Seven Signs your Chimney Flashing is Failing

The number one threat to your chimney system is water. Chimney flashing, along with chimney caps and professional waterproofing, is an important defense mechanism in the fight against moisture. In this month’s blog, the CCP-certified chimney professionals at Admiralty Chimney explain how chimney flashing works and share seven signs it might be failing.

What is Chimney Flashing?

Chimney flashing is a type of weather stripping that creates a watertight seal to protect your chimney and roof from water damage and penetration. Made out of vinyl, aluminum, copper, or steel, flashing is installed where your roof and chimney intersect. When chimney flashing is properly installed, it can last over 30 years—depending on where you live, the shape and size of your chimney, and the materials used. But poor installation, violent storms, or sealant deterioration can cause it to pull away from your roofing material, leading to a host of problems.

Signs of Deteriorating Chimney Flashing

Failing chimney flashing allows water to leak in and around the chimney, causing significant and costly damage to your roof, home, and even the chimney itself. If enough water penetrates your chimney, the brick and mortar joints will become brittle, compromising its entire structure. Be on the lookout for these signs of failing chimney flashing:

1. Leaks from the inside or outside of the chimney
   

2. Discolored bricks
   

3. Rust stains
   

4. Moisture stains on the interior ceilings or walls adjoining your chimney
   

5. Musty smells coming from your chimney, especially after it rains
   

6. Sounds of dripping water or puddling within your chimney
   

7. Firebox condensation

If you observe any of these signs, contact your chimney professional to diagnose, repair, or replace the flashing. Replacements are needed if the flashing is missing, rusted, visibly separated from the chimney, or completely covered with roofing tar.

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Replacing your roof? Be sure to install new chimney flashing as part of your new roofing system.

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Inspection is your Best Detection

You can stay on top of your chimney’s overall wellbeing, including the health of your chimney flashing, with an annual chimney inspection. During the inspection, your CCP-certified technician will assess the state of your chimney system and make needed repairs before any concerns become costly.

Chimney Repairs, Installation, and Cleaning in NH and MA

As hearty New Englanders, we understand that our climate delivers year-round moisture. If you’re seeing signs of chimney flashing issues, don’t delay. Contact our CCP-certified chimney experts to inspect your chimney flashing and repair it before it brings problematic leaks to your doorstep.

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Chimney Leaks: Symptoms and Solutions

Rain showers, thunderstorms, and snow can lead to a leaky chimney. Even chimneys without previous problems can develop leaks in as little as one season. By understanding the warning signs of a water leak, you can prevent significant chimney damage. In this month’s blog, the CCP-certified specialists at Admiralty Chimney share key information on the symptoms of–and solutions for–a chimney leak. Here’s what you need to know.

Identifying a Chimney Leak

Homeowners often assume that all leaky chimneys present themselves as water in the fireplace–when there are many different signs, such as:

• Audible or visible evidence of dripping water in the chimney.
  

• Dampness or water staining on walls or ceilings near the fireplace or chimney.
  

• Musty or mildew-type odors emanating from the fireplace.
  

• Cracked or spalled interior or exterior masonry.
  

• Rust or white chalk-like stains (efflorescence) on the exterior chimney masonry.
  

• Leaks in other areas of your home.

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Did you know? When water enters your chimney, it can move through your walls, floors, and ceilings.

It collects at a low point where it forms a leak, causing damage to those areas of your home.

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Contacting a Chimney Professional

If you suspect a leak, contact a CCP-certified chimney specialist immediately. Time is of the essence. Water is villianous, destroying the integrity of your chimney from the inside out. An experienced chimney technician can source the location, determine the cause, and get it repaired before further damage occurs.

Preventing Chimney Leaks

The best way to prevent a chimney leak is by following a professional maintenanceprogram for your fireplace and chimney. Annual chimney sweepings and inspections give your technician the opportunity to identify any changes or damage to your chimney or masonry so it can be repaired before it leads to a leak. They may also recommend additional techniques to prevent water from entering your chimney, such as waterproofing your masonry and installing or repairing a chimney cap, chase cover, crown, or flashing.

Chimney Inspection, Maintenance, and Repair in NH and MA

If you are concerned about water damage to your chimney or have noticed a change in its functionality or structure, contact our CCP-certified chimney professionals. We can work with you to customize a solution that meets the safety and operational needs of your chimney and fireplace.

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Five Chimney Cleaning Myths Debunked

When you’ve been taking care of chimneys for as long as we have, you tend to hear a myth or two about cleaning them. But when it comes to the safety and integrity of your chimney system, it’s important to not get swept away by common misconceptions. In this month’s blog, our CCP-certified chimney specialists dispel five prevailing chimney cleaning myths.

Myth #1: Cleaning logs clean my chimney.

While cleaning logs reduce and loosen creosote build up, they do not fully eliminate the debris from your chimney. Only a trained chimney sweep can completely remove the creosote while also checking for cracks, chips, weaknesses, or problems within the actual fireplace or parts of the flue.

Myth #2: Burning orange peels can clean my chimney.

Orange oil is a common cleaner that can cut through dirt and grease, which is why some homeowners believe it can also clean out their chimney. However, burning orange peels in your fireplace has no cleaning effect on your chimney whatsoever. It will just leave behind orange-scented smoke that does absolutely nothing.

Myth #3: I never use my fireplace so I don’t need a cleaning.

Not all chimney system problems are caused by fireplace use. Masonry can deteriorate over time, moisture can infiltrate the mortar, and birds can build nests, blocking the flue. A chimney cleaning and inspection will allow you to identify any issues before they become larger, costlier problems.

Myth #4: I can clean my chimney myself.

A quick Google search will tell you with 56 million hits that you can – but it doesn’t mean you should. This is one of those jobs that’s best left to a trained professional. A proper chimney cleaning requires specific training, tools, and equipment to effectively clean and dispose of the creosote. An experienced professional can not only safely remove toxic creosote, but has a trained eye to identify any potential structural problems with your chimney.

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The National Fire Protection Association recommends cleaning and inspecting your chimney annually. Don’t delay! Schedule your cleaning and inspection with Admiralty Chimney before the fall chill hits the air.

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Myth #5: I have a metal liner so I don’t need a chimney cleaning.

Regardless of the type of liner you have, creosote and soot can build up in your chimney, and need to be cleaned out on a regular basis. Keep in mind also that most metal liner companies require regular professional maintenance and inspection for their warranties to be honored.

Chimney Cleaning, Inspection, Repair, and Maintenance in NH and MA

No matter how often you use your fireplace, regular professional maintenance is important to keep it in safe operating condition. Contact us today to schedule your chimney cleaning and inspection.

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