Roof Flashing: A Guide
What is roof flashing? It seems people aren’t well-informed on the topic. But it’s very simple.
Roof flashing is just a sheet metal that's folded to make a joint between the different objects erected on the roof, such as pipes and chimneys. It’s done to prevent water from leaking and damaging the roof structure.
All houses in America have some form of erected objects on the roof. In older homes, it's also possible to have a couple of chimneys. Depending on how intricate the design of your roof is, it’s possible for there to be valleys and domes. All of them need proper flashing to ensure that the water is being drained properly.
That’s why flashing is so important. In this blog, we’ll explore different types of flashing and how they can help your home.
Types of Flashing
Continuous Flashing
Continuous flashing is commonly known as apron flashing. It is named so because it acts like one. It is a long piece of metal that ensures water is carried down to the shingles and doesn’t seep into any unwanted areas of your home, such as the attic.
If you have long pieces of continuous flashing, it will give you trouble because they don’t expand or contract as easily when the seasons change. If they’re left to their own device, they’ll break very easily and not be able to keep the water at bay. To counter this problem, professionals insert built-in expansion joints so that they can adjust when needed.
Step Flashing
Step flashing is made from small metal rectangles. They’re usually inserted between the wall and roof in a step design. The aim is to prevent water from seeping into the roof and walls. This flashing helps to channel the water back onto the roof and safely from the house via a drain pipe.
Base Flashing
In some cases, a single flashing isn’t usually enough to keep the water at bay. Instead, in areas around the chimneys, two pieces of flashing are usually required. This prevents the rainwater from seeping inside. Instead, rain falls onto the flashing surface and is directed downwards.
Moreover, since it’s made of two parts, the roofing materials change their size as the season changes. As a result, the two pieces adjust as needed, maintaining the security of the system.
Common Problems
With flashing, you might encounter some common problems - for instance, corrosion. In addition, when older metals are used to build flashing, they can corrode over time and cause more problems.
Another problem you might encounter is improper installation. Unless your roof is maintained correctly, there's a good chance it will need repair more often. This can interfere with the flashing's ability to function properly and effectively.
To prevent water from seeping into your home and damaging your foundation, it’s best to check your roof flashing. If you’re in Colorado, we can help you with that. We’re one of the best roofing companies inthe area. You can book an appointment with us or contact us for a free inspection.