Thinking about making some changes or repairs to your roof? You might have heard the term roof flashing, but are unsure of its meaning? Flashing may not be the most talked-about feature, but it’s crucial in protecting your home from water damage. Understanding the importance of this vital part of your roof can save you from costly repairs down the line. Let me offer you an in-depth look at roof flashing, covering its different types, why it’s important, and the common materials used for flashing.
What Roof Flashing Does
Flashing is like a waterproof sealant for your roof’s most vulnerable points. These thin metal strips create a watertight barrier around chimneys, skylights, walls, roof valleys, and other roof penetrations. Rainwater flows down these surfaces.
Without flashing, water could easily seep into these joints. This can cause rot, mold, and expensive repairs. I can’t stress enough the importance of properly installed roof flashing. Damaged flashing is a leading cause of roof leaks.
Common Types of Roof Flashing
Not all flashing is created equal. Different roof areas call for different types of flashing. Here’s a breakdown of the common types:
Step Flashing
Used where a roof meets a vertical wall or chimney, step flashing consists of small, overlapping L-shaped pieces. They’re installed under each shingle, with each flashing piece “stepping” up the wall or chimney. Water flows down from each piece into the shingle and is directed toward the gutters.
Counter Flashing
This type of flashing protects hard-to-waterproof areas like chimneys. It is especially helpful against roof leaks and water damage. Counter flashing goes over step flashing or the edges of existing base flashing. This creates a seamless barrier against the elements.
Apron Flashing
Apron flashing protects the base of dormers or protrusions, like where a deck meets your home’s exterior wall. It directs water away from windows and over the shingles. This prevents water from seeping into the structure.
Valley Flashing
Valley flashing is installed in roof valleys, the V-shaped area where two roof slopes meet. Roof valleys are notorious leak zones due to the volume of water channeled through this area. The flashing helps protect open valleys from needing repair.
This flashing material directs water downward into your gutters, mitigating potential water damage.
Drip Edge Flashing
Drip edge flashing is placed along the eaves, rakes, and ridges of a roof. It prevents water damage to the underlying roof deck. It also helps prevent ice dams in colder climates. This type of flashing plays a key role in preserving the roof deck’s structural integrity. For extra durability, many homeowners choose metal flashing.
Common Roof Flashing Materials
Choosing the right flashing material depends on your budget, the type of roof, such as asphalt shingle, synthetic shingles, cedar shake, and how long you want it to last. Here’s a look at some popular options:
Galvanized Steel
Galvanized steel is a popular and durable option. Its coating protects against rust, making it a cost-effective choice for many homeowners.
Aluminum
Aluminum flashing is lightweight, easy to install, and less expensive than other metals. Whirlwind Steel notes that in coastal areas, aluminum flashing needs a specialized coating to resist corrosion.
Even with a specialized coating, other options are often more durable if your budget allows. Consider using aluminum flashing for non-coastal properties where corrosion is less of a concern.
Copper
Copper flashing lasts the longest and develops a distinctive green patina as it ages. While it is a bit more expensive initially, it can protect your home from moisture and its side effects. These effects include issues such as decay for years to come. Copper is a great option for copper roof flashing to protect areas prone to damage. Copper roof flashing is often used with a standing seam metal roof.
When and Why Replace Roof Flashing?
Flashing isn’t permanent and eventually needs replacing. Several situations warrant flashing inspection or replacement:
- Visible signs of damage.
- Roof replacement or other key roofing component replacements.
- Preventative maintenance.
Visible cracks, rust spots, missing nails, or gaps around protrusions indicate the need for replacement. Ignoring these issues can lead to structural problems and compromise the building.
Replacing flashing with a new roof is what I recommend. New flashing prevents future leaks caused by mismatched aging between roofing components. Consider it preventive maintenance for your home. This approach avoids potential problems down the line.
Replacing existing mortar joints or areas around a plumbing vent are common instances where you’ll replace flashing. Replacing these areas may include counter flashing, continuous flashing, apron flashing, kickout flashing, and drip edge flashing, along with replacing the existing mortar. Be sure to hire a professional roofing company if you can’t bend the metal without creasing it.
Even without visible problems, regular checks are important. Roofers can spot hidden issues, such as continuous flashing damage, or where shingles butt against a wall or chimney. This often requires step flashing.
For example, a tiny, invisible crack in one client’s flashing caused major attic damage. Due to their proactive routine maintenance, the problem was caught early and fixed. The savings amounted to thousands of dollars in preventing interior damage. A roofing contractor’s knowledge is invaluable when identifying areas needing attention.
Get a Long-Lasting Roof with Proper Flashing
Understanding what roof flashing is goes beyond just knowing the definition; it’s about protecting your home. This vital, often hidden, component is a crucial part of your roof’s defense against water damage. The common types, step flashing and valley flashing are installed with overlapping flashing pieces using a step-by-step method.
By understanding the types of flashing materials, like galvanized steel flashing, and watching for warning signs, you can avoid costly repairs and extend your home’s lifespan. Keeping your home safe and dry ensures reliable protection from the elements.
Consult with Wortham Brothers Roofing for expert advice on which flashing material is best. Whether your roofing material consists of asphalt shingles, metal roofing, or synthetic roofing, regular inspection and maintenance is vital to get a long lifespan from your roof.
FAQs on Roof Flashing
What does flashing on a roof do?
Roof flashing is a thin material, usually galvanized steel, that professional roofers use to direct water away from critical areas of the roof, wherever the roof plane meets a vertical surface like a wall or a dormer. Flashing is installed to surround roof features, such as vents, chimneys and skylights.
How often should roof flashing be replaced?
Regardless of how good your flashing is, we recommend replacing it simultaneously with your roof. Traditionally, with correct installation, the flashing only lasts the roof’s life. Even if it’s in good shape now, it may only have a few more years.
What common issues can affect roof flashing over time?
Rust or corrosion: Even with galvanized coatings, roof flashing materials will corrode over time due to the reaction with air. Salt air is more corrosive than inland air. Rusted roof flashing will no longer repel water and needs to be cleaned, sealed, or replaced.Does flashing go over or under shingles?
Instead of installing the step flashing between shingles, the flashing rests on top of the shingles. It’s not unusual to see sealant installed when sidewall flashing is missing. Sealant will eventually dry, shrink and crack. You’ll see sealant substituted for flashing in a lot of different areas on roofs.
