Chimney Waterfroofing
With all the wind, rain, and snow it can be hard for a chimney to remain in perfect condition for a long time. Water penetrating year after year, through the pores of the bricks and mortar-joints can severely harm a chimney. As water enters the masonry during freezing temperatures it expands and contracts, cracking the mortar and popping the faces off the bricks. This can eventually lead to having to tear down and rebuild your chimney which could be very expensive.
Waterproofing is a preventative maintenance done every few years to keep the moisture out of your chimney. This is a great way to help preserve your chimney to get maximum life out of it. Chimney Waterproofing and Flashing fills the pores, essentially lining the mortar and bricks creating a water repelling barrier. Applying this water repelling barrier every few years will extend the life of your chimney and protect you from expensive repairs.
Chimney Flashing
You can find your chimney flashing at the part where the roof meets the chimney. The purpose of chimney flashing is to seal the seam where they meet. While also directing water/snow towards the gutter. When damaged or installed the wrong way water can leak into your home.
Flashing when installed the right way with the right materials can last over 30 years. Step flashing and counter flash both come in a variety of metals. Some great options to choose from are:
- aluminum
- galvanized steel
- stainless steel
- copper
The step flashing is first nailed down under the shingles and sealed to the side of the chimney. The counter flashing is the second layer of protection that covers the step flashing. Counter flashing protects the seam where step flashing meets the chimney. since counter flashing is the last layer of protection, it is required to be cemented in-between the bricks. Chimney waterproofing and flashing.