Professional Chimney Flashing Repair Near Me: Trust Our Experts in Tulsa & Skiatook
Here in Oklahoma, it seems it’s either storming or we’re in a drought – there is no in between. But when we do finally get much-needed rain, who wants to worry about leaks, water damage, and water stains throughout their chimney? Invest in chimney flashing repair and installation services near you to avoid issues – we can help.
What Is Chimney Flashing?
Chimney flashing is a crucial component of your chimney setup that helps prevent water leaks where the chimney meets the roof. Without proper chimney flashing, water can seep into your home, causing structural damage, mold growth, and costly repairs.
Metal chimney flashing is typically made from durable, weather-resistant materials like copper or stainless steel, and is installed in layers around the base of the chimney to create a waterproof seal. The goal is to direct rainwater, melting snow, and ice away from this vulnerable junction, ensuring that moisture doesn’t penetrate the roof or chimney structure.
What Are Signs My Chimney Flashing Is Failing?
If you suspect your chimney flashing is damaged, look out for these warning signs:
- Visible rust or corrosion on the flashing
- Loose or missing flashing pieces
- Cracked or deteriorating caulking around the flashing
- Water leaks in the attic or on the walls near the chimney
- Shingles curling or lifting near the chimney
- Water dripping into your fireplace’s firebox
Chimney flashing is a small part of your home’s roofing system, but don’t underestimate how vital it is. If installed correctly and maintained properly, it can protect your chimney and home from costly water damage for years to come…but if it fails, you’ll face extensive damage.
If you notice any signs of flashing failure, it’s best to schedule an inspection with a professional chimney expert, like a Comfort Class technician, to prevent further damage.
What Makes Chimney Flashing Leak?
Faulty or poorly installed flashing can have you torn between wanting and needing rain…and wanting a dry home. If this sounds like you, it’s time to give Comfort Class a call. We repair chimney flashing near you and seal it using a proven, watertight product called FlashSeal.
Flashing’s sole purpose is to seal and protect the area where the chimney and roof meet. Without it, water has a gateway into the home, where it can cause wood rot in attics, and water staining and water damage on ceilings and walls. So, what makes it leak?
- Incorrect Installation: To be effective, flashing must be smooth, level, and free of gaps and dents. Dents can allow moisture to pool and rust through, and gaps provide a passageway for rainwater to enter the home.
- Low-Quality Materials: An important factor in the longevity and effectiveness of flashing is material choice. When constructed of a weak galvanized metal, you can expect your flashing to fail prematurely. Strong, rust-resistant stainless steel is a much better (and longer-lasting) material for the job.
- Storm/Water Damage: Sometimes flashing is installed correctly and made of the right materials, but it still leaks. In many of these instances, the failure is a result of flashing damage from strong storms. Winds, loose branches, and debris may have dented the flashing or lifted it in some areas, allowing water to pool and enter the home.
- Contraction/Expansion/House Settling: House settling and contraction/expansion can also cause gaps and create passageways for water to enter flashing.
How Can We Repair Your Chimney Flashing?
Your flashing likely needs to be repaired or replaced if you spot signs of moisture or water damage in your attic around the chimney or on the walls or ceilings surrounding your chimney. Look for things like wood rot and staining, and call on us right away if you notice damage.
All that said, you don’t have to play detective if you simply schedule annual inspections with Comfort Class. Our Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) certified chimney professionals can carefully and thoroughly inspect your chimney system, checking for even the slightest sign of a leak. Should we find faulty flashing to blame for your chimney leak, we’ll provide a long-lasting solution to the problem.
- Flashing Installation: When installing new flashing, we use step flashing and counter flashing to ensure long-lasting, effective protection. Step flashing goes at the base of the chimney and runs underneath the shingles, while counter flashing is sealed into the mortar joints on the chimney. Our team uses corrosion-resistant stainless steel, so you can be confident your new flashing will last and last.
- Chimney Cricket Installation: If your chimney is quite wide (i.e. over 30 inches wide), we can also install a chimney cricket. A cricket is a triangle shaped component that sits at the back of your chimney where the roof slope meets the base. It helps to divert water away from the chimney, so it doesn’t pool up at the back.
- Flashing Repair With a Flashing Sealant: We’re proud to offer a specially formulated flashing sealant that is a great option for repairing flashing that could use a sealant, but is in otherwise good condition. This product carries a 7-year warranty against leaks, and leaves a flexible, waterproof membrane on the flashing itself. Available in brown, black, or white, our flashing sealant is designed to discreetly protect just about any chimney and roof out there.
Our Chimney Sweep Professionals Are Ready To Help
Ready to protect your chimney and home against flashing leaks and water damage? Call Comfort Class today. Our experienced and courteous chimney professionals will arrive on time and treat you and your home with great respect – our family’s top concern is your family’s satisfaction, safety, and comfort!
Call today or reach out online to get started – we’d love to speak with you soon.
When you combine flashing installation and masonry waterproofing, your chimney will be better protected against leaks for the long haul.