Chimney flashing is an important part of ensuring you have a full waterproofed roof. If your chimney flashing is old or is leaking you could end up with internal structural roof problems or problems with the structure of your house as a whole. Water leaking into your home can lead to moisture build up within rafters which can then rot and no longer have the strength to support the roofing felt and tiles nailed to them.

Moisture in your home can also lead to damp problems and the first sign that your chimney and chimney flashing need attention can be signs of damp around the chimney breasts in your home, such as small bubbles in the paintwork at the very tops of the walls or on your ceiling which look a little like sandpaper. If you see signs such as this, you should contact an experienced roofing company who can assess your roof and the flashing itself to ensure everything is in order.

There are three main sections to the flashing which are fitted in four different sections:

1. Stepped flashing
2. Apron flashing
3. Gutter flashing

If the entire chimney flashing needs to be replaced, the professional roofer would begin by replacing the apron flashing which is fitted as a single piece attached with tacks at the bottom of the chimney stack.

The next stage would be to replace the stepped flashing which is fitted to each side of the stack. Soakers, which sit between the roof itself and the chimney and are made from zinc or lead, are covered by the stepped flashing which is inserted into the mortar at the base of the chimney stack. The stepped flashing should be sealed to ensure a waterproof finish for your flashing.

Finally gutter flashing would be installed at the top of the chimney stack which should overlap the stepped flashing creating a fully waterproofed seal.

If you need to find a reputable roofer in your local area to check whether your flashing is in need or repair or replacement, localtraders.com can help you find an experienced professional roofing company.

Related posts:

1. Choosing A Professional Roofing Contractor To Repair A Leaking Roof
2. Identifying What Type of Chimney Your Property Has
3. Don’t Get Left Out In The Cold With Roofing Work This Winter
4. How to Stop Birds Nesting in your Chimney
5. Fixing Rising Damp – Damp Course and Damp Proof Membranes