney Flashing Leak-Proof
Annual inspections and roof maintenance are the best way to prevent water damage in chimney flashing. Regular inspection helps to identify possible issues before they become significantly damaging to the entire roof and chimney structure. If you neglect the annual inspection, it could cause the problem to worsen until you require a chimney or complete roof replacement. Either way, it could be costly.
Professional chimney specialists can examine for missing or broken chimney flashing layers or parts. These professionals use special equipment to inspect the roof and chimney, which allows them to identify issues you won’t see from the fireplace.
Therefore, call the experts before you see problems or signs of damage. Get them to diagnose the overall health of the chimney as it would be easier to fix instead of waiting until the issue is beyond repair.