Your roof is an integral part of protecting your home and those inside it. Therefore, it’s important to have access to expert teams who can help keep your roof in its best condition. At Livingston Roofing we have vast experience in roofing repair and know how to maintain your roof. But before we can, it’s important to identify what needs fixing. An often overlooked issue—chimney flashings—can cause serious damage to your roof, so it is essential to recognize the signs when you see them. To learn more about chimney flashings and how to spot damage to it, keep reading.
5 Signs It’s Time To Check Your Chimney Flashings
First, what is chimney flashing? Chimney flashing creates a water-resistant seal between the roof and chimney. Made of metal material, its goal is to direct water away from the chimney and onto the roof for safer water drainage. However, if done poorly, there are a few things that can happen, which might cause damage.
1. Wear and Tear
With chimney flashings being made out of metal, they can wear out over time. If your flashing has been installed for some time, there is a chance the metal can start to corrode, which will cause a leak. To check if this is happening, look for rust, which increases the likelihood of leaks.
Since climbing on your roof can be dangerous, try to inspect your chimney flashing from the ground. Using a pair of binoculars can make this process even easier. If you have any doubts about whether or not your chimney flashing may be damaged, get in touch with a professional from Livingston Roofing for a detailed inspection.
2. Brick Discoloration
When the bricks in your fireplace come into contact with water, they will start to look different. Examining the colors and noticing any changes can be a good indicator if you have a leak and your flashing is not working.
3. Stains
When you look inside your fireplace, do you see any stains? Examining your firebox is an easy indicator that something may be wrong. If you see rust or water stains, then water is seeping through, and it’s time to get your chimney flashings replaced.
4. Smell
When water leaks into your chimney, strange smells can start coming from your fireplace. This leakage can cause mold and mildew to grow, creating a strong smell that permeates into your house. If you are catching any strange smells from your chimney, there is a good chance that water has leaked in.
5. Gaps
When checking your chimney, look for any gaps where the flashing typically lays. This is a sign it is time to reinstall. There should not be any gaps between the chimney and flashing. If there are, it is even more likely that water is going to get through and drain into your fireplace.
Have Any Questions? Give Us a Call!
At Livingston Roofing we know that your roof is important—and when it comes to chimney flashings, it is best to fix it when the problems arise. If you have any questions about chimney flashing or seeking help regarding any other roofing needs, contact us at 225-644-5718. Our expert team is here to answer any questions you may have and to ensure that all your roofing needs are met.