I have a leaky roof around my fireplace chimney, what is the best sealer to use?
Question:My husband used to apply some kind of sealer around it almost yearly. Is there a product that will hold up longer than that. Thanks for you help.
Answers:
The probability is that your husband was applying a material called wet patch or another roofing mastic. It is a good material but as you know it does not last too long when exposed to the UV rays of the sun.
The main problem is that now that it has been used, and annually, you likely have quite a build up and trying to get one material to stick to another is difficult.
Ideally you should cut out the old material buildup and clean up as best you can then apply a new patching mastic. Be sure to slope it away from the chimney. To increase the longevity have counter flashing or silvercoat to protect against the UV rays. Counterflashing will help push water away from the joint and should really extend the life.
If you can find a Sonneborn distributor they have a product called Sonnelastic 150 that sticks well to asphaltic material.
For long term success you should get a roofing contractor to seal the joint and apply the flashing. This should not cost too much and will eliminate the leaks and your worries.
If it continually leaks, it probably cheaper in the long run to bring in a roofer. If you have to keep ding treatments every year, it's not worth it.
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