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You probably don’t pay much attention to the flashing in your roof. It hides out of sight, protecting the roof from water intrusion. You’ll find the flashing at critical junctions in the roofing system where it deflects water away, sealing the roof at all angles with a watertight fit. If the flashing in the roof system fails, it causes water leaks and the inevitable cost of water damage to your roof and home.
Flashing is thin, resilient sheets of material, usually metal, rubber, or composite, that covers the gaps in your roof.
You’ll find flashing in the following areas of the roof
Flashing serves to redirect water at intersections so that rain and moisture don’t penetrate the roof deck and cause leaks or rot. It also prevents damage due to wind-driven rain, ice dams, and snow accumulation.
Installing roof flashing demands care and attention to detail to get a watertight finish. The type of flashing used in the project and the roof design determine the steps in the installation process but here’s what you can generally expect.
The contractor will have a few options for flashing materials, with the best all-round option being aluminum. You have options for more expensive materials like copper. They’re highly durable but add to the project costs.
Place the flashing so it overlaps the vulnerable area. For example, step flashing is placed between each layer of shingles and the vertical surface it protects. With a roll-type flashing, center the flashing material over the target area and secure it in position.
Fasten the flashing to the roof deck with screws or roofing nails. Don’t drive the nails or screws in too far of you’ll damage the material and reduce the quality of the seal.
The contractor seals the nail heads and edges of the flashing with caulk. They’ll fit counterflashing around the chimney to give it a watertight fit.
Check that all flashings are properly installed and there are no gaps or loose edges. Check the water runoff and test whether the flashing is causing the desired run-off effect.
Prime Roofing invests heavily in education and training for our crew. Our roofing specialists are trained on the best practices for creating a watertight foundation over your roof. We spend time to make sure the job is done properly so that our work lasts over the long run.
Chimneys usually have multiple flashings; normally, chimneys use step-flashing and counter-flashing systems that stop water entry at the base/sides. These combined layers provide a protective watertight barrier for the chimney and the surrounding roof area.
You’ll find vent pipe flashing available in rubber or metal materials, but its main purpose is to seal areas around protruding pipes and vents. This flashing provides a watertight seal for homes in areas with heavy rain or snowfall.
The valleys are vulnerable points in the roof. The flashing protects these junctures from water penetration, providing a watertight seam between the valleys.
Roll flashing consists of a long, flat sheet of metal cut and bent to suit custom fitment requirements during roof installations. It’s also used along headwalls to create a watertight barrier.
Drip edge flashing is installed along roof edges and prevents water from running off the roof onto the fascia.
Roof Flashing assists the roof through numerous preventative mechanisms.
Flashings are important in sealing off the vulnerable areas where roof materials meet the chimney or vent pipe.
Wood rot, mold growth, and even structural failure of the roof deck are all possible outcomes from water damage. Flashings provide stability for the framework of the roof and your home.
Properly installed flashings extend the service life of your roof and prevent damage to the other components of the roofing system, like the shingles or frame.
Some flashings are fabricated with rodent guards or covers that prevent critters and debris from entering the chimney, roof valleys, and plumbing vents.
While roof flashings are durable, they’re not completely impervious to wear and tear. You may need to replace flashings in any of the following situations.
Installation of new flashings is common during roof replacement jobs. Replacing the roofing system without updating the flashings leaves vulnerable areas open and exposed to water damage.
Cracks, rust, or warping is a sure sign that your flashings are no longer doing the job. Damaged flashings should be replaced without delay to prevent water penetrating the roof and your home.
Leaky flashings lead to pooled water stains on the ceiling boards and run stains on the walls. If you notice these issues, call a contractor to assess the flashings.
Even good-quality flashings deteriorate due to exposure and wear and tear. Seasonal inspections can help you identify when your flashings are due for an upgrade. If you don’t know what you’re looking at, call a roofing firm near you and they’ll send someone out to assess the roof and give you an estimate for repairs or replacement.
Metal roof flashings can be of aluminum, copper, steel, lead, or coated with metal such as galvanized steel. Non-metal flashings can be made with plastic, rubber, or silicone. The type of material chosen is related to variables like climate, roof type, and budget.
If you have the right tools for the job and experience in roofing you should be able to handle the task yourself. However, hiring a contractor saves you time and effort, and they offer guaranteed workmanship for peace of mind.
Call a contractor and have them visit your property before the start of the rainy season. The contractor has the right equipment and skills to perform a proper assessment.
Your insurance policy may cover the cost of repair or replacement of roof flashings. Always check your policy for specifics.
Metal roof flashing holds up the best. Aluminum flashing offer a good balance between affordability and service life. You should get around 20 to 30 years out of them. If you have more room in your budget, copper flashing can last up to 50 years. The less damage your roof incurs over time, the longer the materials will stay resilient.
Generally, flashing is replaced along with the rest of the roofing structure. The cost for the flashing materials and complete replacement typically ranges from $500 – $1,500. It depends on the amount of materials required and complexity of the installation.
Quality roof flashing is a vital component of a functioning roofing system. Every home is different and requires strategic consideration to where flashing will be installed and what types of flashing will be used. At Prime Roofing in Jacksonville, we install drip edge flashing as part of our roof replacement service. Regular inspections and maintenance will keep your roofing system in great shape and give you some peace of mind as a homeowner knowing your home is protected for years to come. If you have any questions about roofing systems or would like to schedule an inspection, call us at (904) 530-1446.
Set up an estimate by calling 904-530-1446 or by filling out a quick form. Someone from our team will be happy to assist you and get you on your way to a better roof.
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