How to Repair Chimney Flashing in Eugene, Oregon | Five Star Chimney Repair
Replacing chimney flashing requires careful attention, as it is a critical component of the roof’s ability to protect your home from water damage and keep moisture out. Although it’s possible to fix chimney flashing as a DIY project, it is still important that the job is done right to ensure your safety and the stability of your home.
Taking on this project will require certain tools and supplies, as well as some basic knowledge of roofing practices. This guide, built by the pros at Five Star Chimney Repair, will provide step-by-step instructions for homeowners around the Beaverton, area on how to complete a chimney flashing replacement with minimal hassle.
How to Repair Chimney Flashing
Before starting your chimney flashing repair, make sure you have all the necessary materials at hand. You will need:
- Ladder
- Metal snips/scissors or utility knife
- Hammer and nails
- Tape measure
- Chalk line
- Trowel or putty knife
- Aluminum flashing coil
- Sealant
Additionally, if you are replacing a chimney cap with a new one, you’ll need pressure-treated 4×4 lumber cut to size.
Chimney Flashing Repair Process
Once you have gathered all necessary materials and supplies, you can begin the chimney flashing replacement process:
1. Climb onto your roof and locate the area around your chimney where the current flashings are located. They are usually found between shingles near the top of the chimney stack. Remove any pieces of existing flashing that are damaged or loose using a pair of metal snips or a utility knife.
2. Measure your new aluminum flashing material against the opening that needs to be filled to get an accurate fit for your new piece of flashing material. Then, cut it using metal snips or scissors to the exact size needed for installation. NOTE: This is best done on the ground rather than on top of a ladder or roof!
3. Install the new aluminum flashing by hammering nails every 12 inches into each side, making sure it fits securely over any gaps/openings present in that area. Use nail heads to create an airtight seal if desired (make sure to leave enough room between any existing shingles so they don’t become damaged during this process).
4. Once evenly secured in place, go over it with a trowel or putty knife along its edges, making sure there are no gaps. Filling any holes left by nails with a sealant is recommended.
5. If replacing an existing chimney cap, install your 4×4 lumber (cut to size) along its sides before securing them firmly together using nails–make sure all connections are tight! Finally, reinstall any accessories, such as caps or decorative trim pieces, after everything is secured in place.
6. Inspect your work once finished; check carefully for any gaps or loose connections–proper sealing should be done both inside and outside areas around the perimeter of the chimney stack before finalizing the installation process (if applicable).
7. Test the waterproof capabilities by lightly spraying water onto sealed areas after allowing sufficient curing time for the sealant used in step #4 above (24 hours minimum recommended).
8. Re-examine general conditions periodically yearly, ensuring all connections remain secure against weather elements like wind, rain, hailstorms, etc. Make repairs promptly when needed!
Taking on this task requires preparation and knowledge about roofing practices–but if done correctly, it can help prevent costly water damage from occurring down the road! With these step-by-step instructions, hopefully, replacing your old flashings with new ones won’t seem too daunting anymore!
Chimney Flashing Inspections in Eugene, Oregon
Chimney flashing is a crucial element of any chimney. It is designed to keep moisture from entering the chimney, thus protecting the structure and contents from water damage. In addition, flashing also helps to protect against animals or debris getting into the chimney.
However, over time, due to weather exposure and wear-and-tear, flashing can become damaged, cracked, or loose and require replacement. Knowing when to replace the flashing is important for your chimney to stay in optimal condition.
Inspecting your chimney flashing should be part of your home’s regular maintenance. If you are aware of any issues with your current flashing, such as cracks or rust spots on metal parts, then it may be time to have it replaced.
Additionally, if there is evidence of mortar falling out or gaps around the joint where the components meet, then they need to be addressed immediately. It’s also important that you ensure all edges of the flashing are properly sealed and overlapped so that no water can seep through these areas either.
When replacing your chimney flashing, it is recommended that you hire a professional roofer with experience in this area of chimney repair so that the job is done right. Five Star Chimney Repair has extensive experience in Beaverton, and provides an array of chimney repair services.
The roofer you choose should use high-quality materials that will last for years with minimal maintenance. Aluminum is one of the most popular materials used for this purpose due to its low cost and durability.
Furthermore, they should install a drip edge under the bottom row of shingles so that water won’t accumulate near the bottom of your roof. If not addressed properly now during installation, this could lead to future problems.
Finally, after having your new chimney flashing installed, make sure you have an annual chimney inspection and spot check it throughout the year so that problems can be caught early on before they cause more extensive damage further down the line.
Minor chimney repairs can easily be performed by yourself or a professional contractor, but make sure that anything major is taken care of immediately in order to avoid any costly repairs later on down the road.
By taking care of this seemingly small aspect of home ownership now, you’ll save yourself considerable time and money in future years! Call 503-888-0260 or request-service-online to get your chimney flashing repair squared away.
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