If you’re experiencing a leak in your roof, it’s most likely coming from an area where flashing is missing or corroded. Many homeowners are familiar with what shingles are and how they protect the roof. However, not many people understand what flashing is or why it’s absolutely essential to have. At Indy Roof & Restoration we’re the experts in all things roof repair and roof installation. We know the ins and outs of the industry and what part each piece plays in the grand scheme of things. This includes roof flashing! So, let’s get into what roof flashing is and what goes into it.
What Is Roof Flashing?
Roof flashing is a thin layer of metal sheeting that is utilized in various areas on the roof to direct water away from joints and seams. Flashing needs to be utilized in areas where your roof surface meets up with a wall, where there are protrusions, or where two low points meet together. The whole purpose of flashing is to essentially close the gap between the shingles and your wall so that water doesn’t get down underneath the shingles. When heavy rain or snow comes, you’ll want roof flashing installed to prevent leaks, holes and other damage.
Flashing Material
There is no one specific type of flashing for every job. Our flashing is available in many different metals, including copper, stainless steel, aluminum, lead, and galvanized steel. The specific product that gets used on your home will highly depend on the aesthetic look of your home as well as our professional recommendation. It is vital to know that some building codes in certain communities may require us to use a specific material for your flashing. In these cases, it’s likely that there will be specific thickness requirements as well. We will work with you to find the best material for your situation, budget and environment.
We offer a variety of materials for our roof flashing installations. Below is a list of our most commonly used materials, as well as their pros and cons. If you have more specific questions about these materials, you can always contact us for our expert opinion.
Copper
When it comes to durability, copper is at the top of the list. This eye-catching material is resistant to rust, and it’s known for taking on a green patina as it ages and is exposed to the elements. It’s often considered a bonus, so you won’t have to worry as much about repainting or treating copper flashings after they’re initially installed.
Steel
Steel is a very popular type of flashing material that typically has a zinc coating to protect it against corrosion. Steel will last extremely long when it comes to exposure to excess moisture and other adverse weather conditions.
Lead
Another durable material for your flashing is lead. This is a long-lasting metal that is resistant to water damage and will expand and contract depending on the specific temperatures outside. Since lead flashings are believed to last for over two hundred years, you can ensure that they will be around for the entire lifespan of your shingles.
Aluminum
If you’re looking to save money, aluminum is at the inexpensive end of the spectrum. This is a malleable and durable material that requires a protective finish. Without a protective coating, aluminum will corrode when it’s exposed to wood, cement, concrete, and adverse weather elements.
The Various Uses of Metal Flashing
While shingles will cover the majority of your roof, you still need to have metal flashing in areas where shingles are absent so that you can divert water from penetrating your home. There are many different instances in which you’ll need Indy Roof & Restoration to have flashing installed. Some of these include:
Valleys
When two roof decks slope in towards one another, they create a low line. This low line is referred to as a valley and is the prime target for water to penetrate your roof. While it’s completely possible to sometimes overlap shingles to help prevent water penetration, many newer dimensional shingles are too thick and inflexible to get the job done right. This is where valley flashing comes into play.
A metal flashing piece is installed over the underlayment and under the shingles in the valley. This allows the water to drain off the shingles into the metal flashing and down to your gutter system. Since this particular piece of flashing is going to be visible from the ground, it’s important that you choose a color that you’re aesthetically happy with. We offer a variety of choices for you to choose from.
Chimneys
Whenever it’s raining, water will flow down the side of your chimney. When flashing is properly installed, the water will drip down the flashing and onto your singles. However, if you don’t have flashing installed, water is going to continue to drip down the chimney and straight to the underlayment of your roof. Over time, this will create water damage and cause the underlayment to rot out.
You’ll want our team to have your flashing installed on all your chimneys, dormers, and any vents that come out of your home. These help to create a watertight seal that prevents moisture from coming in contact with the underlayment of your roof. It’s important to be prepared to avoid major damages when the weather hits its peak. With this, we can help.
Drip Edges
Another imperative place where you’re going to need flashing is at the edge of your roof. Your low roof edges will need what’s called a drip edge flashing. This is an L-shaped metal piece that is installed at the edge of the roof underneath the shingles. This allows water to penetrate from the shingles onto the flashing. The water will then proceed to go over the edge of the flashing and follow down the other side into the gutter. This helps to protect wood underlayment at the edge of your roof. Without drip edge flashing, the edge of your roof would undergo water damage and start to break off.
Skylights
Something that makes our company unique is that we offer flashing service to households with skylights. While skylights can do wonders for bringing more light into a room in your home, they can also make your home more susceptible to water damage if not installed correctly. We’ll install flashing around your entire skylight window to ensure adequate redirection of any water onto your other roofing material like shingles.
Continuous
Whenever there’s a situation where your roof needs a sidewall, you need to have continuous flashing installed. Here’s where Indy Roof & Restoration can help. This is a long run of flashing that fills up the corner space so that any water dripping from the sidewall can be run onto the shingles of the roof. The main concept behind this type of flashing is that a long metal piece, instead of individual pieces put together, will be less prone to leaking. Continuous flashing will prevent this.
Longevity and Annual Inspections
The longevity of your roof flashing will vary highly depending on the type of metal that you use, the type of flashing it is, the climate you live in, and much more. As a general rule of thumb, it’s recommended that you get your flashing replaced every time you replace your roof. This helps to ensure seamless installation to protect against water penetration.
In our expert opinion, you should have your roof inspected each year. This will help to catch problems early on before they get worse. While you’re getting your roof checked, we’ll be checking all the flashing to ensure that it’s in optimal condition and effectively working to divert water away from the structural components of your roof.
Reliable Roofing Service
Indy Roof & Restoration provides reliable roofing services to the Indianapolis, IN, community. We also offer quality storm damage, insurance claims, and commercial services. Be sure to contact us today to get the professional roofing assistance that you need.