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Everyone who has worked with chimneys and chimney flashing in the past knows that the most important aspect of chimney construction and maintenance is to make sure the chimney is weatherproof and waterproof. If you do find that your chimney is leaking however, then you should replace your chimney flashing as soon as possible.
The sheet metal flashings are the most common cause of chimney leaking. If you see water stain marks or other tell-tale signs of leakage anywhere in the vicinity of your chimney then you can be pretty sure that you have a problem with your chimney flashing. Without a doubt, you know the problem is with the flashing if it is missing, or damaged by rust. Also if chimney flashing is loose you will need to replace it. If it is covered with roofing tar then this is a sign that someone has made a rushed quick fix in the past which you will have to deal with now. If you are replacing your roofing shingles, this is also a good time to change the chimney flashing so that it will last as long as your roof does. Replacing flashing is an advanced DIY job, because of the dangers of working on the roof and working with sheet metal. However, if you can get to grips with this then you can do the job yourself, with the proper equipment and guidance. It is not the easiest job and does require the use of some specialised tools. You should also never underestimate the dangers of working on a roof. Always use the appropriate safety gear and don’t take short cuts or risks that you may regret later. Chimney flashing basically involves lining the base of your chimney with galvanised metal flashing. You will have to bend these metal sheets to the exact shapes and angles that are required so that they fit together properly and cause water to run off onto the roof and do not allow any onto the inside. You will also need to make certain that the weather is forecast to be clear before replacing your chimney flashing. You do not want it to start raining while you are midway through the job. Not only will this ruin your efforts but a lot of water will leak into the chimney while you are working on it. This should not take you more than a single day to do; however, if it is your first attempt at this job then it is very possible that delays will hold you back. Therefore, you may want to leave yourself an extra day as a contingency. Whether you decide to do your own chimney flashing or get an expert in for the job, a good chimney flashing job should last 25 years or more. |
