Chimney Flashing Repair Westchester NY

What causes leaks around chimneys?

Here in Westchester, bricks and mortar both pass water and often lots of it. The problem here is usually the freezing and thawing cycle, which happens all winter long and results in damage in the house.

Is your chimney flashing in good shape?

You want to make sure your home is watertight and remains in excellent condition for years to come. You wouldn’t be too pleased if you were to find water leaking in through the chimney, causing damage to the walls, ceilings, and other interior areas. Be sure to look for cracked, curled, or missing flashing around your chimney.

Not sure what to look for? We can come out and perform a free inspection.

Have a roof leak around your chimney?

DO NOT WAIT — Call a roofing contractor right away.

Roof leaks (even small ones) need fast intervention to limit the damage. When considering how to address a flashing leak, the answer is simple; the time is now. There is no time to wait when it comes to leaks.

What materials are used for chimney flashing?

Aluminum Flashing: This is a popular choice due to its cost-effectiveness and ease of installation. Aluminum is lightweight and can be easily shaped to fit the contours of a chimney and roof. However, it’s more susceptible to corrosion, especially in coastal areas or places with acidic rain.
Copper Flashing: Known for its durability and long lifespan, copper flashing is a premium option. It is resistant to corrosion and weathers naturally to a greenish patina over time, which can be aesthetically pleasing. Copper is also more expensive but is preferred for high-end installations due to its longevity and performance.
Lead Flashing: Lead is extremely durable and flexible, making it ideal for complex chimney shapes and sizes. It is also resistant to corrosion and can last for decades. However, due to health concerns associated with lead, its use has declined and it is handled with care during installation.

Each type of flashing has its advantages and is chosen based on factors like the climate, roof material, and budget.

Are there different styles of flashing?

Yes, there are different styles of flashing used in roofing, particularly around chimneys, to prevent water infiltration. Here are a couple of common styles:
1. Step Flashing: This type involves individual pieces of metal that are layered with shingle installation. Each piece of flashing is shaped like an “L” and is installed to overlap the one beneath it, much like steps. This method ensures that water flows away from the chimney and down the roof, rather than seeping into the building.
2. Cricket or Saddle Flashing: This style is used when a chimney is wide or is situated on a side of the roof that collects a lot of water. A cricket is a small, peaked structure installed on the uphill side of the chimney to divert water around the chimney, reducing the burden on the flashing system. The cricket itself is covered with roofing material and then integrated with additional flashing to seal the entire area.
Each type of flashing serves a specific purpose and is selected based on the chimney’s size, location, and the roof’s slope and design. These methods enhance the roof’s ability to shed water effectively and protect the home from water damage.

Where is flashing used on a home?

Flashing is not only essential around chimneys but also plays a critical role in other parts of a roof and building structure to prevent water damage. Here are some of the different types of flashing used around various building features:

Window Flashing: This prevents water from entering around window frames. It typically involves a combination of drip edges, sill pans, and flashing tapes that are applied around the sides and bottom of windows. Proper installation is key to ensure no water penetrates the window frame into the wall.

Skylight Flashing: Similar to chimney flashing, skylight flashing is used to seal the base of a skylight with the roof. This often involves a combination of step flashing around the sides and saddle (or head) flashing at the top to effectively divert water away from the skylight and prevent leaks.

Gable Flashing: This type is used along the roof edges where two slopes meet to form a ridge, known as gables. Gable flashing helps protect these edges from water ingress, which can be driven in by wind and rain. It is usually a straight piece of metal that covers the edge of the roof material.

Valley Flashing: Installed in the valleys where two roof planes meet and water collects and runs down the roof. Valley flashing needs to be particularly robust as these areas handle a larger volume of water. It is typically wider than other types of flashing and sometimes formed in a W-shape to encourage water to flow off the roof without pooling.

Each of these types of flashing is crucial for maintaining the integrity and longevity of the roof and building structure, helping to guide water away from potential entry points and prevent damage.