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What is Roofing Flashing?

By December 29, 2020 No Comments
Roofing Flashing

The installation of roofing flashing is vitally important to prevent leaking in different parts of a roof. It is designed to seal joints in certain parts of the roof and is highly efficient at keeping roofs waterproof.

Certain parts of your walls or roof are far more susceptible to water damage and leaking. This is especially true of chimneys, skylights, roof valleys, and dormer walls, especially after heavy rain. Runoff can sometimes be severe, this poses a danger to at any point where two surfaces meet, these are especially vulnerable to leaking. Vulnerable areas need to be given a little extra protection, this very roof flashing comes into play.

Popular materials used for roof flashing

The most popular materials used as roof flashing include aluminum, lead, copper. Galvanized sheet metal is by far the most common solution used for roof flashing. Aluminum is usually only used by homeowners who are DIY specialists, and copper flashing is generally only accessible on copper roofs. There are a wide variety of uses from flashing on a roof; for example, chimney flashing is used to prevent water where the roof meets the chimney.

The importance of correctly installing roof flashing cannot be underestimated as poorly installed solutions regularly lead to premature deterioration of roofs. Repairing or replacing a damaged roof as a result of poorly installed flashing can be an expensive ordeal. This is working with a professional from day one, someone who understands how to choose the right materials and more importantly uses them is vital.

Working with the right roofing contractor will ensure that the highest quality, durable, and most compatible materials are chosen for your roof. Professionals will understand that not all flashing materials are suitable for every job. They will also be able to inspect any existing flashing for damage. Even though you’re flashing may have been installed correctly from day one, it is subject to damage from hazards such as foot traffic or fallen branches.

What might areas of the roof need flashing?

  1. A Dormer: This is a structural element of a sloping roof that protects from the side of a roof. It is common to install Windows on Dormers and these are used to create additional headroom in attics. As the Dormer would have breached the integrity of the roof, flashing is needed to ensure it is sealed correctly
  2. A Vent: the two most common types of roof venting are pipes and hoods. Whenever a hood vent or a duct is installed on your roof, a hole needs to be cut. This has breached the integrity of your roof and will need to be sealed to prevent any further damage. Flashing will be placed on top of the shingles, and then the hole in the roof will be sealed.
  3. A Skylights: following their installation, it is common to install one continuous piece of flashing around the new window to ensure that a seal is created to keep water out. This is why you will see skylights protruding from the roof. This is done to ensure adequate flashing so we can be put in place to provide a sufficient seal.
  4. A Chimney: flashing is commonly placed around the base of the stack, where it meets the roof that will seal the intersection. This will prevent any water leaking into the exposed areas of your roof.

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