Chimneys are an important part of any home. They provide warmth and a sense of safety, but they also need to be cared for periodically. If you want to repair your chimney flashing (or replace it), this post will walk you through the process step by step. You’ll learn how to identify where the problem is coming from, what materials you need, and how much it should cost to fix your flashing!
What is a Chimney Flashing?
A Chimney Flashing is a metal sheet that is installed at the roof line to prevent water and moisture from entering the chimney. The flashing is typically made of copper, lead, or zinc. It is important to keep the flashing in good condition to avoid water damage to your home.
If you notice that your chimney flashing is missing, damaged, or corroded, it is important to repair it as soon as possible. Failure to do so can result in water damage to your roof and home.
In this article, we will show you how to repair a Chimney Flashing.
Why do I need to repair my Chimney Flashing?
A Chimney Flashing is a metal sheet that is installed on the roof around the chimney to prevent water from entering the home. If your Chimney Flashing is damaged, it can allow water to enter your home and cause damage to your roof, walls, and ceilings.
If you notice any of the following signs, you may need to repair your Chimney Flashing:
- Water leaking around the chimney
- Mold or mildew in the attic
- Damaged shingles or flashing on the roof near the chimney
- Stains on the walls or ceilings near the chimney
If you have any of these signs, it is important to repair your Chimney Flashing as soon as possible to prevent damage.
How can I know if my Chimney Flashing needs repairing?
One of the most common indications that a chimney flashing requires repair is when you notice leaking. If you have noticed water stains on your ceiling, walls or flooring it’s possible that this could be caused by damage to your flue. In some cases, especially if there has been recent heavy rainfall in the area an excess amount of moisture can enter your home through the chimney. If you have a gas fireplace, be sure to also check for soot accumulation on the walls around the fireplace as this too is an indication that there is a problem with the flashing.
If you’re not sure whether or not your chimney flashing needs repairing it’s always best to consult with a professional for advice. This way you can be sure that it is repaired correctly and avoid any further damage to your home.
Tools you will need for a Chimney Flashing repair
Chimney flange/collar – This is the metal collar that fits into the fireplace opening, and it has a lid on top to stop rain from entering. Flashing cement or galvanized nails – You will need this to attach your chimney cap back again.
- Chimney brush – A good quality one with strong bristles, at least 18 inches in length.
- Scrapers, putty knives or paintbrushes – To clean out any old flashing cement from the chimney flange/collar and fireplace opening.
- Various grades of sandpaper – Use this for cleaning your tools once you have completed the job.
- Flashings – This is a sheet metal piece that will cover the joint between the chimney and roof.
- Step ladder – You will need this to be able to reach the roof.
- Safety harness – Highly recommended, especially if you are not comfortable working at height.
- Hearing protection – Chimneys produce a lot of noise when in use, so it is advisable to wear some form of hearing protection such as ear muffs.
- Paint or a sealant – Optional, but will help to protect the metal flashing from corrosion.
Now that you have all of the necessary tools, let’s get started on repairing your chimney flashing.
First and foremost, make sure that the chimney is completely cool before you start any work. It is also advisable to put on a safety harness and secure it to a solid object before starting.
If the chimney flange/collar is loose or damaged, you will need to remove it and clean any old flashing cement off of both the flange/collar and fireplace opening with a scraper, putty knife or paintbrush. Once it is clean, sand down any rough edges with some fine-grit sandpaper.
Repairing a damaged or missing Chimney Flashing (Step by Step)
Repairing a chimney flashing can seem like an intimidating task, but it’s actually really easy. All you need is some basic tools and supplies (listed below) to repair any cracks or holes in your flashing. This article will cover the following:
- Tools needed for the job
- Materials needed for the job
- How to determine if your chimney needs repairing
- The different types of damage that may occur with a flashing, and how they are repaire
- How to fix a chimney flashing.
Tools needed:
- Chimney brush (or vacuum)
- Ladder
- Pipe wrench (or adjustable wrench)
- Hammer
- Tape measure
- Phillips head screwdriver
- Flathead screwdriver
- Nail punch
- Caulking gun.
Materials needed:
- Silicone caulking (or high temperature caulk)
- Galvanized aluminum flashing
- Stainless steel nails or screws
- Metal drill bit set, masonry bits (if you’re drilling into brick), and a hammer.
Step One: Identify What Type of Flashing Is Needed
There are several types of chimneys, and each has a different type of flashing. Each one is designed to fit specific types of chimney crowns (the top section), so make sure you identify the exact type before getting started – otherwise it won’t work! If your home was built before the 1980s, you likely have a chimney with an aluminum flashing. If built after that, chances are it has stainless steel or galvanized metal flashings (see below).
Flashing for Aluminum Chimneys: The first type of flashing is made out of aluminum and can be either flat or round. There should also be two layers of flashing, one that goes over the crown and one that overlaps it and attaches to the roof.
Flashing for Stainless Steel Chimneys: The second type of flashing is made out of stainless steel and typically has a V-shape. It’s important to make sure there are no gaps between the chimney and flashing, as this can cause water damage.
Flashing for Galvanized Metal Chimneys: The third type of flashing is made out of galvanized metal and has a similar shape to the stainless steel flashing. It’s important that this flashing is installed properly, as it can corrode if it isn’t.
Step Two: Determine What Type of Damage Exists
Before you begin repairing a chimney flashing, it’s important to first assess the damage. There are several types of issues that can occur with this feature:
- A crack or hole in the flahing itself
- The base where the flashing meets the roof is too high
- There is moisture between the chimney and roofing material
- The flashing is not sealed properly.
Once you’ve identified the type of damage, it’s much easier to know how to fix it.
Step Three: Prepare the Area
Now that you know what needs to be done, it’s time to start preparing the area. This involves removing any old caulk or sealant, cleaning the surface, and drilling any necessary holes.
If you’re repairing a hole in the flashing, use a nail punch to make a small indentation around the edge of the hole. This will help the caulk adhere to the metal better.
Step Four: Apply Caulk or Sealant
The next step is to apply the caulking or sealant of your choice. If it’s a small hole, you can simply use silicone caulk. For larger holes, though, it’s best to apply high temperature roofing cement.
Step Five: Seal the Flashing
Next step is ensuring that everything is sealed properly so water doesn’t leak through anymore. This part of the process is fairly easy, as you simply need to apply new caulk or sealant anywhere there are gaps.
Step Six: Reattach the Flashing
If your chimney flashing was damaged near where it attaches to the roof, this final step will get everything back in place correctly. First make sure that any nails or screws are properly in place, then simply reattach the flashing.
Step Seven: Reinforce It
If you’re repairing a chimney with aluminum flashings, it’s important to reinforce them so they last longer. To do this, clean off any debris on top of the crown and apply new caulk or sealant before attaching galvanized metal flashing.
Step Eight: Check It Again
Before you’re completely finished with a chimney flashing repair, always check the area again to make sure it’s holding up properly and isn’t leaking water or air. If everything looks good, you can then paint over any parts that were damaged before continuing on with your project! Now that we’ve covered how to repair a chimney flashing, just follow these steps and you should be good to go!
- A crack or hole in the flahing itself
- The base where the flashing meets the roof is too high
- There is moisture between the chimney and roofing material
- The flashing is not sealed properly. Next, you will need to remove the old caulk or sealant. If it is a small hole, then use silicone caulk. For larger holes, you can use high-temperature roofing cement.
Now that the area is clean, you can drill any necessary holes. If there is a hole in the flashing itself, use a nail punch to make a small indentation around the hole. This will help with adhesion when you apply your caulk or sealant of choice, which can be silicone for smaller holes and high-temperature roofing cement for larger ones. Then simply apply new caulk or sealant anywhere there are gaps.
Next is reattaching the flashing if it was damaged near where it attaches to the roof. Make sure any nails or screws are properly in place, and then reattach the flashing. If you have aluminum flashings, then it is important to reinforce them by applying new caulk or sealant before attaching galvanized metal flashing.
Now that everything is sealed up, you need to check your work. Before you’re completely finished with a chimney flashing repair, always check the area again to make sure it’s holding up properly and isn’t leaking water or air. If everything looks good, then go ahead and paint over any parts that were damaged before continuing on with your project!
Tips for keeping your Chimney Flashing in good condition
- Keep the area around your Chimney Flashing clean and free of debris
- Inspect your Chimney Flashing regularly for damage or leaks
- If you notice any damage, repair it as soon as possible to prevent further damage
- Use a sealant that is specifically designed for chimneys to help keep out moisture and pests
- If you have a gas fireplace, have your Chimney Flashing inspected and cleaned regularly by a professional chimney sweep.
Chimney flashing is an important part of your home’s roofing system. It helps to prevent water from leaking into your home through the chimney. If your chimney flashing is damaged or missing, you should repair the flashing as soon as possible. If water leaks into your chimney and starts to accumulate inside it, this could lead to serious damage in your home. Also if animals such as birds or squirrels get trapped inside the chimney flue they can die and cause a very unpleasant smell throughout your house.
- Don’t wait until you have a problem to fix your Chimney Flashing
- It’s better to be safe than sorry, so inspect your Chimney Flashing regularly and take action if necessary
- The team at Roofing Repair Toronto are experts in repairing Chimney Flashing and would be happy to help you with any repair needs you may have.
When it comes to roofing, chimneys are often overlooked but they can be just as important when it comes to the overall function of your home’s roofing system. If you have problems with your Chimney Flashing or are not sure what flashing is at all, call one of our friendly and knowledgeable team members today for a free quote. We can help you to determine what kind of flashing your chimney has, if it needs repair or replacement along with any other roofing issues that may be present on your property at the moment.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the United States federal agency that specializes in environmental protection. They set standards for air quality, water quality and hazardous waste disposal to ensure there are no adverse affects on the environment or public health.
Safety Tips
- Safety first! Always wear protective gear when working with any tools, particularly ones that involve climbing ladders or scaffolding. You don’t want to fall and injure yourself, so it is always wise to err on the side of safety.
- If you are uncomfortable working on the roof, or if the weather is bad, call a professional to do the job for you. It is better to be safe than sorry!
- Now that you are safe, let’s get started on repairing your chimney flashing.
- The first step is to remove the old flashing. This can be done with a hammer and chisel, or with a pry bar. Be careful not to damage the roofing material while removing the flashing.
- Once the flashing has been removed, scrape any old caulking from the chimney and roof. This will help seal your new flashing so that it can be effective at keeping out water for a longer time period.
- Next comes putting on the new caulk to replace what you scraped off in step two. Use high-quality silicone or acrylic caulk made specifically for use on a roof.
- When you caulk, make sure that all of the old caulk is removed to avoid having it peel away from your new caulking and rust or deteriorate faster than expected.
- It’s also important to place the adhesive as far down as possible along the chimney so water can’t get in.
- If you are still unsure about how to put on the caulk, watch a tutorial online or ask around for someone who can help. It is better to be safe than sorry!
- Now that your chimney is sealed up again, it’s time to cut out and install new flashing. You can use metal or plastic flashing, depending on the materials of your roof.
- If you are using metal flashing, it is important to make sure that the seams overlap by at least two inches and that there is a drip edge installed to keep water from running under the flashing.
FAQs
When are chimneys most likely to cause problems?
Chimney Flashing is the sheet metal that covers areas of masonry around your home. It prevents water from getting into places it shouldn't be, like inside your house or on top of non-load bearing walls. This keeps you and your property safe and dry. Chimneys are especially at risk of failure because they stand taller than most other parts of the house. Water can run down their side, freeze into ice or enter cracks caused by expansion and contraction in freezing weather conditions. When it all melts away again, there's often nothing left to protect your chimney from further damage! Flashing is a common reason for water damage and mold formation in roofs, so it's important to keep an eye on this issue. If you notice any leaks, it's best to take care of them as soon as possible.
How can I prevent my chimney from leaking?
There are a few things you can do to help keep your chimney from leaking: Make sure the flashing is installed properly and in good condition. If it's broken or damaged, replace it. Make sure the chimney cap is in good condition and fits properly. A damaged or ill-fitting cap can let water in. Check for cracks in the masonry and seal them up if you find any. Keep the gutters clean so that they can do their job of funneling water away from your home. Install a rainscreen system if you don't already have one. This will help keep water from getting behind your siding and into the walls of your house. If you're having trouble with your chimney, it's always best to call in a professional to take a look at it and give you some advice on how to fix the problem.
What are some common symptoms of a chimney leak?
If you're experiencing any of these problems, it's likely that you have a chimney leak: Water stains on the ceiling or walls near the chimney Mold growth in or around the fireplace Damaged mortar joints or bricks around the fireplace Sparks coming out of the chimney, especially when there's no fire inside Chimneys are essential safety features in your home. Keeping them properly maintained will go a long way toward preventing damage and expensive repairs down the road! If you suspect that water is getting into your house through your chimney or flashing, it's best to call in a professional for help. They'll be able to diagnose the problem and give you the best advice on how to fix it.
What is the average cost of repairing a chimney leak?
The cost of repairing a chimney leak can vary depending on the severity of the damage and the type of repairs that need to be done. It's best to call in a professional for help with this issue, as they'll be able to assess the damage and come up with an appropriate solution based on their experience and expertise (and your budget). If you'd like more information about fixing chimney leaks or what factors might affect the cost of repairs, contact us at Chimney Doctor! We're happy to help.
Conclusion
If you have an issue with your chimney flashing, it is important to take care of the problem as soon as possible. Not only can a faulty flashing cause water damage to your home, but it can also be a fire hazard. By following the steps in this guide, you can repair your chimney flashing quickly and easily.