Flashing Around A Chimney

Barry M

I have a family member who wants me to flash around their chimney, which was never done a few years ago when they got a new roof. I don't roof for a living but I feel comfortable doing the repair. My question is after I nail the flashing to the roof do I have to secure it to the brick? If so how do I secure it to the brick. Or will the tar behind the flashing be enough to hold it against the brick. Thanks.

__________________
Barry Maddox - Midwest Pro Wash
Pressure Washing Indiana
Deck Cleaning

TonyD

I'm in the same boat as you, Barry. I am not considered a "Roofer", but I can hold my own. I would also like some advice on flashing @ brickwork. Not only at the sides but along the uphill and downhill sides also.

__________________
"...You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong..."
Abraham Lincoln

River Rat Dad

The flashing at brick is always a two part system. A flashing at the roof line that runs up the brick, and a counterflashing cut in to the mortar that covers the other flashing. The two should not be fastened together to allow for movement. The counterflashing should be set at least 3/4" in to the mortor. I usually hold it in place with masonary nails and then caulk the nails and seams. There are other techniques to fasten the counterflashing as others will fill in. The masonary nails are just the easiest.

Grumpy

Based on your question I think it is time to call a roofer.

TonyD

Why?

__________________
"...You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong..."
Abraham Lincoln

Barry M

I knew someone would post that, and I don't blame you. I powerwash for a living and if someone was asking dumb questions about powerwashing their house, I would say leave it to a professional. So I understand but if I don't flash the chimney for him, he is going to attempt it himself and that is not a good thing trust me. He is not going to hire a pro no matter what, so I'm not taking work away from any roofers where I live. I just thought I would ask a question and it was answered good enough, thank you River Rat.

__________________
Barry Maddox - Midwest Pro Wash
Pressure Washing Indiana
Deck Cleaning

Grumpy

You ask why? Look at it this way, if he attempts it himself he only has himself to blame when it fails. If you do it and it fails he will blame you. If you've never done it before do you realy want to be doing it for a friend on the first job?

Pleas keep in mind that Flashings are critical to the roof. That's why we take the extra time and care to do them. Flashings are used in the areas where roofs are most prone to failure. That's why usually the most senior roofer on the crew is the one to do the flashings. IMO anyone can shingle a roof, but it takes a roofer to do flashings.

Having said all that if you still choose to try this project, this is how I would approach it for a warrantable system: First I would tear off about 1-2' of surrounding shingles. Then I would install ice shield (a must!). Next Reinstall the shingles stepped with baby tins against the brick. Finally a custom bent cap which is raggled with the mortar joint. Obviously I would grind out about 3/8 - 1/2" of the mortar joint and bend a lip on the top of the custom bent cap flashing. I would then use masonry fasteners and seal with a color match caulk rated for at least 25 years.

You can find many illistrations on the net but go to www.nrca.net and find their manual.

Good Luck.

TonyD

Grumpy, Thank you for a more detailed response. I'ts really annoying to get a response like "You should call a proffesional." after posting legitamate questions in a forum that is designed to share information and techniques between contractors.
And by the way the wording in the original question leaves it clear that he has a good understanding of roofing techniques and is just looking for additional support.

I'd hire a power washer to roof my house if he used this site for questions. rather than a "ROOFER" that dosen't flash chimneys.

"I'ts not what you know, It's if you know where to get the answers!!"-me

__________________
"...You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong..."
Abraham Lincoln

Tom R

Amazing how quickly the 'know-it-alls' forget that they once performed some given task for the 'first time', too!!

It's not usually the 'questions' that cause the failures, - - but the ANSWERS.

AaronB.

Yeah, but the first time was always performed inder a journeyman or a master when I apprenticed. HUGE difference. Good luck with your flashings.

__________________
http://www.roseroofing.net/
Seamless Industrial and Commercial Roofing Systems, Residential Repair. For Those That Demand Quality!
Free roof inspections within 12 miles of our locale.

Tom R

Welp, - - the first time I did it (about 27 years ago), - - I just looked it up in a book the night before, - - then went out and did it.

And bein's no 'rocket scientist' jobs ever came up in the meantime, - - I'm still doin' it.

Grumpy

Really? It caused me to assume the exact opposite. Funny really how two people cann read the same words but deduct totally different assumptions.

Oh tommy boy give it a rest. You are no better than I am so simply stop acting.

Tom R

Just re-arrange a few names around and you make my point. Thanks!!

Tom R

Barry M 'n Tony,

Here's a pretty good 'how to' on chimney flashings . . .


http://www.rd.com/content/openConten...ontentId=17758

Grumpy

I correct myself. Better wasn't the proper word to use. I meant to say "different".

bmartin

Grumpy how many years experience do you have installing roofing? Not in sales or estimating but actually doing the work. And have you done enough to qualify as a senior roofer?

Grumpy

I am a state of IL licensed unlimited roofing contractor. The process of licensure entails a lengthy exam.

I started roofing in roughly 1998 and worked hands on full time for two years until I moved into the office. That does not qualify me as a senior roofer. During the time between 2000 and 2005 I periodically worked on the roof. Since 2003, when I started my company, I have been working on the roof much more often than I'd like to admit. I dislike field work. It's not my cup of tea... that doesn't mean I haven't done it before and don't know how it's done.

I might not be a "senior" roofer (it really depends how you define the term), I never claimed to be the master, but that's only because I don't do it every day. HOWEVER I have the knowlede in my head both from hands on experience and from research/theory.

I am not the most "skilled" roofer. Infact I have said on many occasions that I would have fired myself because I admit I am somewhat clumsy. (I also have high standards) Something gets lost from my brain to my hands, primarily because I rush... however I know how to do things right so please do not call my resume into question because I CHOOSE to work the office instead of the field.

Brickie

I totally disagree. A competent MASON does flashings as well

__________________
“Ron Paul is one of the outstanding leaders fighting for a stronger national defense. As a former Air Force officer, he knows well the needs of our armed forces, and he always puts them first. We need to keep him fighting for our country.” – Ronald Reagan

bmartin

Grumpy I am sure your very competent. But in California you wouldn't even have the field experience required to take the test (min. 4 years field journeyman). I think it rubs people the wrong way when the first answer is call a roofer. An intelligent person with the right information could flash the Chimney and do it right the first time. It might not look the prettiest or get done the fastest but it could be done without calling a roofer. Like Tom said it isn't rocket science.

Barry M

I don't know who's better than who or who's more qualified or what, but I do know that Tom R was the most helpful and that's what these boards are all about. Thanks for the link Tom, it's very descriptive and easy to understand and I'm not even a rocket scientist....lol

__________________
Barry Maddox - Midwest Pro Wash
Pressure Washing Indiana
Deck Cleaning