Installing Flashing Around a Chimney

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What Is The Point Of Installing Flashing Around A Chimney?

Having a fireplace or wood stove in your home can make even the coldest winter nights a lot cozier and more inviting. One practical matter that you need to think about, however, is your chimney. Anytime an object protrudes through your roof, there is the potential for leaking. This is as true for chimneys as it is for vents, skylights, and other protrusions.
The way to counteract this problem is by installing chimney flashing. The point of installing flashing around a chimney is to stop water from leaking into your home. In order to understand how it works, you first need to learn a little bit more about what flashing is. In essence, flashing is a small strip of metal, vinyl, or some other type of waterproof material that is designed to cover the area between a chimney or another type of protrusion and the surface of your roof. The flashing is usually bent lengthwise at an angle, allowing one portion of it to sit on the roof and the other portion to extend a short distance up onto the chimney. In essence, it has an L-shaped design that fits into the angle between the chimney and the roof, helping to seal it to keep water from leaking in.

Installing metal roof flashing

Flashing Materials and Characteristics

Flashing comes in many different styles and can be made from a number of different materials. The most common materials include aluminum, copper, steel, vinyl, and PVC. When choosing to flash to your home, it is important to consider not only the overall look you are going for but also the characteristics of each type of flashing. That way, you can choose the right type for your application.

  • Aluminum flashing is one of the cheapest options. It is lightweight and easy to bend, which means that you can use it for a variety of different applications. The only downside to aluminum is that it can corrode if it comes in contact with certain types of roofing. For instance, if it is installed next to roofing that has been treated with chromate copper arsenate (CCA), corrosion can be a major problem.
  • Steel flashing is one of the most popular choices for chimney applications. Although it is a lot more expensive than aluminum flashing, it is also a lot more durable. It typically has an extremely long lifespan – especially if it is galvanized. That means that your initial investment can continue to provide you with protection for many years to come.
    Apart from its price, the only real drawback to steel flashing is that it can be somewhat difficult to install. Steel is a lot harder to cut through than aluminum. It also is a lot harder to bend. All in all, however, it is a great choice for chimney-related applications.
  • Vinyl and PVC flashing are also popular choices for many roofing applications. However, you usually don’t see these types of flashing installed around chimneys. They tend to become brittle and can break easily. They also have a hard time resisting heat, which makes them a poor choice for the area around your chimney.

Out of all of these options, most experts recommend steel when it comes to installing flashing around a chimney. You can find steel flashing at any home improvement store. It comes in a variety of different sizes and styles. If you are planning on installing it yourself, make sure to research what style you need in advance so that you know which type of flashing to buy. Typically, the best option is to hire Armor Services to install the flashing for you. Working on a roof can be a dangerous proposition – especially if you don’t have a lot of experience working high above the ground. This is particularly true if your roof has steep angles or if there are other factors that make it more dangerous than usual. You will need to carefully evaluate your specific situation to determine whether or not you can safely handle the installation on your own or whether it makes more sense to contact armorservices.com dependable and professional roofers, to take care of the project on your behalf.

After the flashing is installed, you should occasionally inspect it to make sure that it is still in good shape. Keep your eyes peeled for any signs of corrosion, cracking, or any other problems that could indicate that it has been compromised. Inside your home, you should also keep an eye on your ceiling. If you notice any water stains appearing on the ceiling near your chimney, it could be a sign that your flashing has failed. If you are going to be installing a new roof on your home, consider replacing the flashing at the same time. As long as it is installed correctly and you choose the right materials, the new flashing should last as long as the roofing materials that you have installed, helping to ensure that your home stays dry and tightly sealed.