Do you ever think about your chimney? Most homeowners don’t, but the reality is that it should be regularly cleaned and maintained. Homeowners typically think about their roofs more often than their chimneys, but these two go hand in hand when it comes to necessary repairs. Anytime you experience roof damage, you may likely have chimney damage as well. Pay attention to the things below so you know what to look out for in the event your home sustains damage.
Does Roof Damage Affect Your Chimney?
The short answer is yes! Let’s take a look at how this happens.
Flashing
Chimney flashing is the layered pieces of sheet metal that will attach your chimney to the rest of the roof. This flashing is vital in keeping water from slipping into your home. If for some reason the flashing is broken, missing, or damaged in any way your chimney and roof become vulnerable to the outdoor elements. You can usually spot damaged flashing easily, If you notice any rust or lifted seams, you want to have this remedied quickly. Any visual of water spots in your attic could also be due to a leak in the flashing.
Animals
You want to make sure you have a chimney cap to prevent wild animals from building nests inside your chimney. This creates a physical barrier from any critters getting in and creating a nest within your chimney. In addition, it also prevents debris and rainwater from entering. If you have an animal issue within your chimney, it likely will expand to the roof creating a much larger problem in your crawlspace or attic. A pest infestation can create all kinds of other home issues that need to be taken care of immediately. A Chimney cap can help prevent all of these potential issues.
Storms
The exact storms that cause roof damage will also cause chimney damage. Harsg rain, hail, winds, and snow can all create massive damage to your property and especially your roof and chimney. Even though a chimney is stronger than roof shingles, it will still sustain damage from the elements. When you inspect your roof after a storm, you want o inspect your chimney too. You may need the help of a professional chimney repair service. Not all roofing companies provide chimney services so be cautious as you look for the help you need.
In Conclusion
If you want to keep your chimney and roof in the best shape possible to expand their lifetime, keep the regularly maintained. These two areas are closely related and work together hand in hand to sustain your home covering from the elements. In most cases, chimney technicians and roofers are not experts in each other’s craft but may be able to glean insight and give you great referrals. As a homeowner, keep your eye on both and when you are in need call a professional for help.
For more information on roof repairs, replacement, or maintenance, contact us. We would be happy to assist you with all of your Snohomish County roofing needs.