What to Know About Roof Flashing

8/30/2021

When a homeowner is contemplating about their roofing needs, so much consideration goes into the type of roof to protect their home instead of protecting the roof itself.

Replacing shingles, leaky roofs, and water damage are just some of the repairs that are germane for protecting a home.

To make sure your roof is protected so you are protected, let’s talk about roof flashing.

What is Roof Flashing?

Roof flashing is a thin metal sheet used to direct water away from high-risk areas such as seams and joints often found around walls, chimneys, roof valleys, and skylights.

Why is Roof Flashing Important?

A roof is the first step in protecting your home, but reinforcing it to withstand the test of time (and weather) is equally important. Roof flashings are necessary to keep your home water damage-free and prolong the lifespan of the roof.

No homeowner likes surprises. Especially, ones that require a whipping out the wallet or purse. A leaking roof will do just that. The costs associated with a leaking roof can range anywhere from $150-$800. The purpose of a roof flashing is to make sure you aren’t impacted by those costs.

Types of Roof Flashing

• Chimney Flashing. A waterproof seal used where the roof meets the chimney to funnel water away from the chimney.
• Step Flashing. Used in areas where the roof meets a sidewall and goes underneath each row of shingles to direct water out and onto the shingle.
• Continuous Flashing. One piece of flashing installed behind exterior cladding along the wall that extends over the top of the shingles.
• Drip Edge Flashing. Placed over a fascia board to redirect water away from the fascia and into the gutters.
• Kickout Flashing. Used to direct water away from the cladding into the gutter.
• Valley Flashing. Where two slopes in a roof meet and require a “valley” to collect and direct water off the roof
• Skylight Flashing. For those who have skylights, this is used to direct water away from the skylight and onto the roof.
• Counter Flashing. Often another solution to chimney flashing, used to direct water away from chimneys and down the siding.
• Base Flashing. Rested on the deck and direct water flow onto the roof.

Roof Flashing Materials

• Steel. Stands the test against the harshest of conditions making steel a suitable solution for all homeowners.
• Aluminum. Budget friendly and durable, aluminum is easily customizable for the situation that it calls for.
• Copper. One of the pricier options, copper is popular due to its appeal and durability in all weather conditions.
• Lead. Often found in the northern climates, lead flashings are soft making them malleable and durable. 

Trust the Roof Flashing Experts

Roof flashings should be inspected annually to ensure their effectiveness. Even if you have recently installed a new roof, that doesn’t mean the flashings were replaced. Getting on the roof can be dangerous and if you don’t feel comfortable, so please be careful and leave that work to the experts. Reach out to us if you have any worries about your roof or roof flashings. A happy roof is a happy home and we are here to help you make that happen!