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How to Maintain Roof Flashings
What is Flashing?
Flashing is the protective metal tie-in material used on homes and other construction projects to prevent water damage from occurring. Roof flashing is a thin layer of metal sheeting used to direct water away from seams and joints where moisture could penetrate the roof and cause water damage. It comes in a range of types: you can track down aluminum, copper, lead, PVC, and galvanized steel flashing to name a few options. It’s very thin material that comes on a simple roll and it’s one of the keys to a long-lasting project that won’t wear out before it should.
What is the purpose?
Underlayment and roof flashing are required to keep water from getting underneath your shingles. Flashing is critical to certain areas of your roof, especially the places where the roof surface meets a wall (sidewalls and front walls), the low points where two roof slops meet (called valleys), roof protrusions (bathroom/kitchen vents, skylights) and the roof’s edges (rakes and eaves).
It’s common for flashing to become loose and even removed from your home over time. Either the screws anchoring it into place become loose and pull out, or the metal wears away from around the edge of the hole where the flashing was initially locked down. Either way, that leaves flashing loose and unable to properly perform its job. To solve this problem, simply purchase screws made of the same metal as your flashing and screw them down into the framing underneath to lock the flashing into place. Cover each screw head using roofing cement, to keep water from getting into your home.
Most roofing materials can stay in good condition for an average of 30 years, while some have a lifespan of over 50 years. Taking proper care of your roof and observing a maintenance schedule can increase its durability and help you correct damage. Still, some homeowners focus on only repairing and maintaining the roofing material and ignore other parts like flashings. This neglect eventually affects the integrity of the entire roof and leads to secondary damage.
Regular Inspection
Loose valley flashings allow water to seep into the roofing material, leading to secondary destruction. Besides, vent pipe models crack due to poor installation and exposure to harsh weather conditions.
Identifying the signs of flashing damage is not always easy because the effects may show after extensive damage occurs. Getting annual roof inspection services from an expert will help detect such issues.
During the inspection, the expert will examine the edges to spot gaps that may leak water. They will then perform flashing maintenance practices to restore proper functioning and allow proper water drainage.
For example, they may replace broken, crumbled, and missing flashings. If the damage is minor, the expert may reseal the section and paint it to prevent rusting.
Mount Metal Flashings
Anchoring your flashings is an ideal way to maintain them and prevent damaging your roof. This measure keeps them firm and prevents detaching during strong winds. Mounting flashings also secures them from debris that may weaken the sealant and lead to premature aging.
Lock down your flashings using screws, then cover the heads with cement. This way, you prevent the hole from leaking water and protect the screws from rusting. Cementing also enhances the rivet’s function, preventing it from pulling out or getting loose.
Don’t Step on Flashings
Flashings are sensitive components that may lose their structure and functionality due to excess pressure. When maintaining your flashing, it’s crucial to avoid stepping on them.
Further, stay away from the parts within 12 inches of the structures. Taking this measure prevents pressure changes that may damage the areas the flashing connects with the roof.
Since observing safety precautions is difficult, hire a roofing professional for maintenance practices. Their experts understand the structure of a roof and the factors that may damage specific parts. With their help, you can extend the lifespan of your roof without affecting the flashings.
Look for Signs of Damage
Checking roof flashing often allows you to detect signs of damage. Based on the findings, you can then contact a professional to correct common flashing problems like:
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Aging
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Membrane shrinkage
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Winter damage