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Most Common Types of Roof Flashing
Roof flashing plays a critical role in ensuring that water is directed away from vital areas of the roof. There are many different types of roof flashing available, though, and so it is important to consider your options carefully. 
Roof flashing is a thin material, usually galvanized steel, that professional roofers use to direct water away from critical areas of the roof. Use roof flashing wherever the roof plane meets a vertical surface like a wall or a dormer. Additionally, install flashing to surround roof features, such as vents, chimneys, and skylights. Furthermore, water should run down the side of the flashing and be directed to the shingles instead of finding its way into the roof deck
What is roof flashing?
Before we tell you more about the different types of metal roof flashing that you can get today, it is important to explain what roof flashing is. This is a thin material, which tends to be made from galvanized steel, which is utilized by professional roofers to direct water away from the critical areas of your roof. Roof flashing should be used at any point where the roof plane reaches a vertical surface, for example, a dormer or a wall. Moreover, flashing can be installed to surround roof features, like skylights, chimneys, and vents.
What are the most common types of roof flashing?
There are many different types of roof flashing to choose from, and the roofer you choose will determine which type of flashing is most appropriate for you. Some of the most popular options are as follows:
1. Vent pipe flashing
This is a fitting that is cone-shaped. It tends to be installed into shingles to cover the pipes.
2. Valley flashing
Another type of roof flashing that is popular is valley flashing. This is a piece of metal flashing that is W-shaped. This is positioned on top of roofing felt in parts of the roof whereby two valleys of a roof plane come together.
3. Step flashing
This is a piece of flashing bent that is rectangular in shape and is bent at 90 degrees in the center. It is the most appropriate roof flashing when used for roof to wall applications. These flashings need to be overlapped to ensure that water does not get in from behind.
4. Drip edges
Aside from the roof flashing mentioned so far, drip edges are installed under the roofing felt, along the roof’s eaves. This has the purpose of helping the water to drip off the roof without causing any damage or destruction to the property.
5. Continuous flashing
We cannot talk about roof flashing without mentioning continuous flashing. You may also see this referred to as apron flashing. This approach involves one long piece of continuous flashing being installed to provide protection to the joint between a sloped roof and a vertical wall.
Additional Flashings
Base flashing: Some roof features, such as chimneys, require different pieces of flashing. This ensures that rain always meets a flashing surface that directs it downwards. The base flashing is continuous flashing (or apron flashing). Use this as the bottom piece.
Counter-flashing: Placed opposite to base flashing, or above base flashing, counter-flashing completes the two-part team.
Cap flashing: An L shaped structure that lies flat against the roof and other fittings such as windows. The shape of the structure runs water off in the opposite direction. This prevents it from pooling in any cracks around the fitting.
Chimney flashing: Flashings need to be applied around chimneys. This prevents water pooling in the gaps between the roof and the chimney bricks. To begin, apply chimney flashing in two pieces (base and cap). Next, place base flashing across the bottom of the chimney, while using step flashing to cover the sides. Finally, caulk the cap flashing where it laps over the other flashings to prevent water running behind them.
Saddle flashing: Used to cover protruding beams or railing attachments.
Skylights: Often skylights have a built-in flashing to protect water from seeping in, but sometimes roofing professionals must create it or purchase it separately. First fit continuous flashing along the base of the window, then step flashing up the sides, and last saddle flashing would be installed at the top of the window.
Kick-out flashing: Used to bridge the gap between where step flashing ends and the gutter begins. Kick-out flashing directs water away from the wall and into the gutter.
Things you need to know about roof flashing
Now you know the common types of roof flashing. But after learning the types, there are still a few things you need to know about roof flashing in general.
1. Roof flashing might not be replaced during a roof replacement
During the roof replacement process, most of your materials and components will be replaced. However, roof flashing is a little different. When your local roofing contractor comes out to give you a quote for your replacement, they inspect your roof flashing. During their inspection, they’ll check your roof flashing for rusting and if the integrity of the metal is still strong. If your contractor doesn’t see rusting and the metal’s integrity is still holding up, then your roof flashing won’t have to be replaced during your replacement. On the other hand, if it’s damaged, rusted, it will need to be replaced.
2. The types of metal roof flashing can be made of
Roof flashing comes in a few different metal options. The common types of metals used for roof flashing are aluminum, steel, or copper. It’s completely up to you which metal you choose for roof flashing. If you’re looking for a clean look that fits most budgets, go with the most common type of metal used for roof flashing today, steel. If you want an upgraded look, copper looks great aesthetically and will live longer but will cost you more upfront. Before deciding, talk to your local roofing contractor about which type of metal will give you the look you want while staying within your budget.
3. It’s crucial to maintain your roof flashing
I already mentioned you might not have to replace your roof flashing when you get a roof replacement. However, your roof flashing should outlive the original roof it was installed on, no matter what kind of metal is used. With it living longer than the roof, it’s crucial to have your roof flashing inspected as part of annual roof maintenance. This allows your roofing contractor to ensure the flashing is doing its job and the metal’s integrity is holding strong.
This can also save you from costly roof repairs costly roof repairs and help catch future roof flashing problems before they start. Because of this, inspecting your roof flashing’s integrity is crucial during an annual maintenance inspection.
Protecting Your Roof
Ultimately, the installation of flashing and the application of a proper sealant are meant to protect your roof and its trouble areas from water and other damaging elements. Those hard to reach areas can be the first to go without proper flashing, so it is imperative for the life of your roof that you have to flash that will expand and contract with the elements and divert the water off the roof. Those tough to reach areas can go unnoticed by amateur roofers who may not have the knowledge or experience necessary. Having a proper roofing contractor is necessary to ensure that those trouble areas do not worsen.
If not handled properly, areas around vents or the chimney could have a pooling of water. This water can do damage to areas of the roof, creating discoloration and even leaks. Those leaks can be a real trouble area if left unchecked, potentially causing structural damage if left unchecked. A proper roof flashing can do wonders for protecting your roof from water damage and unnecessary wear and tear to those trouble areas on your roof.
