Our Company Blog

What Is Chimney Flashing & Why Is It So Important?

Keeping water out of your chimney is one of the most important maintenance responsibilities you have as a homeowner. The amount of damage and deterioration that water can do to a masonry chimney is extensive! Not to mention, the repairs can be very expensive. Neglecting those repairs can lead to serious structural problems, including the collapse of the chimney. How do you avoid this hazardous situation? By preventing water penetration of your masonry chimney. Atlas Chimney provides several different professional water penetration preventive services to protect your masonry chimney. For over 25 years, our Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA)-certified chimney technicians have been taking care of chimneys in the Austin area. So, you know you can trust our experience and professionalism. We would like to tell you more about chimney flashing, one of these preventive services we offer.

What exactly is chimney flashing?

The area where your chimney meets the roof is very vulnerable to water leaks. This is why a customized flashing system is the best way to protect this spot! Consisting of metal sheeting that is strategically layered around the chimney, a properly constructed flashing system provides a barrier against water penetration. How do you successfully keep water from entering the chimney at the roof? Well, there must be two layers of flashing in place, according to This Old House. The first layer of metal sheeting, step flashing, is attached to the shingles of the roof and lapped up the sides of the chimney. Counter-flashing, the second layer, is installed into the mortar joints and folded over to cover the step flashing. After the layering is complete, the corners are reinforced by applying high-quality urethane caulk to seal any gaps.

Why is flashing so important?

Without a flashing system to protect it, the area where the chimney meets the roof can be a place where water accumulates during and after a rainfall. This can lead to water leaking into the chimney. Water leaks can do a great deal of damage to your chimney and your home. This damage includes the corrosion of the metal components, including:

• the liner and damper
• spalling of the bricks and mortar
• rotting of the wooden structure around the chimney
• staining of the ceiling and walls in the room of your fireplace

Avoiding this damage is why it is so important to protect your chimney with a professionally built customized flashing system!

Not only does Atlas Chimney provide flashing construction and repair services. In addition, we can also prevent water penetration by waterproofing your chimney. Contact us today to keep water out of your chimney!

Reasons For A Leaky Chimney

One of the most common chimney problems are water leaks. Consequently, they also can cause quite a bit of damage. Having your leaky chimney repaired as quickly as possible is important. In doing this, it prevents extensive and expensive deterioration. However, pinpointing the reason for the chimney leak can be challenging and frustrating. Fortunately, Atlas Chimney has the expertise and experience to find the source of the leak! We can repair your leaky chimney, as well as protect it from future leaks. Atlas Chimney recommends having us do the hard work of diagnosing and repairing chimney leaks. Having said that, you can help us save time by finding the general location of the leak. We would like to share with you some of the places where leaks commonly occur.

CHIMNEY CROWN

If you see standing water in your firebox, a damaged chimney crown is most likely the source of your water leak. Although, ImproveNet warns that impediments can cause water from rain and melted snow and ice to change direction. This causes water to show up in other parts of your home. Your chimney crown is made from mortar, which over time can deteriorate from exposure to the elements. Atlas Chimney specializes in chimney crown repair and construction. So, you can trust us to fix your damaged crown to keep water out of your chimney.

SPALLED BRICKS AND MORTAR JOINTS

Have you noticed cracked or missing bricks and mortar joints on the exterior of your chimney? If so, you probably have water leaks in the damaged areas. This type of damage is called spalling, and it occurs during the winter from freeze/thaw cycles. Our certified chimney masonry technicians can replace damaged and missing bricks and mortar joints. In addition, we can also apply a waterproofing formula to your entire chimney that will protect it from future water penetration damage.

FLASHING

A leaky chimney can lead to several serious issues which can cause your chimney to be unsafe to use. Make sure your chimney is in good shape! Contact us at Atlas Chimney and schedule an appointment for a water leak chimney inspection.