Need Chimney Flashing Repair Near Charlotte, NC? Call On Us
Dealing with a chimney leak or water damage? The crazy thing about leaky chimneys is that they don’t all reveal themselves the same way. Sometimes, we get calls because a homeowner has discovered water stains on their ceiling, while others have noticed water dripping into their firebox during heavy rainstorms. And then there’s those who notice deterioration and discoloration on the outside of their chimney.
Well, just like leaks present themselves in different ways, there’s also a lot of reasons why the leak started in the first place. That said, one of the most common sources of a chimney leak is damaged, loose, or missing chimney flashing.
If you’re concerned about the condition of your chimney flashing or if you’ve recently discovered a chimney leak, give Owens Chimney Systems a call today at 704-686-8669. You can also reach out to us online.
What Is Chimney Flashing? Why Is It Important?
Flashing is the metal material that is placed at the base of the chimney structure near the roof line. The way the flashing is installed is meant to waterproof the spot where the chimney meets the roof line.
If improperly installed or missing, your flashing can cause severe water damage to the roof structure and chimney system, which will eventually migrate into the interior walls of your home. This is also true of deteriorated, torn, or damaged chimney flashing. Because the water runs along the rafters of your home, you might believe the roof is leaking when the water is actually coming from the area where the roof and chimney meet.
A proper inspection will normally catch this fault early so you can fix it right away. Be sure to book your annual chimney inspection with us before every burn season to reduce the risk of bigger issues down the line!
Chimney Flashing
How To Tell if Chimney Flashing Is Leaking
Leaky chimney flashing can lead to major problems in your home, so it’s important to be able to identify potential issues early on. It helps to have chimney inspections scheduled on a yearly basis, but leaks can still develop in between those inspections.
Some signs you can watch out for include:
- Efflorescence (white powdery deposits), or dampness on bricks and mortar
- Rust on flashing materials
- Loose or missing pieces of flashing
- Gaps between the flashing and the chimney/roof
- Water stains on ceilings or walls near the chimney
- Signs of mold or mildew growth in the attic around the chimney
- Musty odors in your home coming from the fireplace
- Water dripping or puddles forming at the bottom of your fireplace
What Happens if I Don’t Repair Chimney Flashing?
The problem with water is that it keeps flowing…into every surface it can reach until the entry point has been closed. So, putting off repairs only means you will likely have to face more extensive – and expensive – repairs the longer you wait.
If the leak is not addressed and water is allowed to pool and run, it can eventually lead to mold and other health-related issues within the walls of your home. This is why we encourage you to call us and let us do a thorough inspection of the chimney to make sure the water is not coming from the flashing around your chimney.
In addition, unlike water that you have dripping in your chimney, which we know is coming from an issue within the chimney system, water that runs from the outside structure of the chimney is harder to track down. The sooner we can get on the case – and address it – the better.
One more note: Don’t call a roofer. When you call a roofing company, you might be wasting money and time. If you notice the leak is coming from a low place in the home, look up and see if the chimney is hitting the roof line at a high point. This is one way to determine if the water could be running from a break in the flashing…in which case, a chimney expert is who you want to call.
How To Repair Chimney Flashing
You might be wondering if you could save a few dollars and do chimney flashing repairs yourself. We all know how tempting the internet can be with all of those DIY chimney repair tutorials. However, working on your roof without the proper training and safety equipment spells disaster.
Instead, let the experts at Owens Chimney Systems help!
Every chimney flashing repair starts with an inspection. We want to know the full extent of the problem, so that when we make necessary repairs, we are confident that we solved the problem right – and completely – the first time. After our inspection, we will give you a detailed explanation of the problem, as well as an estimate for repairs.
Based on our assessment, we will likely recommend one of two things:
- Minor Repairs: This involves sealing gaps, reattaching loose flashing, or replacing small damaged sections. Maybe you’ve recently experienced severe weather in your area that has caused some of the flashing to come up or the person who previously installed the flashing didn’t do it correctly. Either way, these small repairs are the quickest and most affordable option.
- Full Flashing Replacement: If the damage is too extensive and nothing can be salvaged, or if the existing flashing is extremely outdated, a complete replacement will be recommended.
How Does a Chimney Flashing Replacement Work?
To start, we will take off all of the current flashing and remove any caulk, mortar, or debris that might compromise the new flashing’s seal. Next, we will install high-quality, durable flashing made of copper, lead, or stainless steel, bending each piece so it is perfectly molded against your chimney and roofline.
Our technicians are meticulously trained to interlock and overlap the flashing sections and finish up the process with a high-grade sealant to all seams in order to create a watertight and weather-proof seal that will last for years to come.
Owens Chimney Systems – Experts on More Than Just Chimney Flashing Repair
While chimney flashing repair might be an important maintenance service in order to protect your home from water infiltration, it is only one of the many services we offer that help ensure your chimney remains safer, more efficient, and more aesthetically pleasing.
From full chimney inspections and sweeps to fireplace installations and masonry repairs, Owens Chimney Systems is your total chimney care partner. Our technicians arrive at every job equipped with tools and expertise, and we bring a commitment to customer education as well, so you’ll understand the why and how behind each service provided.
We go above fixing problems – we are dedicated to building trust and long-term relationships with our valued customers.
Whether your chimney needs a minor tune-up or a complete overhaul, look no further than Owens Chimney Systems. Contact us today by calling 704-686-8669 or by requesting an appointment right here on our website.
Hire the pros at Owens Chimney Sysems to apply a professional-grade water repellent as an important step in chimney restoration.