COMMON ROOF FLASHING PROBLEMS – FAMILY ROOFING

Posted on by David Reid

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At Family Roofing, we take great pride in our experience, expertise, quality and customer service. It is our mission to provide excellent workmanship and complete customer satisfaction from start to completion of a project. Our reputation is based on service, safety and quality, regardless of how large or small the job.

 

COMMON ROOF FLASHING PROBLEMS

What Is a Roof Flashing and Why Is It Important?  While roofs are purposely constructed to allow rainwater run-off, they can often have several vertical features or protrusions, such as chimneys, parapet walls, half walls, dormers, skylights, vent pipes, and the like, where water can pool up and/or drip into the crevices between. The areas can eventually become damaged and allow water seepage and leaks into the house. To prevent this, professional roofers apply roof flashing to divert rainwater down the sides of the vertical surfaces, keeping the water from stagnating.

 

Roof flashing is typically a thin metal material fabricated from rust-resistant metal, such as G-90 galvanized steel, a frequently used flashing material, copper, or aluminum.  Depending on the company, flashing may even be available in lead or zinc alloy.

Steel, copper, and aluminum are particularly used because of how malleable these metals are, rendering them easier to shape.  However, the homeowner should note the different characteristics of each metal:

  • Galvanized steel is less costly than aluminum and copper and is well resistant to corrosion.  It is for these reasons that steel is most often chosen for flashing.

  • Copper is quite durable, but it discolors into a patina over time.  Some homeowners appreciate the classic appearance of copper with patina.

  • Aluminum is easier for roofing professionals to shape and lighter in weight.  Aluminum must be coated to be preserved.  Bare aluminum breaks down when touching alkaline surfaces, such as mortar used to secure bricks. As long as the aluminum is coated, it can be used on concrete or stonework.

Flashing closes the joints between the roof and the roof features in order to protect the house from erosion and leaking.  A lack of flashing or poor flashing installation can also lead to wood rot, potential shingle damage, or deck collapse, among other issues.

For installation, the roofer will have to choose between nailing the flashing or using a sealant. As professional roofers may explain, nailing can involve some risk.  If flashing is nailed to both the roof plane and the vertical surface, it can cause the flashing to deform from the pressure of shifting brick or wood.

The flashing will stay in place when nailed properly to only one of the surfaces, but nailing can create unnecessary holes in the roof structure.  An alternative that professionals use is roofing cement, which creates a waterproof seal between the roof and the flashing.  Flashing comes in various shapes and is used for different areas on the roof.  For this reason, different flashing types will be installed in dissimilar ways, and the cost of flashing will vary.

If the homeowner is uncertain about having flashing installed, it should be noted that alternative materials, such as sealant or tar, are ineffective long-term.  They break down, making the areas they are purposed to protect vulnerable to water.  Flashing, on the other hand, is made for long-term use and, when installed properly, keeps the roof from blemishes and damage.

Membrane Shrinkage

Over time, dimensional shortening of the roof membrane can result in shrinkage.  As the shrinking occurs, it creates pressure on the flashing and roof seams. Since this shortening, also known as tenting, cannot be repaired, eventually the flashing and seams are going to burst.  Where the flashing is no longer protecting the roof of the building, water can gain entry, creating more issues with the roof if it isn’t addressed immediately. A roofing professional should be contacted to address the issue.

Poor Repair Jobs

Regular roof maintenance is essential to the life of your building.  It should be inspected regularly, because once an issue is caused by the elements, it’s likely going to get worse.  Homeowners should always hire a professional to address issues related to the roof and its flashing.  Flashing installation requires many important steps and knowledge that business owners and their maintenance employees typically don’t have.

A poor repair job could lead to leaking or billowing, which happens when parts of the flashing become disconnected from the structure and eventually become even more damaged in high wind.  Even worse, a bad repair job can also lead to part or even all of the roof blowing away.

Age

Flashing isn’t made to last forever.  Seasonal temperature fluctuations can cause roof flashing to warp.  Flashing can also bend as the building settles, and it can rust with age. Old flashing experiencing any of these issues is likely to fail the materials it is designed to protect.  If the flashing is aged, the entire roof probably is as well.  How often your roof and its flashing should be replaced depends on the type of roof the building has.  Generally, an asphalt roof will last 20 years, while a metal roof can last up to 30 years.

Weather

Extreme weather takes a toll on your roof, the drainage system and its flashing.  Heavy rain and high winds can reveal weak flashing.  When snow or ice builds up, it can seep under the metal strips as it begins to melt. This melt can also refreeze and expand, causing the flashing to change shape.

Initial Installation

When a new roof is installed, new flashing must also be installed.  If someone is new to flashing installation, errors are more likely to occur.  One way to avoid this is for the owner to hire roofing professionals who are experienced and will closely oversee anyone new to the roofing team.

Accidental Damage

Sometimes a person performing an inspection or repair on the roof can accidentally and unknowingly cause damage to flashing.  It’s important that anyone stepping onto a roof knows what they are doing as they begin to walk around.  Damage to flashing can occur when someone steps on it the wrong way.  If the flashing becomes dented or cracked, it can give way to water.

Roof flashing is a small but important component of a roof.  If you suspect your flashing has become weakened or damaged, always consult with a professional roofer before it leads to a larger issue.

Signs of Roof Flashing Failure

The clearest indication that flashing is underperforming is by water leaking into the house.  Of course, it is desirable for any homeowner to catch the issue before leaking occurs; in this case, here are some specific outside signs for the homeowner to look for that may imply flashing that is not protecting your home:

  • The shingles are curling, broken, damaged, have lost granulation, or are missing (which denotes that water is draining under the shingles).

  • The asphalt or wood shingles are moldy, decaying, or splitting.

  • Patches, cracks, or tears in the roof.

  • The flashing itself tears or buckles around the roof features. When this happens, chimneys, specifically, will have missing, damaged, or stained brick.

  • The sealant, if present, is crumbling or missing. Or nails, if used in place of sealant, are missing. Both circumstances will make the flashing loose.

  • The fascia is decaying or stained.

  • The gutters are rusting, sagging, bending, or have leaky seams. Gutters may even become clogged.

The homeowner can inspect the inside of the house as well.

  • In the case that the roof has patches, cracks, or tears, the homeowner may also find water spots, mold, damaged rafters, or leaks in the attic.

  • Moisture marks and/or brown, yellow, or gray stains are present along the walls or ceiling.

  • An increase in energy cost may denote the roof ventilation is compromised.