Although it might not look like it now, spring will be here before we know it! That means the snow will soon be melting from your rooftops, and you might be able to see any damage that was hidden throughout the winter. While we normally emphasize checking your roof and shingles for damage, we also want to remind you to check your chimney flashing!
Chimney flashing is the water-tight seal between your chimney and the roof. Many leaks come from damaged flashing where your chimney meets the rooftop. Ice and snow can seep into the cracks, freeze and expand which can cause larger cracks and deterioration. This might be hard to see from the ground, and we highly recommend homeowners NOT to try accessing their roof for a closer look. However, you may notice some leaks coming from the area where your chimney sits.
Here are some signs you can look for to check your chimney when spring finally gets here!
1. Leaks around your fireplace or ceiling where the chimney sits.
Like we said, this is probably the most obvious sign that your chimney has some cracks and leaks. Check for water around your fireplace or spotting and sagging in the ceiling. If you notice any discoloration, you might need some repair work done!
2. Pieces of flashing, brick or stone in your gutters.
Just like we’ve said with pieces of shingles showing up in your gutters, if you see pieces of flashing material, brick or stone in your gutters, it might be coming from your chimney! This can happen when it starts to deteriorate and then rain washes those pieces into your gutters. When you’re cleaning your gutters out this spring, keep an eye out for those materials.
3. Water in your chimney.
Spring time always brings the rain season. Your chimney flashing should create a water-tight barrier between the chimney and the roof. If you notice water in your chimney after rain, you may have damaged flashing.
These are just a few helpful hints to let you know you have possible chimney flashing damage. If you notice any of these signs in your home, schedule a free estimate with our residential roofing experts by filling out a contact form on our website. If you have questions about your flashing, call us at 440-322-1343 today!