If pests have burrowed into your chimney and done damage to not only the bricks but the flashing as well, you need the help of a mason. Damage to the roof can lead to leaks and issues with the roof, and once the roof is compromised you may have problems all throughout the house. 

The first thing you need to do is get the roof treated for the pests. Have all the nests and pests removed, and then remove the damaged materials. This way you can start the repairs, and not have to worry about eggs, larvae, or any pests left behind. A chimney contractor will then need to do an inspection. Do the following.

Get a Masonry Professional 

Hire a licensed mason to do the repair work so you know that the chimney is repaired properly. Talk with the mason about the following things:

• Possibility of matching the brick
• Material costs
• Hourly rate
• Proof of certification and insurance
• Timeline for the project

Once you have this information from one mason, you can set up to get an estimate from another and compare the quotes. You want your home and chimney to be restored, so hiring a professional is important.

Replace the Flashing

Have the flashing that was damaged around the roof replaced. This has to be installed properly to prevent water leaks and future pest infestation. Talk with the chimney repair professional about these materials:

• Galvanized steel
• Aluminum
• Copper
• Vinyl

This is installed in two layers. The metal is bent to fit properly, and then it all needs to be sealed properly with caulking. Talk with the contractor about what type of metal they recommend, based on where you live, and the materials they use to seal and caulk.

Ask About Screens

You need smoke to leave the chimney without problem for proper ventilation, but you want to prevent unwanted pests from getting inside. This includes insects like wasps, bees, and more. Talk about getting a properly fitted screen for the top of the chimney. This may require some masonry changes at the top, in comparison to the original design of the chimney.

 If you can see crumbling areas on your chimney and there are other problems like pests swarming around the area, in the chimney, and burrowed into the flashing, it's time to get help. To find out more, contact a company like Tough build masonry & construction.