Along with the comprehensive rebuild and waterproofing, is the flashing repair. Chimneys are notorious for leaking, and the culprit is almost always the lead flashing.
Your counter flashing is designed to shed water that directly hits the sides of the chimney by dispersing the water onto the roof shingles. For this reason, it is important to ensure the top layer of flashing is not placed under the shingles, a common error that will actually cause more water damage.
Your step flashing and ice & water barrier are located under the roof shingles, to shed water away from the chimney and run down the roof, preventing water from falling between the chimney and the roof.
You will want to consider a flashing repair if you notice stained ceilings and dry wall, the most common sign of flashing not doing its job correctly. You will want to install new flashing if it is missing, rusted through, falling out, altered by animals or completely covered with roofing tar. Many chimney companies will cover the flashing with roofing tar, a typical short-term fix that’s sure to be hiding bigger problems.
This will not allow the flashing to breath and will actually be creating future problems you will not physically see, until it’s too late! It’s also a good time to install new flashing when you put on new roof shingles because you’ll want it to last as long as the new roof.
The correct long-term repair to troubled flashing is to remove all of the old lead and replace it completely. If no ice & water or step flashing is visible under the lead, removing the shingles from around the chimney, placing ice and water barrier against the chimney, then weaving step flashing into the new shingles is the most effective method to ensuring the repair is done effectively. The team at Kiwi Chimney, Inc. has the experience and knowledge to repair the troubled flashing properly, to ensure no further leaks destroy your home.
If, during your inspection from one of our certified technicians, a problem with your chimney’s flashing has been found, rest assured we can resolve the problem for you.
Gallery of photos showing work done on a particular chimney
