Chimney Flashing

The metal that surrounds your chimney where it and the roof meet is your flashing. Many homeowners mistake the flashing as part of the roof, but it is actually a key part of your chimney system, helping to ensure that water doesn’t make its way into the chimney and into your home. So when you have a problem with your flashing — pieces have bent or come off in bad weather or corroded over time, caulking has loosened — don’t call a roofing company, call Blue Ridge Chimney Services.

We have immense respect for roofing professionals, and those are the folks we’d turn to if roofing issues came up. But flashing installation and repair is custom, specialized work that chimney technicians are trained to do right. Our CSIA-certified technicians install and repair flashing every day, so you can expect professional, polished and lasting results.

 

Chimney Flashing Explained

On the outside, your flashing might appear to be just a sheet of metal wrapped around the four sides of your chimney. But it’s far more complex than that, and is designed and installed in a way that provides several layers of protection against water.

Flashing is designed with two main components: step flashing and counter flashing. L-shaped step flashing forms the first layer and is installed in a way that integrates with the roof shingles to protect the joint between the chimney and roof. Counter flashing is layered on top of the step flashing, and stops water from getting into and behind the step flashing. With a proper and thoroughly layered installation, you’ll have an effective barrier against rain, snow and sleet.

chimney with custom cap on a roof of house

Repairing Or Replacing Flashing

In order to work efficiently, flashing work needs to be customized and detailed. When Blue Ridge Chimney Services technicians replace or repair your flashing, we custom create step flashing and counter flashing to fit with your exact chimney.

We most often see the need for flashing work after major storms, when winds pull up or pull off pieces of flashing, or after homeowners find a leak. If you see missing flashing components around your chimney, be sure to give us a call! If you have a leak around your chimney, we’ll check your flashing to make sure there isn’t any damage and that it was properly installed.

Flashing Materials

You’ll see flashing in several different metals, including aluminum, galvanized steel, stainless steel and copper. Your Blue Ridge Chimney Services technicians can talk to you about your options and the benefits of different choices, both functionally and visually.

If you see or suspect that your flashing is damaged, give Blue Ridge Chimney Services a call or click here to schedule an appointment online — our technicians are trained to do this customized work right.

 

Waterproofing your chimney can go a long way toward providing the protection you need against water leaks. We can help!