A Quick Guide to Roof Flashing
Professionals install flashing to prevent water from seeping underneath the shingles and in places prone to moisture penetration.
Flashing is a critical roofing system component. It prevents roof leaks and protects the home and belongings from water damage, rot, and structural damage.
What is roof flashing?
A roof flashing is a thin, weatherproof material layer, commonly made of metal, installed to prevent water penetration by redirecting the water away from the seams and joints. The critical roof areas that require flashing include the roof valleys, eaves, side and front walls, and roof protrusions like skylights, kitchen vents, chimneys, and bathroom vents. A correctly installed flashing can last between 25 and 50 years.
The purpose of roof flashing
Professionals install flashing to prevent water from seeping underneath the shingles and in places prone to moisture penetration. It keeps the home dry and prolongs the roof’s lifespan. Roof flashing prevents small animals and pests from making their way into these areas and causing damage. It also plays a crucial role in maintaining proper ventilation. A roof without flashing can lead to moisture build-up in the attic and cause issues like mold and mildew.
The roof flashing requires correct installation and annual inspection during roof maintenance to prevent major roofing problems that can cause inconvenience and demand expensive repairs.
Flashing materials
Modern roof flashings consist of various materials, including:
Galvanized steel
Steel is an affordable flashing material that does not corrode. It is highly resilient and available in sheet form. Steel flashing is ideal for high-traffic roofs. However, steel flashing is labor-intensive to install and less durable than other materials.
Aluminum
Aluminum is a durable, versatile, lightweight, and malleable flashing material. It is a moderately priced flashing material. Aluminum is easy to customize and comes in sheets, rolls, and preformed shapes. Uncoated aluminum flashing is subjected to corrosion if it comes in direct contact with materials with high alkalinity, like concrete or cement siding. A special coating is required on aluminum flashing to avoid corrosion.
Copper
Copper flashing is expensive but highly durable and resistant to rust and corrosion. Copper is also a good conductor of heat, and its natural shine enhances the curb appeal. A copper flashing lasts for several years when correctly installed.
Lead and PVC are other commonly used roof flashing materials.
Types of flashing
Common types of roof flashings are:
Continuous flashing- A single, long piece of metal to protect the joints between the home’s vertical walls and the roof’s slope.
Step flashing- It is bent at a 90-degree angle before nailing down for roof-to-wall coverage.
Vent pipe flashing- It has a flange base and covers the roof’s pipe.
Valley flashing- It is installed on the roof’s valley where two slopes meet.
Skylight flashing- Most skylights come with flashing to protect them and the roof from damage.
Drip edge flashing- It is installed on the roof’s edge and drains the water off the roof during rain and storm.
Kick-out, base, cap, and counter flashing are other roof flashing types.
Signs of a damaged flashing
Visible rust and corrosion
Mold
Leaks or water damage in the attic and interior walls
Missing pieces
Small holes
Cracks and dents
Choosing the right flashing type and ensuring its correct installation based on the home’s needs is crucial. Contact a residential roofer for more information on flashing.
Clover Valley Home Service offers reliable service in plumbing, electrical, carpentry, baseboard and crown molding, sprinkler repair, fence repair or replacement, yard work and cleanup, and fire defense space preparation services. Our work is guaranteed. Call (916) 742-3141 today!
