How to flash a chimney cricket?
Flashing a chimney cricket is a key step in protecting this vulnerable area from water damage. Measure and cut flashing material to proper size to fully cover the cricket. Install base flashing at the bottom and secure it in place with roofing nails, then fabricate step flashing for the sides, making sure it has the proper overlap and placement. Install counter flashing on top, securing it to the chimney with roofing nails. Finish off the seal using roofing cement at the base where the flashing meets the chimney and roof. Inspections and proper maintenance ensure the effectiveness of the flashing to protect your house from any infiltration of water.
How to flash a chimney cricket : Step by step
Besides being an architectural decoration, chimneys serve as an important part of the building’s heating system. To keep them functional and allow a building’s lifespan to fade slowly, proper flashing at sensitive areas is a must. A chimney cricket is a peaked structure on the high side of the chimney. That is, it helps in diverting water from pooling behind the chimney. Improper handling can lead to cases of leaks or even water damage. Flashing this element is a skill that every homeowner or aspiring DIY should have up their sleeves. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to flash a chimney cricket like a seasoned professional:
Step 1: Get the Materials
Before you start the flashing process, ensure you have the required materials at your disposal to avoid interruptions. In most cases, this might involve a piece of metal flashing, roofing cement, nails, and a caulk gun. You should also double-check the type of roofing material you are using to ensure it is compatible with your flashing material, since different roofs call for different types of flashing—for example, if it’s a standing seam metal roof.
Step 2: Measure and Cut Flashing
Good measurements are what will determine excellent chimney cricket flashing. Add a few more pieces than the size of the cricket on all sides in a manner that you may be able to effectively overlap the length and breadth of the cricket. Here are measurements that should be done on the material for cutting of flashing.
Step 3: Lay the Base Flashing
Lay the base flashing on the bottom of the chimney cricket, turn it up the sides, and nail into place with roofing nails before ensuring that you are watertight. The bottom flashing acts as the first barrier to the infiltration of water.
Step 4: Make Step Flashing
For the sides of the cricket, lease and notch step flashing, making each piece as wide as the cricket so that each piece is overlapped by the one underneath. Fit the pieces in place up the sides of the cricket, fitting them for size and alignment.
Step 5: Apply Roofing Cement
Apply roofing cement where the flashing meets the chimney and the roof. You may use a caulk gun to have the application done precisely. Roofing cement ensures that water does not penetrate the gap or the crevices, which adds to its water-tight feature.
Step 6: Install Counter Flashing
The counter flashing is nailed over the top of step flashing. Go ahead and nail the counter flashing down over the top of the step flashing to the chimney with roofing nails. This will keep water from coming in between the step flashing and the chimney. The step is very crucial for complete protection.
Step 7: Inspect and Maintain
Chimney cricket flashing should be inspected and maintained on a regular basis for it to be effective in the longer run. Periodically inspect for wear, damage, or loose parts. Make repairs immediately so that water cannot enter and so the strength of the flashing system is not compromised.
Chimney cricket flashing is an art in paying attention to detail and being very precise. After you have done all of the above, take the time and make sure the installation was complete in all aspects so that you are protecting your chimney and home from potential water damage and further enhancing the overall durability and life of your roofing system.
FAQs
Q: What is a chimney cricket, and why do you flash it? A: A chimney cricket is a peaked structure on the high side of a chimney. It takes the place of a saddle but is designed to deflect water away, avoiding pooling. To ‘flash’ it is to prevent water from leaking into the chimney or running down the sides of the structure.
Q: What are the necessary materials you need for flashing a chimney cricket? A: Most of the time, the materials you will need include metal flashing, roofing cement, roofing nails, a caulk gun, and some other materials that might be specific to the roof over which you are installing the chimney cricket. Make sure that the materials are compatible to have effective flashing.
Q: How do you measure and cut the flashing material for the chimney cricket? A: Measure the length and the width of the cricket, but allow for inches in overlap. Cut accordingly with the dimensions previously measured to get the right cuts for the flashing material.
Q: What is the general purpose of base flashing, and how do you install it? A: Base flashing acts as a primary countermeasure to water penetration. Place it at the bottom of the chimney cricket and extend the sides; then use roofing nails to hold it in place.
Q: What is the meaning of the term step flashing, and how is it aligned on the sides of the cricket? A: This is essentially a type of common flashing material applied on the sides of the cricket. It must be in single pieces, forming the width of the cricket. Each piece should be fixed properly and overlap the other.
Q: Where do I use roofing cement in the process of flashing? A: Roofing cement is used at the chimney and around the edges of the cricket on the roof. It creates a water-tight seal, preventing water from getting into every gap on the roof and chimney.
Q: What does counter flashing do and how is it installed? A: Counter flashing goes over top of the step flashing, keeping water from penetrating between the step flashing and the chimney. Fasten it up against the chimney with roofing nails.
Q: How often should I inspect and maintain the chimney cricket flashing? A: It should be checked on a regular basis. Look for signs of wear, damage, or loosening. You would repair it promptly so that it won’t be defeated in its purpose to carry water away from infiltrating the chimney and house.
Q: Can I flash a chimney cricket myself, or should I hire a professional? A: While it is a skill homeowners can learn, it is also considered prudent to hire a professional for precision and expertise, with the exception of knowing little about roofing techniques to ensure a watertight seal and avoid possible problems.
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