WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT YOUR ROOF FLASHINGS

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WHAT IS A ROOF FLASHING?

What is Roof Flashing?

Flashing is the protective metal tie-in material used on homes to prevent water damage from occurring.  It comes in a range of types: aluminum, copper, lead, PVC, and galvanized steel flashing.

TYPES OF ROOF FLASHINGS

STEP FLASHING

Step flashing is a specialized type of roof flashing used to seal the juncture between a sloped roof and a vertical surface, such as a wall or chimney.  It consists of small L-shaped metal pieces that are installed in an overlapping fashion, creating a water-tight barrier that directs rainwater away from potential entry points, ensuring your home remains leak-free.

VALLEY FLASHING

Valley flashing is a critical component of roofing systems designed to manage water runoff in the valleys or low points of a roof where two roof slopes intersect. Typically made of durable metal, such as aluminum or galvanized steel, valley flashing is strategically installed to guide rainwater and snowmelt away from these vulnerable areas, preventing water infiltration and potential leaks into your home.

CHIMNEY FLASHING

Chimney flashing is a protective barrier installed around the base of a chimney where it meets the roof.  It typically consists of metal sheets or strips, such as aluminum or copper, designed to create a watertight seal.  Chimney flashing prevents water from seeping into the gap between the chimney and the roof, effectively safeguarding against leaks and water damage inside the home.

VENT PIPE FLASHING

Vent flashing is a crucial element of a roofing system designed to prevent water intrusion around pipes, vents, or other protrusions through the roof’s surface. Typically made of durable materials like metal or rubber, vent flashing forms a weather-proof seal around these openings, directing rainwater away from potential entry points and safeguarding your home from leaks and moisture damage.  Properly installed vent flashing is essential to maintaining the integrity of your roof and the interior of your property.

THE IMPORTANCE OF ROOF FLASHING

Roof flashing might not get as much attention as your shingles, but it plays a vital role in keeping your home dry and cozy.  Here are some reasons why maintaining your roof flashing is essential:

  • Prevents Leaks: Damaged or improperly installed flashing can lead to water leaks inside your home, causing structural damage and mold growth.
  • Preserves Insulation: Proper flashing keeps moisture out, preserving the insulation in your attic and walls.
  • Saves Energy: An intact roof flashing system helps maintain a consistent indoor temperature, reducing your energy bills.
  • Enhances Roof Lifespan: By preventing water damage, flashing extends the lifespan of your roof.

Locating Leaks

Most of the time when you notice a leak around a chimney or at the corners of your roofing, it’s because of issues with your flashing installation.  Take a close look around your home and crawl up in your attic to see if you can spot the exact location that’s suffering from a leak.

Maintaining Your Flashing

Make a good habit to check your flashing each time you’re up on the roof or at least once a year to see if it’s loose or has any holes or leaks.  You’ll notice any issues that require repair and you can often spot the problem early enough before any real damage occurs.  Call a professional to thoroughly inspect your roof!

Tighten Flashings Down

It’s common for flashing to become loose and even removed from your home over time.  Either the screws anchoring it into place become loose and pull out, or the metal wears away from around the edge of the hole where the flashing was initially locked down.  Either way, that leaves flashing loose and unable to properly perform its job.

Re-caulk Your Chimney Flashing

Flashing is tied into the mortar of the chimney itself to form a waterproof barrier.  Over time, the mortar can crack and crumble and it will need to be updated in order to continue providing that protection.

Your approach to maintaining your roof flashing is the same as maintaining your roof overall.  In addition to annual inspections and maintenance, there is still a lot homeowners can do to keep their flashing in good shape.  Your priority should be ensuring that water can drain from your roof easily.

Standing water can be incredibly corrosive, and when combined with leaf dams and decaying plant life, it can cause your flashing to rust and deteriorate. Therefore, clearing leaves and other debris from your roof will go a long way in supporting the smooth functioning of your roof’s drainage system.