Roof flashing is a part of your roof’s integrity, and its function is to direct water off sensitive areas. Flashing renders your roof leak and water-damage-free, particularly at joints, seams, and architectural structures such as skylights and chimneys. Flashing keeps your roof in integrity, and it will serve for many years to come. In its lack, your residence can become at risk for water damage and costly maintenance, and your roof can become compromised in its integrity and function.
Types of Roof Flashing
Flashing comes in a range of types, each with a specific function within a particular location on a roof—step flashing, continuous flashing, and flashing for a chimney fall under such categories. Knowing them enables one to make a proper and long-lasting roofing choice. Let’s explore each of these types of flashing in detail.
Step Flashing
A step flashing roof is used at a roof intersection with a vertical wall, such as a chimney or a dormer. It consists of a series of metal sections placed in a staircase manner, with one section overhanging the one below it. Step flashing helps direct water down and out of the intersection between a roof and a wall, preventing it from entering and creating a leak. It effectively keeps water out of a building, protecting sensitive areas and providing extended roof life.
Continuous Flashing
Apron flashing, or flashing constantly, is a single, long metal section installed at rooflines and valleys. Unlike step flashing, it is one continuous strip that creates a uniform, unobstructed barrier to water intrusion. It is installed where a roof meets a large surface, such as a wall or a valley, and it provides uniform roof protection against roof leaks and overall roof system integrity.
Chimney Flashing
Flashing for a chimney is installed at the base of a chimney at a point of intersection with a roof. It is a combination of a continuous flashing part and a sequence of a series of flashing parts, including a series of step flashing parts. Chimney flashing excludes water in a dwelling with a seal between a roof and a chimney, and when installed in a proper position, water runs off a location of a chimney, protecting a chimney and a roof structure from degradation.
The Role of Roof Flashing in Protecting Your Home
Roof flashing plays a key role in protecting your home from water intrusion via weaknesses in joints, skylights, and chimneys. It keeps water at bay, not allowing it to leak and cause costly deterioration in your structure. In its stead, moisture can invade your home and produce mold, decay, and even compromise your foundation. Flashing keeps your roof in one unit, offering long-term protection for your residence.
Common Problems Caused by Faulty Flashing
- Water Leaks: Poor installation or compromised flashing allows water to enter through the roof, causing a leak in the residence.
- Mildew and Mold Growth: Consistent moisture in leaky flashing can cause mildew and mold growth with unhealthy repercussions.
- Structural Damage: Infiltration can degrade the base, walls, and roof and cause financial loss through costly repairs or even structural failure.
How Roof Flashing Enhances Roof Longevity
Roof flashing helps extend roof life by protecting vulnerable areas against water intrusion. It directs water off joints, seams, and structures such as chimneys, prevents leakages that can cause long-term deterioration and excludes moisture, safeguarding roof integrity. Flashing also reduces the opportunity for decay, mold, and erosion. With correct flashing, a roof can outlast its life with less maintenance and provide a reliable barrier for your residence.
Materials Used for Roof Flashing
- Aluminum: Tough yet lightweight and resistant to corrosion, allowing for use in any environment and roofing style.
- Copper: Extremely durable and long-lasting, aging well and developing a protective patina, copper flashing.
- Galvanized Steel: Galvanized steel is durable and affordable. It provides excellent protection and is the best among roof flashing materials. However, without roof maintenance, it can rust over the years.
How to Maintain and Repair Roof Flashing
- Periodic Inspection: Check flashing for rust, deterioration, and loose seams at least twice a year, most specifically after a storm.
- Seal Gaps and Cracks: Seal gaps and cracks that occur in flashing over the years with roofing sealant.
- Replace Worn Flashing: Where flashing is rusted or badly damaged, have it replaced immediately to prevent water and leak intrusion.
When Should You Replace Roof Flashing?
Replace flashing when it shows apparent symptoms of deterioration, such as rust, cracks, and bending. Where apparent leakages of waterproofing roof and discoloration of water occur in susceptible areas such as skylights, chimneys, and joints, flashing could no longer work. Where flashing is loose and off, it’s advisable to have it replaced in a move to maintain your roof’s integrity and prevent further loss.
Conclusion
Flashing for your roof is imperative for a safe, durable, and leak-free roof. Roof installation and maintenance can save you future costly repairs and water damage in the long run. In case you’re unsure about your flashing or need expert service, contact Canadian Pro Home Improvements for your roofing needs. With years of roofing installation and repair expertise, your property will have a haven for any sort of weather. Trust them for expert service and high-quality work to have your roof in its best form.
