Blog

#1  Valleys

#2  Chimneys

These soldiers on the roof are often overlooked when it comes to maintenance. Generally, there are (4) types of leaks associated with chimneys:  

#1  Valleys

#2  Chimneys

These soldiers on the roof are often overlooked when it comes to maintenance. Generally, there are (4) types of leaks associated with chimneys:  

1) The brick/mortar itself is allowing water through and needs to be sealed or reworked by a mason.   2) The chimney cap is cracked or damaged and needs to be reworked and or a protective chimney cap installed.  3) The counter flashing – the metal set into the mortar joint may be poorly sealed, rusted or non existent and will need a mason to install a new set of counter flashings.  4) The flashings installed along with the roofing material could be incorrectly installed a or not present at all – this will require a roofing pro to fix it correctly. The roofing material around the chimney needs to be removed and all new flashings, Ice & Water Shield underlayment and roofing material need to be correctly installed.

If you have a wood chimney chase, the leaks are similar. Check for poor joints and loose trim, missing caulking or rotted wood. Whether you have a brick or wood chimney you can do your own visual investigation checking the four problem areas. Then determine which area looks the most suspect and start your trouble shooting there. The first three problems require a mason or carpenter if its brick or wood, the forth repair requires a roofer.