Leak Repair
Masonry Repair, Flashing Repair, Chimney Crickets, Sealers, Caps & Covers
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Chimney Flashing
The chimney flashing is the complex system of metal work between the chimney and the roof. This flashing system should be a combination of ice/water shield underlayment, step flashing, shingles, and counter flashings. As well as high quality flashing sealants at critical junctions.
Chimney flashing can be replaced without the need to replace the entire roof. In fact, most chimney flashing repairs we do are on older roofs. Roofs that still have many years of life left in the shingles. The chimney flashing is just one element of your roofing system, among many, that work together keeping water out.
You would think the flashings would be replaced with a new roof. However, due to the degree of difficulty involved in replacing the chimney flashing. As well as the additional costs associated with such work. Many roof installers neglect to replace the flashings, during roof replacement, to save costs and time. This misleading behavior leaves many homeowners with a "new roof" that still leaks from the chimney flashing soon after installation.
Replacing the chimney flashing, when it's due, is essential to maximize the lifespan of your roof system. The chain is only as strong as its weakest link.
The chimney flashing should be replaced or repaired if any of these symptoms exist:
Chimney flashing can be replaced without the need to replace the entire roof. In fact, most chimney flashing repairs we do are on older roofs. Roofs that still have many years of life left in the shingles. The chimney flashing is just one element of your roofing system, among many, that work together keeping water out.
You would think the flashings would be replaced with a new roof. However, due to the degree of difficulty involved in replacing the chimney flashing. As well as the additional costs associated with such work. Many roof installers neglect to replace the flashings, during roof replacement, to save costs and time. This misleading behavior leaves many homeowners with a "new roof" that still leaks from the chimney flashing soon after installation.
Replacing the chimney flashing, when it's due, is essential to maximize the lifespan of your roof system. The chain is only as strong as its weakest link.
The chimney flashing should be replaced or repaired if any of these symptoms exist:
- Visible water damage to the ceiling or walls around the chimney
- Rotten or wet wood in the attic around the chimney
- Rust corrosion that pits the metal
- Separation from the chimney
- Separation from the roof
- Curling or Pealing
Chimney Cricket
Chimney Cricket is a roofing element behind the chimney that directs water around the chimney entirely. Most chimney crickets are framed like a dormer and installed underneath the shingles entirely. Some are premade using stainless steel or copper and installed in a manner to be exposed to the elements. Either method is acceptable as long as they are installed to flash water around the chimney entirely
A Chimney Cricket is required by code when, the chimney is wider than 30" parallel to the roofs peak. This code encompasses most chimneys, and does not discriminate by chimney type. A vinyl siding chimney and a brick chimney wider than 30" parallel to the peak both need crickets.
A Chimney Cricket is required by code when, the chimney is wider than 30" parallel to the roofs peak. This code encompasses most chimneys, and does not discriminate by chimney type. A vinyl siding chimney and a brick chimney wider than 30" parallel to the peak both need crickets.
Masonry Repair
A masonry chimney leak can be repaired by tuckpointing or repointing the mortar between the bricks. This is done by grinding out the old mortar with a power tool and laying fresh mortar in its place to repair the bond between the bricks.
If left unresolved the damaged mortar joints will continue to deteriorate until they are completely eroded. When this occurs the structural integrity of the entire masonry chimney becomes compromised. Eventually leading to a chimney that cannot be repaired and must be rebuilt.
In cases where repointing is not sufficient to repair a masonry chimney then the chimney must be rebuilt. This is done by taking the chimney apart brick by brick down to where the mortar bonding the bricks together is still strong. Then rebuilding the chimney from this area up.
If left unresolved the damaged mortar joints will continue to deteriorate until they are completely eroded. When this occurs the structural integrity of the entire masonry chimney becomes compromised. Eventually leading to a chimney that cannot be repaired and must be rebuilt.
In cases where repointing is not sufficient to repair a masonry chimney then the chimney must be rebuilt. This is done by taking the chimney apart brick by brick down to where the mortar bonding the bricks together is still strong. Then rebuilding the chimney from this area up.
Chimney Sealers
Chimney sealants prevent moisture absorption and keep a masonry chimney from becoming over saturated. While also allowing moisture to escape and not become trapped in the bricks. Brick and block naturally absorb moisture that will typically disperse and evaporate on its own. However, as chimneys age and become weathered. They become more susceptible to erosion and water penetration. Sealants can restore old masonry units to a more formidable form and help the fight in defending against the elements.
There are many masonry sealants on the market that should not be used on a chimney. Regular masonry sealants will trap moisture in the chimney and cause damage from the inside out. The bricks will degrade and begin spalling. A process where the faces eventually fall off and expose the softer inner layers of the bricks. If this is already occurring to your chimney you should act quickly.
There are many masonry sealants on the market that should not be used on a chimney. Regular masonry sealants will trap moisture in the chimney and cause damage from the inside out. The bricks will degrade and begin spalling. A process where the faces eventually fall off and expose the softer inner layers of the bricks. If this is already occurring to your chimney you should act quickly.
Chimney Crown Repair
The chimney crown is the concrete cap, covering the last row of bricks, at the very top. When the crown cracks it allows water to enter the chimney through the concrete cap directly into the brick work. This allows erosion of the flue joints in the flue lining and will deteriorate the chimney from the inside out. Repair and seal the crown immediately if you see any cracking, chipping, or peeling.
A chimney crown repair requires some masonry work to prep the existing crown surface properly. Then a rubberized masonry sealer is troweled onto the surface and pushed around for even coverage. After coverage is 100% complete the surface is spritzed and brushed smooth to eliminate air bubbles.
A chimney crown repair requires some masonry work to prep the existing crown surface properly. Then a rubberized masonry sealer is troweled onto the surface and pushed around for even coverage. After coverage is 100% complete the surface is spritzed and brushed smooth to eliminate air bubbles.
Chimney Cap
An affective chimney cap should block all unwanted elements, properly vent smoke/gases, and contain sparks during an emergency. Our chimney caps block animals, rain, and debris from entering the flue at the top of the chimney. Our chimney caps are designed and installed to contain sparks during a chimney fire.
A chimney swift can nest in an uncapped chimney and create a massive disturbance for the occupants. They are federally protected and cannot be forced out. Squirrels can nest in chimneys. They pack it full of twigs and leaves until its filled up enough for support. This is incredibly difficult to remove. An uncapped chimney is taking in water every time it rains.
A chimney swift can nest in an uncapped chimney and create a massive disturbance for the occupants. They are federally protected and cannot be forced out. Squirrels can nest in chimneys. They pack it full of twigs and leaves until its filled up enough for support. This is incredibly difficult to remove. An uncapped chimney is taking in water every time it rains.
- Stainless Steel
- Lifetime Manufacturers Warranty
- Lifetime Labor Warranty
- Blocks Rain
- Stops Animals
- Contains Sparks
Chase Cover
Our chase covers are made from stainless steel, and carry a lifetime warranty. Cross breaks are added from the center to the corners. Cross breaks lift the center slightly and form a rigid pitched surface for flashing water properly. This also prevents sagging over time and the potential for pooling water. Drip edges are flared out at the ends to push water away from the siding and prevent streaking over time. We measure each chase cover to fit your chimney perfectly. If there is any rotten or damaged wood it will need to be replaced while installing the new chase cover.
If the chase cover or cap is only lightly rusted it can be salvaged. This is referred to as "resurfacing". This is done by wire brushing or sanding down the rusted areas to smooth them out and prep the surface. Then the entire cap and cover is coated with a cold galvanized zinc rich compound which is specifically formulated for galvanized steel repair. Then the chase cover and cap is painted to match the house with professional grade Rust-Oleum paint to give it a tough rust resistant finish.
If the chase cover or cap is only lightly rusted it can be salvaged. This is referred to as "resurfacing". This is done by wire brushing or sanding down the rusted areas to smooth them out and prep the surface. Then the entire cap and cover is coated with a cold galvanized zinc rich compound which is specifically formulated for galvanized steel repair. Then the chase cover and cap is painted to match the house with professional grade Rust-Oleum paint to give it a tough rust resistant finish.
- Stainless Steel
- Lifetime Warranty
- Cross Breaks
- Rolled Drip Edges
Mission
Our mission is to perform at the highest level of our capabilities, at all times. To the degree that we are always giving our absolute, very best, to every task.
Culture
Deliver quality results with every task. Make every problem a segue to a solution. Make every decision based in good morals and values.