A Little Leak Can Become a Big Problem

Hey, I’m David Lelak, owner of IHI Home Inspections, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned inspecting thousands of homes across Canton, Woodstock, Alpharetta, and Cumming, GA, it’s this:

That tiny gap near your chimney flashing? It can lead to thousands of dollars in repairs.

During a recent inspection, I found chimney flashing installed—but not sealed with caulk. This is a common mistake that even new homes or recent roof jobs can have. And it’s not something most homeowners catch until damage shows up on ceilings, drywall, or in the attic.

What is Chimney Flashing, and Why Should You Care?

Chimney flashing is that metal trim where your roof meets the chimney. Its job? Keep water out.

It’s made up of step flashing and counter flashing, and if it’s not sealed properly with high-quality caulk, water can easily sneak behind it.

That moisture leads to:

• 🧼 Mold and mildew

• 🪵 Wood rot in the framing

• 💡 Ceiling stains

• 🧯 Structural damage to the roof or attic

• 💸 Expensive energy bills from air leaks

And yes, this can all come from a bit of missing caulk!

Signs Your Chimney Flashing Might Be Failing

Whether you live in Alpharetta, Cumming, or right here in Canton, keep an eye out for these signs:

• Water stains near the chimney (walls or ceilings)

• Musty attic smells after rain

• Gaps between chimney base and flashing

• Rotted wood or soft decking around the chimney

• Dripping sounds during storms

You might not see it from the ground—but I spot it during my inspections all the time.

How We Properly Seal Chimney Flashing

When I inspect homes throughout Cherokee and Forsyth County, I follow a simple, effective process to ensure your chimney is sealed tight:

Step 1: Inspection & Assessment

We check for unsealed edges, loose flashing, or any old caulk that's dried up and pulling away.

Step 2: Surface Prep

We remove dirt, moss, or old caulk to make sure the new sealant bonds correctly.

Step 3: Apply High-Quality Caulk

Using exterior-grade silicone or polyurethane caulk, we seal every edge of the flashing to prevent moisture intrusion.

Step 4: Final Check & Report

You'll receive a detailed inspection report with high-resolution photos, showing exactly what was found and what was done.

🧰 This is all part of our Standard Home Inspection, or bundled in our 2 Star and higher Protection Packages.

Flashing Should Be Checked Annually

Especially after storms, ice, or seasonal weather shifts. Whether you're in Woodstock or North Fulton, regular roof inspections keep small issues from becoming big problems.

Areas We Serve

We proudly inspect homes in:

• Canton

• Woodstock

• Alpharetta

• Cumming

• Holly Springs

• Ball Ground

• Jasper

• Milton

• Roswell

Why Choose IHI Home Inspections?

Over 19 years of experience in Georgia

• Next-day reports with high-res images

• Over 5,000 homes inspected

• Certified, insured, and locally trusted

• Full service: mold, radon, roof, air quality, and more

Schedule Your Roof & Chimney Flashing Inspection Today!

Don’t wait for water stains to tell you there’s a problem. Let’s catch flashing issues before they cost you thousands.

📅 Schedule online at: https://homeinspectioncantonga.com
📍 Based in Canton, GA and serving homeowners across Cherokee, Forsyth, and North Fulton County

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