Kansas City Chimney Flashing Repair: Keep Water Out With Help From Sleep Easy
Have you discovered water stains on the ceiling or walls near your chimney? Is your flashing rusted, dented, or lifted away from the roof or chimney? The time to schedule chimney flashing repair services near you is now. The longer you wait, the more water damage you’ll have – and water-damaged dry wall and framing is costly to replace. Call the Sleep Easy team today.
What Is Chimney Flashing?
Chimney flashing is a protective covering made of metal (like aluminum, copper, or galvanized steel) installed where the chimney meets the roof. Its main purpose is to prevent water from leaking into your home at this vulnerable joint.
Usually flashing consists of three key components:
- Step flashing, which is interwoven with the shingles and runs up the sides of the chimney.
- Counter flashing, which is embedded into the chimney masonry and overlaps the step flashing to create a waterproof seal.
- Base flashing, which sits at the bottom of the chimney, where the roof and chimney meet.
Properly installed chimney flashing needs to be in place to prevent home and chimney water damage, as your chimney and roof are made of different materials, and therefore contract and expand at different rates. Flashing ensures that any openings in this area can’t be infiltrated by moisture.
What Are Common Signs of Chimney Flashing Damage?
If you’ve spent any amount of time looking at the chimneys and roofs of homes throughout the greater Kansas City area, you know that not all flashing jobs are of equal quality. Chimney flashing is essentially the first line of defense against water infiltration where the chimney meets the roof, so proper installation with proper materials is a must.
Chimneys should be flashed with stainless steel or copper sheets that are strategically placed, smooth, flat, and watertight. Properly installed flashing will effectively direct water away from your chimney and roof, preventing leaks and potential water damage.
There are several signs you can watch for from the ground or inside your home that might indicate a flashing issue:
- Visible Deterioration: Depending on the height and angle of your roof, you might be able to see signs of wear and tear from the ground. Any rust, cracks, warping, separation from the chimney, or sections of missing flashing needs to be addressed as soon as possible.
- Stains on the Chimney: Dark streaks or stains running down the exterior of the chimney, especially around the area where the flashing meets the chimney, mean something is wrong. These stains are often a sign of water leakage.
- Leaks or Water Stains: If you’re inside your home and notice water stains or dampness on the ceiling or walls near the chimney, flashing is a likely culprit. Leaky flashing left untreated can lead to a cascade of issues inside the home – and costly repairs.
- Mold or Mildew: Excess moisture around the chimney can create the perfect conditions for mold and mildew growth. Be on the lookout for any visible mold on ceilings, walls, or near the fireplace – and take note of any musty odors.
How Long Does Chimney Flashing Last?
The lifespan of chimney flashing depends on the materials used and the quality of installation. Things like bad storms and poor weather conditions can also affect the lifespan, but if your flashing was made from quality materials and installed by an expert, you could see decades of lasting protection.
- Aluminum flashing will give you the shortest lifespan, lasting about 10 – 15 years if all conditions are ideal. That said, it’s more prone to rust or corrode in harsh weather.
- Stainless steel flashing typically lasts 30 – 40 years (or more), depending on the local climate and installation quality. It offers a strong balance between durability, corrosion resistance, and cost-effectiveness, making it a popular upgrade over aluminum options.
- Copper flashing, though most expensive upfront, can last 50 years or more and offers superior durability and corrosion resistance.
Remember that regular chimney inspections can better help flashing reach its full lifespan. That said, even well-installed flashing can fail early if exposed to severe storms, shifting structures, or poor roofing work nearby.
Fast & Effective Chimney Flashing Repairs: We Make It Easy for You To Schedule
If your chimney flashing is looking a little worse for wear, you’ll be happy to know we specialize in flashing replacement and use high-quality stainless steel and copper flashing to make sure water stays out for good.
If you’re not sure what the condition of your chimney flashing is, the best way to detect leaks and damage in the early stages is to make sure you’re keeping with the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) recommendations and scheduling an inspection with a certified chimney sweep every year. We’ll carefully inspect and evaluate your flashing and let you know if it’s time for repairs or new flashing.
If you’re ready to schedule your inspection or flashing repair service, our friendly and experienced chimney professionals at Sleep Easy Chimney Service & Repair are just a call or click away.
Has your chimney been professionally waterproofed? This is one of the most important services for leak prevention.