What Is Flashing And Why Is It Important?

What is Roof Flashing and How Does It Work?

The sections of your roof's surface where a projection, such as a chimney or a skylight, connects with the roof are covered with flashing.

If these places aren't adequately sealed, serious leaks can occur, causing substantial water damage.

Temperatures and humidity levels should cause these intersections to expand and contract.

The flashing should be installed by the roofing company to allow for this movement while also providing a tight seal that keeps moisture out of the roof and residence.

Materials for Roof Flashing

For flashing, there are a variety of materials to choose from.

It should operate as long as the material does not degrade when exposed to incompatible materials and is water resistant.

Your roofing contractor will most likely utilize one of the following materials:

• Aluminum: Aluminum flashing is simple to produce, long-lasting, and very affordable. If it comes into contact with alkaline materials like concrete or fiber-cement siding, it can corrode. Contact with copper-rich preservatives may also cause it to deteriorate.

• Stainless steel: Stainless steel is resistant to denting and wind damage. It's also more resistant to metal fatigue.

• Copper and lead-coated copper: Copper and lead-coated copper are more expensive and difficult to work with than aluminum, but they are extremely durable. Even newer varieties of wood treatments are compatible with copper.

• Lead: Lead is a soft metal that bends easily. Lead is a long-lasting material that is frequently used for chimney flashing.

• Galvanized Steel: Galvanized steel is a low-cost alternative, but it isn't as long-lasting as other materials.

• PVC: PVC is a simple material to work with and is unaffected by treated wood, making it ideal for roof deck construction.

These flashing materials are normally sold in rolls of various widths that can be cut and bent on the job site as needed.

What are the different kinds of roof flashing?

Flashing Styles

Your roof's requirements may differ from those of your neighbor's.

Because every roof is different, the flashing you require will be determined by your requirements.

The following are some of the most frequent forms of flashing found in residential construction.

Continuous Flashing

The continuous flashing is applied in a single piece throughout the desired area.

There are some differences in how continuous flashing vs. step flashing should be used.

Both can be used in a few comparable scenarios.

Although step flashing is generally regarded as the best alternative, continuous flashing is still widely used in the roofing and gutter sector.

Step Flashing

Step flashing simulates the movement of a stairwell step.

It is made up of two pieces of step flashing, one horizontal and the other vertical.

They form an L-shape when they unite.

To keep water out, use a piece of step flashing on the corners and edges.

Despite the dispute about continuous flashing, step flashing is just as important and, more often than not, the best option.

Valley Flashing

Valley flashing is used to join two roofing systems, or roof valleys, together.

This could be the area where your living room's roof meets the roof of your garage.

This flashing has an uppercase "W" form and will fit snuggly over the valley that links the two roofing systems.

Saddle Flashing

Extended joists, beams, or pipes that protrude from the building envelope are usually flashed with saddle flashing.

This is a specific sort of flashing that lacks adaptability when compared to the other possibilities offered.

Cap Flashing

Cap flashing is similar to step flashing in that it forms an L.

Cap flashing is a type of flashing that is commonly used in areas where a building's wall or roof meets a window.

Water runoff is diverted away from the house using cap flashing.

What is the significance of flashing?

Your roof's job is to keep the outside elements out of your home.

Water is the most prevalent element from which your roof protects your home and goods.

Modern roofs can endure anywhere from 20 to 30 years, depending on the style of roof, however every roof has some weak places that can leak.

That's where professional flashing comes in.

The joints are the most susceptible parts of any roof.

A joint is the point where two roof slopes meet.

There's a good probability you have roof troughs where slopes intersect unless your house is a perfect rectangle.

Another example of a junction between different slopes in your roof is a dormer.

Anything that requires a hole to be cut in your roof, such as vents, a chimney, or a skylight, is referred to as a penetration.

Wherever there is a connection or penetration in your roof, water might make its way into your home.

To avoid this, you'll need to install adequate flashing in your valleys and penetrations.

As previously said, flashing is constructed of materials that are resistant to water penetration.

Water will be directed away from the joints and into your gutters or off your roof.

You will almost surely get a leaky roof over time if you have no flashing or poor flashing.

Flashing that has been properly put and maintained will create a barrier against leaks.

Work with a Roofing Contractor in Your Area

If you have any additional questions about flashing, speak with a local roofing contractor who will be able to answer any of your concerns.

TK Roofing and Gutters is dedicated to offering high-quality roofing services to their Ohio neighbors, including proper flashing.

For over 15 years, TK Roofing and Gutters has been serving the communities of Northeast Ohio.

If you have any questions about flashing, require significant or small repairs, or require a complete roof replacement, contact TK Roofing and Gutters.

TK Roofing and Gutters, a local roofing company, can provide you piece of mind by ensuring that your roofing job is done correctly the first time.