If your chimney is leaking, there can be several reasons why. Your chimney cap could be missing or damaged, or the mortar could be weakening. These are things that all the sweeps at Chimney Sweep Plus are trained to look for and repair. \However, an often overlooked cause of leaks is the chimney’s flashing.

Flashing

You might be wondering exactly what flashing is and what it has to do with a chimney leak. An area of concern is any junction between two flat surfaces; for example, where walls meet roof or one wall meets another. It’s important to seal these areas and keep precipitation from entering. A place that is particularly vulnerable is the place where the roof meets the chimney. The way to make sure that there is a good seal is to add flashing. Flashing is a thin layer of material that is waterproof, and it is placed in a way that will lead the precipitation away from any cracks or crevices that exist between your chimney and the roof. Made of galvanized steel, it is both strong and water resistant. You don’t have to worry about rain getting in or about high winds blowing your flashing loose.

Why Replace Your Flashing

Although flashing is durable, like all things it can become worn down over time or damaged by high winds or heavy storms. When we come in to inspect your chimney, one thing we’ll look at is the condition of the flashing. If it’s damaged, we’ll recommend replacement. This is an important thing to do because of the damage that leaks can cause to your home. One of the big problems with damaged flashing is that it makes the leak hard to find. The precipitation could get in at one point, run down the flashing, and enter at another point.

Call Chimney Sweep Plus Today!

Spring is the time for gentle rains to fall, washing away the dirt and grime left behind after the snow and sleet during the winter months. This is such a delightful time of year, but along with that gentle rain comes the risk of leaks. If you notice a leak in your fireplace or you worry that your flashing may be in a state of disrepair, give Chimney Sweep Plus a call. Set up a date for your annual inspection and cleaning, and mention that you’d like us to take special notice of the flashing. We’ll make sure that everything is damage-free and secure so that you can enjoy the beautiful spring weather with no fear of leaks!