All About Roof Flashing

The roof of your home is something that is often taken for granted, at least until a problem arises.  Constantly being exposed to the natural elements of sun, wind, rain, ice, snow, or sleet can take a toll on your roof and you may find yourself in need of a roof repair.  As a homeowner, it is wise to educate yourself about roofing terminology, so you will know what to look for when seeking roof repair help.  One aspect of roof detail that is an important element is the flashing.

Flashing refers to a thin layer of material that is installed on the roof that acts as a weather resistant barrier and helps prevent leaks from the roof into your home.  Flashing is especially important around protrusions, or joints, on the roof, such as: around a chimney, around attic fans, or around vent pipes.  Water is directed away from joint areas, such as the above mentioned, due to properly installed flashing.

Flashing can be made of a variety of materials, including metal or plastic.  Metal options include stainless steel, copper, and aluminum.  Thin sheets of metal can be pliable, yet very strong.  Metal is the most durable flashing material.  Plastic, such as a PVC-based material, can also be used for flashing, but may not withstand exposure to natural elements as well as metal flashing.  Sometimes, a more flexible flashing material is needed for particular roofing situations.  Some flexible flashing materials include butyl rubber or rubberized asphalt.

Flashing can be installed so that it is visible to the naked eye, or it may be completely concealed by other roofing materials such as shingles.  Proper installation is vital in order to achieve the optimum amount of protection from leakage, so it is important to work with a professional roofer if your roof requires repairs, or if you are replacing/adding a roof.  Improper installation of flashing, or flashing that has been damaged, can be disastrous to your home.  Flashing that isn’t functioning correctly can actually draw water into your home and can cause extensive water damage to your home’s roof, and everything beneath it.
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If you are seeking professional help for your roof, then Bill White Roofing and Specialty would love to hear from you.  We have the knowledge and experience to help you with all of your roofing needs, not to mention our dedication to quality and customer satisfaction.