What is Roof Flashing?

Weather is unpredictable and can sometimes create a lot of unexpected damage to our homes. Heavy rainstorms can lead to severe water damage if you are not adequately prepared for them. One way you can prevent leaking through your roof is through a technique called roof flashing. Roof flashing is the process of installing a waterproof sealer between the joints, edges, valleys, and other gaps surrounding a roof. This tool is used to keep water out of your home when heavy winds or severe storms occur. By incorporating roof flashing in your home, you can prevent the harmful development of mold. 

What Does It Do? 

With bad weather and storms comes an excessive amount of water. Without proper sealing between the cracks where two surfaces meet, water has the potential to seep through. By adding a waterproof sealer, water will run off your roof rather than flow through the gaps. Flashing helps close off joints in the roof, providing extra protection when heavy rainfall occurs. 

What is it Made Out of?

Roof flashing is typically made of a waterproof, rust-resistant metal sheet. The metal installed is usually a galvanized steel, aluminum, or copper. It is vital to research the different types of metal before installation to determine which is the best choice for your home. Depending on the weather conditions or building codes in your area, different types of metal respond differently or are required. Aluminum is a thin sheet that is easy to bend and shape. However, it must be coated when used with alkaline surfaces. Copper is very durable but can discolor easily. The most popular choice is steel because it is malleable and corrosion-resistant; it also provides a beautiful aesthetic to your home. 

How Does It work?

Roof flashing works by directing water away from the edges of your roof, where the two surfaces meet. By placing this metal sheet in various areas throughout your roof, you can prevent water from seeping in because it slides down the metal surface directly off your roof. 

Roof Flashing Types 

Many different types of roof flashing can be utilized to protect your home. Depending on the type of roof, there may be more or less flashing needed. 

Chimney Flashing- Chimneys are among the most common areas that contribute to water seepage into your home. Several parts are incorporated in chimney flashing. It is best if you covered the bottom, the sides, and a saddle roof along the top that creates a slope, allowing water to flow away from the chimney. 

Base and Step Flashing- These are the areas where vertical walls or sections of the home intersect with the roof's bottom. Water will run down directly to the joint of these areas if flashing is not put in place. Base and step flashing allow rain to stop before seeping into the crack between these surfaces. 

Drip Edges- Water can also seep into the roof edges if flashing is not put in around the drip edges. Metal is applied directly underneath and over the sides of the roof. 

Skylights- If your home has skylights, they must have their own set of flashing placed along every edge.

Valley Flashing- Flashing needs to be applied to the edges of where the two sections of the roof collide. Without proper metal flashing, water can directly seep in between the two parts into the foundation of your home. 

Vent Pipe Flashing- Metal is placed in a cone-shape around the edges of pipes and flues to direct the water away from the sides.

Roof flashing is an essential part of your roof because it helps prevent water damage. Without the extra protection along and around the joints and edges of your home, water can easily seep through. Metal flashing should be added to any section where two surfaces collide or along the sides of your home. Be sure to look into the areas mentioned above to be sure your roof is adequately protected, no matter the weather conditions.