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!

The Importance of Storm Collars

Stopping water penetration of your chimney is an important responsibility for homeowners. Water can leak into your chimney and cause a lot of destruction to your home. Consequently, this includes the corrosion of metal components. Including components like the damper and chimney liner and the staining of ceilings and walls. Plus, even the rotting of the wooden structures which are adjacent to the chimney.

Water not only damages your chimney and home. In addition, the presence of moisture in your chimney can also lead to mold growth. Since it rains quite a bit in Austin, TX, Atlas Chimney has been working for over 25 years on preventing chimney water leaks. We know the best methods of keeping water out of your chimney and we will ensure your chimney is leak-proof. One of the best preventive measures we use is a storm collar as part of a flashing system. We would like to tell you more about storm collars. Also, how they are an important part of a good flashing system to protect your chimney from water penetration.

What exactly is a storm collar?

A storm collar is also known as a chimney collar. It is most often used with prefabricated chimneys. This is to prevent rain from getting into the space where the chimney pipe meets the roof. It is usually built into the flashing system around the chimney. Comparable to a chimney cap for masonry chimneys, storm collars are different because instead of sitting at the top of the chimney like a cap does, they fit directly onto the chimney pipe.

How long will my storm collar last?

While storm collars are durable, they do not last forever. Eventually you will have to replace your storm collar.  Notice water in the attic or water stains on the ceiling in the room of your fireplace? If so, it is time to replace your storm collar, according to the Home Guides at SF Gate.

Why do I need a flashing system?

The area around your chimney where it meets the roof is very vulnerable and needs to be protected by a flashing system. This is constructed of sheets of metal that are strategically layered on the roof and wrapped around the chimney. Providing a watertight barrier, water from rain and snow will be unable to enter at this point. Not only does Atlas Chimney repair flashing systems, but we can also construct new customized flashing systems. This will stop water from leaking into your chimney. When our customers have a prefabricated chimney that consists of a metal pipe, a storm collar will always be used as an important part of the flashing system.

Prevent water penetration of your chimney this spring. Contact us at Atlas Chimney to learn more about storm collars and our flashing system services!