Leaking Roof? Maybe it's Improper Chimney Flashing! (Home Inspections Norristown)
David may be up in Pennsylvania, but his post is something we have to deal with down here in the Sunshine State as well! Chimney flashing that is not installed correctly! I had to deal with this just two weeks ago! Nothing can replace a good home inspection! After all, how often do you go up on the roof to check it out?????
Leaking Roof? Maybe it's Improper Chimney Flashing!
(Home Inspections Norristown)
Have a leaking roof? Often times, that roof leak has nothing to do with the shingles and something to do with improper chimney flashing!
Chimney flashing is used to prevent roof leaks between where the chimney and the roof meet.
Chimney flashing leaks can happen for a number of reasons.
One reason is the chimney is not directly attached to the house frame and if the home settles, the flashing can pull away.
Another reason depends on the type of metal used for chimney flashing. That metal can corrode and rust over time and create a leak.
Another big reason for chimney flashing leaks that I see all the time in home inspections around Norristown, PA is improper chimney flashing.
Just last week, I was hired for a home inspection in Norristown and came across a chimney that had improper flashing.
The chimney was missing counter and step flashing.
From the picture to the left, you can see someone surrounded the chimney with roofing mastic instead.
Proper chimney flashing, as shown in the illustration to the right from Carlon, Dunlap & Associates has step and counter flashing.
Step flashing is installed with the roof shingles and is weaved between the shingles.
Counter flashing protects against water getting behind the top edge of step flashing, preventing it from seeping down the chimney or other vertical surface. It is installed after the shingles are installed and is cut into the chimney and installed on top of the step flashing.
It is a relatively easy repair for a qualified roofer.
So, if you have a leaking roof, make sure to check for failed or improper chimney flashing!
David Artigliere is an ASHI-certified home inspector and owner of ARTI Home Inspections LLC.
David is available for home inspections in Norristown, Reading, Pottstown & surrounding 7 days a week.
Visit www.artihomeinspections.com or call
(610) 220-1907 for your next home inspection!
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