Flashing Around Chimney In Attic

Damaged or improperly installed roof flashing especially around the chimney or dormer is one of the most common causes of roof leaks.

Flashing around chimney in attic. The material is usually aluminum or galvanized steel and depending on the type of roof you have is most likely in the valleys around the chimney and even around dormer windows or skylights. Walking on the roof helps the inspector feel how much flex is in the roof sheathing particularly in key areas such as valleys around chimneys and around roof penetrations. Base flashing bottom before the base flashing is installed the roof is shingled up to the bottom of the chimney. How to repair leaky chimney flashing.

This is an area that often tells the story the best. Flashing prevents water from leaking down the chimney into the attic. The attic allows you to see prior or current leak activity. Chimney was leaking fixed with 26 gauge galvanized.

If you see white stains on the brick inside the home you might have an issue with leaks. Pound the flashing into the grooves and fasten with the drive in expanding anchors. According to the federal emergency management agency fema improper roof flashing could lead to wood rot and even deck collapse. Bend a piece of cap flashing to fit around the top corner of the chimney and add the cap flashing across the back of the chimney.

Apply a thick bead of the high temperature caulk around the joint where the flue enters the attic. The other way is through the attic space. Weather and oxidization are the most common culprits for flashing deterioration but it is possible that flashing can just simply come loose. If you see water entry in the attic on the uphill side of the chimney we know a chimney cricket is needed so water is not ponding in this area.

Code requires a chimney have a cricket if it is thirty inches or wider. Cut the side cap flashing to fit the angle of the roof so it overlaps each lower cap flashing at least 2 in. 4 chimney flashing causes leaks the flashing is what keeps water from going into the place where the brick structure comes through the roof or otherwise comes close to the roof there s a fairly large gap between the bricks and the roof and water will pour through that hole if it s not sealed up.