What is Counter Flashing

There are a lot of different ways to keep the inside of our homes dry as well as our chimneys. One of those ways is by having counter flashing on the chimney. What is counter flashing? It is usually made of galvanized steel and directs water away from areas on the roof such as the intersection of the roof and walls.  Roofers will install flashing around vents, skylights, and chimneys.

Let’s take a look at why you need to know about counter flashing, what it is, problems with it, common materials used, installing it after building a chimney, common cause of roof leaks, maintenance, and when to contact a professional.

Why You Need to Know About Counter Flashing

You might be wondering why you need to know about counter flashing? Well, if your home has any brick on it, you want to make sure that counter flashing was used in the construction process. Counter flashing is often used to flash chimneys, which means to divert the water away from the chimney and down the siding.

What is Counter Flashing

As mentioned above, it is most often used on chimneys or where the wall meets a roofline. There are two layers: The first one is the base and is at the bottom of the chimney and the second one is inserted into the brickwork of the chimney. The purpose of the counter flashing is to sit on top of the base flashing to make sure water doesn’t go past it and instead flows down the roof or through the gutter.

Problems with Counter Flashing

You can see that counter flashing is very important to the chimney and the roof. However, we have to rely on the worker to install it when he/she is laying the brick and mortar. This will make it work best. Unfortunately for some workers, this is too much work so they skip this step and then the roofer has to cut out a ridge and seal it later on. The bad thing about this is the sealant eventually wears out and leaks into the home can occur.

Another problem is some people install it incorrectly such as in the picture below. The counter flashing should be up higher on the wall.

Here is another example of improper counter flashing. Just like the example above, it should be up higher on the wall so water cannot get underneath the shingles.

Common Materials Used for Counter Flashing

The three common materials used for counter flashing are: Aluminum, copper, and galvanized steel

Aluminum

Pros

  1. Aluminum can last for 20 years or more when taken care of properly
  2. Pieces can be cut so they are custom-fitted and slide together
  3. Some people will paint it and it is corrosion resistant
  4. Equally important, it is the least expensive of the three materials

Cons

  1. If the material is not taken care of or painted, it can corrode or oxidize. This is especially true if it is in contact with mortar
  2. It is a thin material, can break easily, and cannot be soldered
  3. Joints are weaker when nailed together
  4. Ladders of fallen limbs can damage it

Copper

Pros

  1. Durable and lasts for decades
  2. Aesthetically pleasing
  3. Joints can be soldered
  4. Light, workable, shaped easily
  5. Not to mention, it is an easy install

Cons

  1. Cost the most of the three materials
  2. Thieves love to steal it because of the value
  3. Similar to aluminum, damage occurs by ladders or fallen limbs

Galvanized Steel

Pros

  1. Can last for 40 years or more
  2. Rust resistant
  3. Not to mention, joints can be soldered which is very important

Cons

  1. Can rust if not taken care of and develop holes which lead to water entering the home
  2. Hard to tell if the material is falling apart
  3. Material is very heavy
  4. Tough to custom fit and install because it is so thick

Installing Counter Flashing After Building a Chimney

Improperly Installed Flashing Is a Common Cause of Roof Leaks

Hopefully, now you are seeing how important flashing is! In fact, if it is not installed properly or is damaged, it can lead to roof leaks. This is especially true in the areas of roof crickets, or dormer, and the chimney.

Architectural shingles

Maintenance on the Roof and Chimney

Every year, it is important to do maintenance on the roof and around the chimney. For example, take a look at your shingles. If any are missing or starting to come off, you have choices in shingles. Many people like architectural shingles while some like the three tabs.

Clean out the gutters and make sure the downspouts extend 6-10 feet from the home. You have the counter flashing which is directing the water away from the chimney so make sure the gutters are clean and the water can flow down and away from the home.

Conduct your summer chimney maintenance so you can make sure there are no unwanted pests or rodents living in the chimney.

Check the roof sheathing. If you are noticing water coming in through the attic or you see wood rot, you may need a professional to help with a diagnosis.

When to Call a Professional

If you notice water coming into the home or issues on the roof or near the chimney, call a professional for help. They can help with a diagnosis and also with answering any questions you may have.

Conclusion

Counter flashing is very important anywhere you have brick on a home. This is usually on the roof and chimney areas. With this in mind, sometimes it is not installed or it wears out quickly and needs replacing. In general, the idea is to always keep water outside of the home. We will look at your chimney during home inspections in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs. Think you may need our services? Leave us a comment below!

What is a Fireplace Lintel

Fireplaces are a luxury to have in the home. Many people don’t see it that way but if your home has one and there is a cold night, you are a lucky one. It is relaxing as you listen to the crackling and pop from the fireplace producing heat for the home. Does your fireplace have an arch or lintel bar on the front of the fireplace? This bar is a fireplace lintel. What is a fireplace lintel? It is a beam that protects the structure of the fireplace and also keeps the chimney from coming down. Some people don’t think it is important but it is!

Let’s take a look at why the fireplace lintel is important, what they are made of, the jobs of a fireplace lintel, what happens when it is removed, adding or replacing a lintel and other maintenance.

Why the Fireplace Lintel is Important

As mentioned above, the fireplace lintel is not there just for show, but it provides support for the weight of the chimney and also protects the other parts from the high temperatures of the fire. Sometimes it is closer to the back of the firebox and near the part of the chimney that many call the “throat.” It is about 4 inches into the side of the wall and is often made of brick or stone and extends into the walls.

What a Fireplace Lintel is Made Of

Old homes usually have a wooden lintel while new homes use a variety of materials such as stone, brick, steel, or concrete.  Sometimes timber is used but not as much as it is a combustible material.

Steel– made for large openings and heavy loads. It is made with rolled steel joists embedded in concrete and is long lasting.

Concrete– this material is fire resistant and can handle any weight. It is usually 8cm in width and just like steel, is a long lasting material.

Brick– this is used when the opening is less than 1m and the load of bricks is light.  It is 10 -20 cm in depth.

Stone– these are about 10cm per meter of width and very heavy. They are vulnerable to cracks because of the way the structure vibrates with this material.

A Fireplace Lintel Has Many Jobs

The fireplace is held together by mortar and joints and just like with many things, they deteriorate over time. If there is no lintel, the front of the chimney can crash into the firebox or fireplace opening, causing a mess and big expense.

The lintel is also necessary because when it is time to have a chimney cleaning, powerful tools are used to clean it. These tools can rattle the chimney and without support, it can fall.

Lastly, due to the high temperatures that come from the fire, the lintel will protect the chimney masonry from deterioration. The lintel reduces heat exposure, extends the chimney’s life, and decreases the risks of cracks and other heat damage.

What Happens When the Fireplace Lintel is Removed

Sometimes a designer, a DIY homeowner, or other person will remove the lintel to make the fireplace look taller. When in actuality, they are making it less structurally sound. Also removing it causes the smoke to go into the home instead of up and out of the chimney.

Adding or Replacing a Fireplace Lintel

  1. Adding a lintel should be done by a professional as it can be difficult to install them for someone not trained.

2. Make sure that the bearing on each side is enough to hold the weight so that it doesn’t collapse.

3. Height of the lintel should be enough to support the hearth thickness .

If you have a lintel and it is too high, one can be installed underneath that is the right size.

Other Maintenance In and Around the Fireplace

An estimated 25,000 fires start each year because of the chimney so it is important to maintain.

Chimney maintenance – should be done in the summer and involves looking to see if there are cracks in the seals, build-up of soot, or dead animals or nests. A certified inspector should do this from the Chimney Institute of America.

Roof– checking the roof is a good idea as well in the summer. You will be looking for any missing shingles, drip flashing, and that the eaves are attached, and the gutters are clean. The last thing you want is a backup of water in the home.

Water can also come through the outside walls so taking a look around the outside of the home for negative grading and water intrusion is a good idea.

When to Contact a Professional

If you are remodeling your fireplace, check with a chimney inspector who is certified with the National Fireplace Instititute.  He or she can look at the plans and make sure they will be up to code.

Conclusion

Many people don’t realize that the lintel is an important part of the chimney and fireplace. It is holding up the structure and also directing the smoke in the right direction. Not sure if yours is working correctly or if you have one? We can take a look at the lintel and chimney during our home inspections in Chicago, Illinois. Think you might need one of our services? Comment below.