Does your chimney need chimney flashing repair? chimney flashing refers to the vertical flaps or liners that are fitted to chimneys to prevent water escape and to reduce heat transfer. Chimney flashing also provide venting and direct exhaust for a domestic chimney, which means that chimney repairs and replacements should be handled by a professional chimney cleaning contractor in Riverhead, NY. Chimney flashing is basically a metal gasket that is filled with either asphalt or flexible metal, depending on the application. When your chimney is not burning, the chimney gasket stays in place, but when a fire has caused damage to the chimney, it may rupture and allow water to leak into the walls and crevices of your chimney.

chimney safety

Your chimney is probably the single most important source for protecting your family’s safety and comfort from smoke and soot. Chimney flashing is designed to protect people from burning their lungs when a chimney is in use and to keep water from escaping and causing a house fire. Your chimney is subject to constant leaks if the chimney flashing somehow fails, but chimney leaks are most common near the chimney where it comes in contact with the roof.

checking your aged chimney

Old metal strips found on the flue near your chimney are the culprits when it comes to chimney leaks. These are basically old metal strips that penetrate the flue and get snagged on roofing tiles, bricks, mortar, etc. In fact, old metal strips can get so close to the roofing that it is virtually impossible to install new flashing around them without tearing everything out. Instead, you will need to install new metal flashing around these penetrations and joints using flashing steel, copper, or flashing with an hexagonal head pattern. Flashing steel clips are the best option because they leave absolutely no exposed joint area and are very durable.

chimney fires

Chimney fires can start without even being lit. Just like a pot of coffee, chimney fires can start even if the chimney is not in use. Chimney fires can result in serious roof damage as well as injury to people and animals. Therefore, it is absolutely essential that chimney flashing repair be completed as soon as any signs of a chimney fire are detected. If you notice any wetness, fogging from condensation, or a strong odors coming from the chimney; it is important to take immediate action and to install new flashing around all chimney penetrations and joints.

chimney leaks

Chimney leaks often concentrate on one area of the flue. The primary reasons why this happens is because the flue is not properly sealed. This usually happens with older chimneys because the materials used to construct the flue liners and to create the chimney damper were not designed to withstand strong water flow and condensation. As time progresses, the liners will deteriorate and begin to leak. This will then cause condensation to build up on the walls of the chimney and the resulting water flow will erode the liners.

If the condensation is not removed quickly enough, the result can be extensive water damage to the roof and attic. You will also need to make sure that your chimney flashing and chimney liners are all intact and in proper condition. In the case of an active fire, it is important to have your chimney professionally inspected and sealed again immediately. In the case of minor roof and attic damage, you can often perform the task yourself.