Roof damage can cause many serious problems for homeowners, such as leaks, mold, and property damage. One often overlooked area, however, is the chimney. When the rooftop’s integrity is compromised, chimney flashing becomes susceptible to deterioration and requires roofing repairs. Here’s what you should know about how those roofing concerns can impact your chimney’s condition.

How Roofs & Chimneys Can Sustain Damage

Damage to both the roof system and the chimney can occur when they’re exposed to the elements for long periods without maintenance or roofing repairs. A traditional summer thunderstorm can wreak havoc on an already vulnerable roof, such as one that is aging or slightly damaged. The combination of excess rain, hail, and heavy winds can produce enough force to knock away loose shingles or puncture weak spots. Strong storms can cause chimney caps to loosen or fall off, weak bricks to break, and masonry to corrode. If you can see any of these problems from the ground, have a roofing company assess both the roof and chimney promptly.

What Happens When Flashing Is Damaged

Flashing protects the chimney by creating a structural barrier between the elements and the stack. These double-layered sheets of metal stop moisture, pests, and general outdoor debris from infiltrating the seam and causing harm. Flashing can lose its integrity through repeated exposure to rain; heavy rust can cause the metal to destruct slowly, while caulk and seams can loosen and lift away. All of these issues invite problems like moisture intrusion and pest infestations.

The Risks of Poor Maintenance

Sometimes homeowners don’t discover a problem until a leak develops in the chimney or they hear scampering noises inside the structure. Both are side effects of a poorly maintained chimney. When the cap goes missing, for example, the opening is large enough for all kinds of animals to work their way inside. These same pests can chew holes in your attic ceilings and the roofing system. Damaged flashing and severely neglected chimneys are also at risk of developing leaks, which can put both your roof and entire home at risk if you don’t discover them right away and schedule roofing repairs.

Do you need a trustworthy roofing company to resolve your roof and chimney flashing concerns? Turn to the team at Ford & Son Roofing in Cincinnati, OH. Proudly serving consumers throughout the tri-state area since 1945, the family-owned business offers everything from roofing and gutter replacements to chimney flashing and roofing repairs. Visit them online to learn more, or call (513) 231-1600 to speak to a team member.