A roof is the biggest investment a homeowner makes, as it not only serves the purpose of a shed but also protects you from elements and weathering. With such a big investment, roof damage would be the last thing you want. This is true as some roofs and exterior walls are prone to leaks and water damage.
Leaks in your home can lead to plenty of damage, whether they occur on the roof or in other parts of your house. Roof valleys, the intersection between a dormer wall and the roof surface, chimney and skylight perimeters — anywhere runoff is heavy or where two opposing surfaces meet — require extra protection with flashing to prevent leaks and water damage.
Whether your roof is a new installation or you’re repairing a leak, roof flashing is vital to the longevity of your roof. So what exactly are flashings?
What Is Roof Flashing?
Your roof has many angles, curves, and slopes that need to work together to keep your home protected from the elements. The angle of intersection or meeting between surfaces is where flashing comes in. Flashings are flexible pieces of metal or plastic installed around any open joint on your roof. They provide a barrier against water at points where two roof parts meet. They also stop the water from seeping through the joint and into your home.
Flashing is typically installed at any point where there is a possibility that water will come in contact with the roof. The most common flashing is at chimneys, skylights, valleys, all-around vent pipes or vents, and where two types of roofing materials meet.
Types Of Roof Flashing
Chimney Flashing:
Chimney flashing (also called roof flashing or simply flashing) is a weather-resistant material used around the chimney to prevent water from penetrating the structure. These are sheets of metal that help you keep your home dry and your chimney intact. In addition, it prevents leakage and damage to key areas like your roof, ceilings, walls, and foundation.
Continuous Flashing:
It is a continuous material fastened to the slope of the roof and wall to protect the joints where two surfaces meet. It is an important part of roofing because it creates waterproofing, prevents water infiltration, and extends the roof’s life.
Drip Edge:
It protects your roof from costly water damage by preventing water from seeping under the eaves and along the edges of the roof. They are installed on top of the underlayment at all rakes and below or on top of the underlayment at the eaves.
Roof Valley Flashing:
When installing a new roof, remember to use flashing to seal any “valleys” (large gaps between the two different pieces of shingles) and protect your house. Flashing is a piece of material that attaches to both sides of the valley and channels water away from your home’s exterior. It comes in various colors to match your roof and blends in so well that you won’t even notice it.
Vent Pipe Flashing:
The vent pipe flashing is designed to fit over flues and pipes. It has a cone-shaped base with a flange fitted into the shingles as the roof is installed.
Step Flashing:
It protects the area where the roof meets the sidewalls of dormers, chimneys, and some skylights by stepping up the roof. It has a step-like appearance and helps prevent rainwater from leaking into your home by way of the opening.
You have many materials to choose from when it comes to roof flashing, but metal’s durability and long lifespan are hard to beat. In addition, metal roof flashing is easy to install and will also keep your roof watertight. However, there are other choices available in the market. For a professional opinion on which material is best, talk to All Around Roofing, Siding & Gutters today. We’ll explain the different options and help you choose the right flashing for your roof.
