Fireplaces are great features in homes. Aside from providing heat on cold Metamora nights, fireplaces can be a great place for families and friends to gather and spend time. If you have a fireplace, you most likely have a chimney (unless it is an electric or "fake" fireplace).
Your chimney should have flashing around it. Many homeowners have heard the term flashing, but don't know what it is or why it is important. Let's explore chimney flashing and how it is crucial for your roof and your home.
What is Chimney Flashing?
When a home builder builds a chimney into a roof, there is a space between the chimney structure and the roofing structure. This space needs to be sealed, so the builder installs layers of sheet metal around the chimney to seal it. These layers are what we call “flashing.”
Why is Chimney Flashing Important?
Chimney flashing provides a layer of protection for your roof. Your roof is what shields you from rain, sleet, wind, snow, and other natural elements; if there’s a space between it and your chimney, it gives these elements a way into your home. Quality chimney flashing seals this space and keeps water, wind, and debris out.
Chimney Flashing Repairs
Chimney flashing that is rusted, damaged, missing, or old could mean trouble for your home. This is also true if your home has just gone through a severe storm. Improper flashing can cause leaks and create water damage. When water damage occurs in your roofing structure, attic, and even the interior parts of your home, it compromises their integrity.