Roof Flashing Repair – 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.

 

WHAT EXACTLY IS ROOF FLASHING?

Roof flashing is a thin strip of metal that is used to prevent moisture from leaking in the most vulnerable parts of a roof, such as joints or protrusions, like chimneys.  The flashing’s role is to guide water from the areas of the roof that may be susceptible to leaks and have the water drained off to be disposed of in the gutter system.

HOW ROOF FLASHING WORKS AND WHAT IT DOES

  • It typically operates under the principle that, in order for water to get through a joint, it must fight against gravity and work its way up.

  • In the case of hard rain that is being driven by the wind, the driving force of the heavy rain would have to be diminished.

  • Roof flashing can be installed in one of two ways. It can either be concealed or exposed on the outside of a building’s roof.

Roof flashing is typically composed of aluminum, copper or galvanized steel.  These types of metals are preferred for roof flashing because they are durable, strong, inexpensive, flexible and resistant to corrosion.  The metals that are used in the construction of roof flashing are manufactured specially to be used for roofing purposes.

Flashing is a continuous series of thin pieces of sheet metal or other waterproof material that is installed to keep water from getting into a building from a vulnerable angle or joint. It typically operates under the principle that, in order for water to get through a joint, it must fight against gravity and work its way up.  In the case of hard rain that is being driven by the wind, the driving force of the heavy rain would have to be diminished. Roof flashing can be installed in one of two ways. It can either be concealed or exposed on the outside of a building’s roof.

ROOF FLASHING MATERIALS

Roof flashings can be composed of several types of metal.  Each flashing type has its unique advantages and disadvantages.

ALUMINUM

Aluminum is the most popular metal used to create roof flashings. Aluminum is resistant to rust and corrosion, and can be painted in a color that complements your home.  If maintained, aluminum flashing can stay in great shape for over 20 years.  In addition, aluminum flashing is very affordable.

However, since aluminum is a lightweight, malleable metal, aluminum flashing can be bent or damaged by heavy impacts.

GALVANIZED STEEL

Galvanized steel is another popular option.  The steel is coated with a layer of zinc that protects the steel underneath it from rust and corrosion.  Steel is heavier than aluminum, which makes it more resistant to damage from heavy impacts as well.  This flashing can last for up to 40 years.

However, due to its heavy weight and strength, galvanized steel is more difficult to contour when creating and installing flashing, making installation more time and labor intensive.  In addition, if the exterior layer of zinc on galvanized steel is damaged, the steel underneath can rust.

COPPER

Copper flashing is durable, corrosion-resistant and attractive.  Copper can maintain its integrity for over 100 years with proper maintenance.  However, this metal is lightweight and malleable like aluminum, so it can develop dents relatively easily.  Plus, this material is relatively expensive.

Copper is one of the best metal materials to use for exterior flashing because it is durable and malleable.  Using copper in any roofing project will ensure that no weak points exist in the roofing structure.  As opposed to some other flashing materials, copper will not destruct if exposed for long periods to sunlight.

Types of Roof Flashing

The type of roof you have will determine the type of roof flashing you will need and where it will be used.

  • Apron Flashing. This is the most basic type of roof flashing. It is installed where the top of a lean-to roof touches a wall.

  • Chimney Flashing. Chimney flashings are installed around the perimeter of a chimney where it protrudes from the roof.

  • Valley Flashing. This type of flashing is installed where two roofs meet at an angle.

  • Drip Edge Flashing. Drip edge flashing is positioned on the eaves of the roof and rakes to protect the fascia board underneath the roof coverings.  It is also used to conceal the gap between the fascia and roof deck so that pests will not be able to enter your attic.

  • Abutment Flashings. These are the two types of flashings, the single-lap, and double-lap flashing, that are used at the point where a pitched roof meets a wall.

Roof flashing can also be installed around skylights, dormers and vent pipes.

Roof flashing can last you for several years, but if it is not properly maintained during that time, it can become damaged. The older your roof flashing is, the more susceptible it may be to failing.