Why is Roof Flashing Necessary? What Does it Do?

Roof Flashing

Roof flashing is an essential component of your roof. It secures the joints and edges of your roof as well as places where water accumulates like valleys between roof sections. High-quality flashing that is properly installed will direct water away from the vulnerable roofing area and towards the water drainage system.

If your roof’s flashing is not on par, these sensitive areas are more susceptible to leaks and water damage. Roof flashing is, therefore, of the utmost importance. Continue reading to learn more about roof flashing and why it is necessary for your roof. If you have a leak and suspect flashing is the culprit, contact Nelson!

Why Flashing Is So Important

One of the primary reasons your house has a roof is to protect your property from water and the damage that it can cause. Since the dawn of time, humans have regarded an overhead barrier to be the most basic form of shelter.

The modern roof, as advanced as it is, still has weak spots that are prone to leak whenever it rains. These vulnerable spots are joints and penetrations. A joint is where two roof sections meet, and penetrations are holes in your roof, for example, chimneys, vents, and skylights.

All Dry USA stated, “potential weak spots provide water with the opportunity to flow through your roof and come into your home where it can damage your building structure, stimulate bacterial development and mold growth, and give rise to rot and decay. This can also lead to a complete roof collapse.”

That is where flashing comes in. Flashing consists of waterproof materials that has a shape to encourage the flow of water from the sensitive areas to the property’s water management system. Since flashing has to be waterproof, the material type of the flashing is significant.

Materials Used for Flashing

There are two types of roof flashing materials available: plastic and metal. The most popular metal roof flashing options are copper and lead. Copper is a favorite because of its durability, aesthetic appeal, and resistance to corrosion and the elements.

The big drawback to copper roof flashing is the high price tag. Lead is typically more affordable than copper, and it has a long lifespan. The downside of lead is its toxicity. If you want to reuse water that comes from your roof, lead flashing may not be the best option.

Plastic flashing is a viable alternative to metal flashing. Plastic is also more affordable than metal products. Before selecting plastic to save money, however, consider that fact that plastic flashing does not age as well as metal roofing, and it can’t accommodate roofing and structural movement due to temperature changes.

Roof Flashing Repair and Installation

Equally crucial to the roof flashing quality is a proper installation. At Nelson Contracting, we offer a wide range of roof flashing services, including:

  • Roof to wall flashing
  • Roof edge flashing
  • Roof valley flashing

Nelson Contracting’s roofing team understands the importance of installing flashing the first time correctly. We also go to great lengths to accommodate your unique needs and convenience.

Contact us today for a free, no-obligation quote or to schedule an inspection.

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