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ROOF VALLEY FLASHING
A well-constructed and maintained roof is essential to safeguarding your home from the elements and ensuring its longevity and structural integrity. Among the various components that contribute to a durable and watertight roof, one crucial element that is often overlooked is roof valley flashing. Roof valleys, where two slopes meet, are particularly vulnerable to water infiltration, making proper flashing installation and maintenance imperative.
WHAT IS ROOF VALLEY FLASHING?
The importance of roof valleys in a roofing system cannot be overstated, as they play a crucial role in directing and managing water runoff from rain and melting snow. Roof valleys are formed where two sections of a roof meet, forming a V-shape channel. These valleys are particularly susceptible to water accumulation, and without proper management, they can become potential sources of leaks, water damage, and even structural issues. Here’s how roof valleys work and why they are so vital:
THE FUNCTION OF ROOF VALLEYS
1. Water Management: Roof valleys act as natural channels that direct rainwater and melted snow away from the roof’s surface. Without valleys, water could accumulate in flat areas, causing ponding and degrading of the roofing materials. By guiding water to the roof’s edges and gutter system, valleys prevent stagnant water buildup.
2. Prevention of Water Infiltration: Strategically designed roof valleys prevent water from penetrating roofing materials and the underlying structure. Well-installed valley flashing creates a watertight seal at joints and intersections, safeguarding vulnerable roof areas and interiors from leaks and damage.
3. Structural Integrity: Prolonged exposure to water can compromise a building’s structural integrity. Roof valleys redirect water away from critical load-bearing sections, reducing the risk of rot, decay, and weakening of the roof’s supporting framework.
4. Prevention of Ice Dams: In cold climates, roof valleys play a crucial role in stopping ice dam formation. These dams occur when melted snow refreezes along eaves, leading the water to back up under the shingles. Properly designed valleys guide melting snow away from vulnerable areas, reducing the chance of ice dam formation and subsequent water damage.
5. Aesthetic Appeal: Roof valleys enhance a building’s exterior aesthetics. Skillfully designed and executed valleys contribute depth and character to the roofline, elevating the overall architectural style of the structure.
In summary, roof valleys are essential components of a roofing system, managing water, safeguarding against infiltration, preserving structural soundness, preventing ice dams, and enhancing the visual appeal of a building.
TYPES OF ROOF VALLEY FLASHING
Roof valley flashing comes in three primary types: open, closed, and woven. These variants share a common goal: directing water away from roof valleys to prevent water damage and leaks. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of each type:
OPEN VALLEY FLASHING
Open valley flashing employs a technique where roofing material is cut back along the valley, exposing the flashing. Rainwater flows directly over the flashing, follows the valley’s path, and eventually falls off the roof and into the gutter system. An open roof valley is formed by leaving a gap with no material between the two roof planes. A metal lining, known as flashing, fills this space between the roof planes and adds a protective layer above the roof underlayment.
This type of valley is often used on roofs with both asphalt shingles and metal roofing materials, as it allows the metal to be installed in the valley and provides additional protection against water penetration. You may also achieve greater curb appeal with an open valley roof, as the metal flashing tends to add more detail to your roofing system.
Advantage:
Efficient water drainage due to direct exposure.
Can enhance aesthetics in certain architectural styles.
Disadvantage:
Susceptible to debris accumulation, potentially leading to blockages.
Heightened risk of leaks if not adequately maintained.
CLOSED VALLEY FLASHING
Closed valley flashing entails layering roofing material over the flashing, concealing it from view. Rainwater is directed onto the roofing materials and is then channeled into the valley.
A closed roof valley is the most common type of roof valley, where shingles from one roof plane are cut and laid over the shingles from the adjacent roof plane in an overlapping pattern. Since the shingles overlap, they create a smooth, continuous appearance and provide good protection against water penetration. The contractor may also install an ice and water barrier beneath the shingles for better protection.
Advantage:
Enhanced debris protection, lowering the risk of build-up.
Offers a seamless and tidy appearance.
Disadvantage:
Water runoff might be slightly less efficient compared to open valleys.
May require precise installation to prevent leaks.
WOVEN VALLEY FLASHING:
Woven valley flashing combines attributes from open and closed valleys. Shingles from both sides of the valley are interlaced, forming a robust and visually distinct pattern.
Advantage:
Efficient water drainage with reduced debris accumulation.
Provides an aesthetically pleasing and unique design.
Disadvantage:
Demands skilled installation to ensure proper weaving and sealing.
Potential for higher labor and material costs due to its intricacy.
Each method of valley flashing offers unique benefits and considerations, catering to diverse preferences and architectural needs. Your choice among open, closed, or woven valleys hinges on factors like your regional climate, roof design, and maintenance preferences. Your roof is the first line of defense against the elements, and its roof valley flashing is a critical component of that defense. However, like any other component of your home, the roof valley flashing can wear out over time, which can lead to serious problems. That’s why it’s important to be aware of the signs that your roof valley flashing needs attention so you can take action before it’s too late.
ROOF VALLEY PROBLEMS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT
RUST AND CORROSION
Rust is the biggest enemy of your roof’s flashing. As most flashing is made of metal, it can, over time, deteriorate due to corrosion. Roof valley flashing made of metal, such as galvanized steel or aluminum, can corrode over time due to exposure to the elements. This can cause the flashing to become weak and more susceptible to leaks. This makes your metal valley flashing ineffective against water and other weather conditions.
IMPROPER INSTALLATION
Improper installation is a common problem with roof valley flashing that can lead to water penetration and leaks. If the valley flashing is not installed properly, it may not provide adequate protection against water penetration. This can be due to mistakes made during installation, such as not securing the flashing tightly to the roof deck or failing to overlap the flashing correctly.
IMPROPERLY SIZED FLASHING
If the flashing is not the correct size for the roof valley, it may not provide adequate coverage to protect against water penetration.
POOR SEALING
The flashing must be installed tightly against the roof deck and secured in place with fasteners, and any gaps or space must be sealed with roofing cement or another type of sealant. To avoid these installation errors, it is important to have a qualified roofing contractor install the roof valley flashing.
AGE OF THE ROOF FLASHING
Age is another common problem with valley flashing that can compromise its ability to protect against water damage. Just like other roofing materials, a metal roof valley flashing has a lifespan that affects its performance. As your valley flashing nears the end of its lifespan, it will be harder for it to protect your valley. Over time, exposure to the elements and natural aging will cause the flashing to become worn and weak.
Here are some signs that you need to look out for:
Cracks or splits in the material: This allows water to seep in and cause damage to the roof and underlying structure.
Its length of exposure to the elements: Lengthy exposure to UV rays from the sun or other weather patterns cause the flashing to become brittle and more likely to crack or break.
Warping: The flashing may warp over time, which can cause it to pull away from the roof deck and leave gaps where water can seep in.
If the flashing is showing signs of aging, it is important to have it inspected by a qualified roofing professional. You most likely will need to replace the old flashing to ensure your home is protected.
HOLES IN FLASHING
Holes in roof valley flashing can also cause water to penetrate the roof and cause damage. Holes can be caused by a variety of factors, such as the following:
Rust and corrosion can weaken the flashing and cause it to develop gaps.
Flashing hit by falling debris or improperly installed can cause holes.
Pests can create holes in your flashing material as they attempt to burrow into your roof.
If you have constant leaks during rain, or moisture in the attic, then there is a possibility that there are holes in the valley flashing. Holes or gaps will need immediate attention as they can eventually expand and cause bigger problems down the road.
HOW TO PREVENT ROOF VALLEY PROBLEMS
Prevention is always better than fixing the final damage, and this applies to the problems you face with your roof’s flashing material. Here are some tips for preventing problems with your roof valley flashing.
IMPORTANCE OF REGULAR ROOF MAINTENANCE:
Regular roof maintenance is critical to preventing problems with your roof valley flashing. This involves two things: roof cleaning and roof inspection. You can inspect the roof yourself, but it’s better to hire a professional to do it for you. During a maintenance check, a professional roofing contractor can inspect your roof for signs of damage and address any issues before they become more serious. Regular maintenance can also help extend the life of your roof and reduce the risk of water damage.
QUALITY MATERIALS:
Invest in high-quality roof valley flashing made from durable and long-lasting material, such as copper or aluminum. This will ensure that the flashing lasts longer and provides better protection for your roof. Quality materials are more durable, last longer, and can resist wear and tear better than cheaper materials.
Here are some of the best flashing materials available on the market:
Metal valley flashing (aluminum, galvanized steel, copper metal flashing)
Rubber valley flashing
Concrete valley flashing
PROPER INSTALLATION:
Make sure that your roof valley flashing is installed correctly by a professional roofing contractor. This will help ensure that it provides adequate protection against water penetration.
CALL OR EMAIL US TODAY FOR YOUR FREE ESTIMATE – 202-276-5004 FAMILY.ROOFING@YAHOO.COM
A well-constructed and maintained roof is essential to safeguarding your home from the elements and ensuring its longevity and structural integrity. Among the various components that contribute to a durable and watertight roof, one crucial element that is often overlooked is roof valley flashing. Roof valleys, where two slopes meet, are particularly vulnerable to water infiltration, making proper flashing installation and maintenance imperative.
Open valley flashing employs a technique where roofing material is cut back along the valley, exposing the flashing. Rainwater flows directly over the flashing, follows the valley’s path, and eventually falls off the roof and into the gutter system. An open roof valley is formed by leaving a gap with no material between the two roof planes. A metal lining, known as flashing, fills this space between the roof planes and adds a protective layer above the roof underlayment.
WOVEN VALLEY FLASHING: