What Is Roof Flashing?
Roof flashing is one of many crucial components in all new slate, shingle, metal and flat roof installations. Many homeowners are not familiar with the basic anatomy of a roofing system and often fail to recognize exactly what it is. Usually a thin piece of metal, roof flashing is placed at points throughout your home where water is likely to leak. It doesn’t matter if its shingle roof vs cedar shake installations , every roof needs it. Roof leaks around dormers, valleys, and even skylights are commonly caused due to improperly installed or nonexistent flashing.
Why Roof Flashing Is Important On Your New Roof Installation
Whether you’re interested in a asphalt shingle replacement or slate roof installation, you need roof flashing. Roof flashing is the first line of defense in areas that are susceptible to stormwater problems. Flashing comes in many different forms and designs that are specifically cut to be applied to areas around your roofing system. Without the necessary flashing installed, water will be able to enter your home and potentially cause thousands of dollars in damages throughout your home.
Many homeowners do not know how to find a qualified roofer for the job and end up hiring an inexperienced roof contractor. This is when you’ll end up with roof leaks during heavy rainstorms because of missing flashing. Be sure to hire a licensed professional roofer to eliminate the possibility of pay thousands in roof repairs or even a premature roof replacement.
The Most Common Forms of Roof Flashing and How They Work
Ridge flashing– The ridge is the stretch of the highest most point of the roof which is often used for attic ventilation. Ridge flashing covers that ventilation area, preventing stormwater from penetrating into your home. - Drip edge- Installed along the eaves of the roof (where the roof overhangs the siding of your home) , this will prevent water from forcing its way up the edge of the roof and underneath the shingles.
- Vent pipe flashing- Vents are one of the major weak points for roof leaks when flashing is not installed. This type of flashing will sit at the base of any and all ventilation pipes sticking out of your roof and prevent water from seeping through. Roof leaks around vents can potentially cause thousands in repairs.
- Step flashing- If you have a chimney in your home, it is necessary for step flashing to be installed to keep the area around the chimney protected against the constant flow of water during a rainstorm. When a roof is leaking around the chimney, that usually indicates that
- Valley flashing- A roof valley is where two sloped roofs meet and are commonly subjected to a high water traffic area during a rainstorm. Roof leaks around valleys are common when valley flashing isn’t present. This flashing technique allows the rainwater to not directly travel on the shingle. Preventing any chance of water penetrating through those areas.
Premier Roofing Solutions Installs High Quality and Long Lasting Roofing Systems
Roofing is the most important home improvement project as well as the most expensive. So don’t sell yourself short when hiring a contractor for the job. There are a lot of dishonest contractors who will cut corners at the homeowners expense and they don’t care what the status of the roof is in 5-10 years. Contact us at Premier Roofing Solutions for a free estimate and evaluation of your roofing system.