Why Do Roof Flashings Matter So Much?

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Roof flashing is important because it acts as a barrier between the openings and joints of the roof protecting them from outside water, snow and general moisture. fSome of the materials used to make flashing include:

• Lead
• Aluminium
• Copper
• Stainless Steel
• Plastic
• Rubber

Whatever is used for your home depends on the build of it and what suits your budget.  Many customers prefer to use copper as it is extremely durable, and reliable and is a generally strong roof flashing material.  It can be expensive to consistently replace roof flashing so we do recommend that you undertake a more durable, long-lasting material to protect your roof.

What Flashing Is Correct For Your Home?

There are different types of flashing available based on where they are installed on the roof or structure.  Roof flashing is installed around protruding elements of the roof such as vents or chimneys in order to deflect water away from those areas.  Wall flashing is also a type of flashing that helps to prevent water leaking into a home’s walls and is usually placed at interruptions in the wall -think windows and doors.

Channel flashing is vital in locations where the edges of the tiled roof meet the wall while drip-edge flashing is used specifically at roof’s edges.  Flashing that can help the accumulation of water, and thus water damage is called kick-out flashing which is located at the bottom of the intersection between the roof and wall and is uniquely designed to deflect water away from the wall at this point of the structure.

A poorly installed flashing system can cause damage to you home by diverting water into it, instead of away and the importance of a quality flashing installation for homes cannot be understated with this taken into consideration.

WHY ROOF FLASHING FAILURES HAPPEN

Flashing issues can be caused by several factors.  Temperature fluctuations, for instance, can make your roof undergo dimensional adjustments by forcing the material to shrink or expand.  This eventually causes your flashing to pull away from the surface, exposing the areas it needs to protect.

Additionally, flashing failures can occur due to poor installation.  Be sure to have only expert roofing contractors work on your roof.  Loose flashings, on the other hand, can be a result of foundation problems.  When your home tends to settle, your flashing can become loose and fail to cover your roof’s most vulnerable parts.

Membrane Shrinkage

Over time, dimensional shortening of the roof membrane can result in shrinkage.  As the shrinking occurs, it creates pressure on the flashing and roof seams. Since this shortening, also known as tenting, cannot be repaired, eventually the flashing and seams are going to burst.  Where the flashing is no longer protecting the roof of the building, water can gain entry, creating more issues with the roof if it isn’t addressed immediately. 

Poor Repair Jobs

Regular oof maintenance is essential to the life of your home.  It should be inspected regularly, because once an issue is caused by the elements, it’s likely going to get worse.  Homeowners should always hire a professional to address issues related to the roof and its flashing.  Flashing installation requires many important steps and knowledge that business owners and their maintenance employees typically don’t have.

A poor repair job could lead to leaking or billowing, which happens when parts of the flashing become disconnected from the structure and eventually become even more damaged in high wind.  Even worse, a bad repair job can also lead to part or even all of the roof blowing away.

Age

Flashing isn’t made to last forever.  Seasonal temperature fluctuations can cause roof flashing to warp.  Flashing can also bend as the building settles, and it can rust with age.  Old flashing experiencing any of these issues is likely to fail the materials it is designed to protect.  Rusted roof flashing will no longer repel water and needs to be cleaned, sealed or replaced.  Missing pieces: If roof flashing loosens during storms or high winds, is not affixed properly or is peeled back by a curious raccoon, you may notice missing pieces.  The absence of the water barrier flashing provides makes this a high priority repair.

If the flashing is aged, the entire roof probably is as well.  How often your roof and its flashing should be replaced depends on the type of roof the building has.  Generally, an asphalt roof will last 20 years, while a metal roof can last up to 30 years.

Weather

Extreme weather takes a toll on your roof, the drainage system, and its flashing. Heavy rain and high winds can reveal weak flashing. When snow or ice builds up, it can seep under the metal strips as it begins to melt. This melt can also refreeze and expand, causing the flashing to change shape.

Initial Installation

When a new roof is installed, new flashing must also be installed.  If someone is new to flashing installation, errors are more likely to occur.  One way to avoid this is for the homeowner to hire roofing professionals who are experienced and will closely oversee anyone new to the roofing team.

Properly installed roof flashings is absolutely essential to a properly functioning roof.  The issues that are associated with water entering the home through the roof are vast and can be expensive.  These can be avoided by installing a strong flashing system to help prevent water damage to homes, and the valuables within it.  A home that hasn’t been properly protected against flashing systems is strongly susceptible to mold and damp problems.  Water travels through and underneath openings and cracks in the roof if flashings are not appropriately sealed and protected.  A water-barrier system which is provided for your roof by properly installing flashing is necessary when it comes to protecting against water related damages.

Accidental Damage

Sometimes a person performing an inspection or repair on the roof can accidentally and unknowingly cause damage to flashing.  It’s important that anyone stepping onto a roof knows what they are doing as they begin to walk around.  Damage to flashing can occur when someone steps on it the wrong way. If the flashing becomes dented or cracked, it can give way to water.

Roof flashing is a small but important component of a commercial roof.  If you suspect your flashing has become weakened or damaged, always consult with a professional roofer before it leads to a larger issue.

What Damages Can Roof Leaks Bring To My Home?

If water leaks into your home, it can cause a range of issues.  These can include dampness, damages to the goods within your home and damages to the infrastructure of your home.  Dampness can even affect your family – if there is dampness on the walls of your home, it can affect respiratory systems, immune systems and even prolong common colds and flus.  Dampness can be remedied fairly easily with dehumidifiers and opening windows more often but the root of the cause could be leaking from your roof and if this is an issue, it is better to have a permanent solution than a short-term one which will ensure the problem is recurring.  If your home is suffering from damp problems, ensure that you check your roof for poorly fitted flashings, broken tiles or even missing tiles.