Watkins Construction & Roofing has provided you with an article “what is roof flashing?” This will answer all your questions and concerns about roof flashing.
Roof Flashing Explained
The flashing on your roof is the material used to seal the joints between roofing materials (shingles, slate, cedar shakes, etc.) and the walls, penetrations, and corners.
Every roof system includes flashing, which prevents water from entering the home. Aluminum, steel, and copper are the most used metals for flashing on sloped roofs. Flat roofs with rubber membranes (EPDM) use pliable EPDM flashing (flashing tape) to secure the flashing to the roof.
There was a time when flashing was not standard for every roof system, though that has changed over time. Many older homes do not have to flash or have incorrectly installed flashing.
Where is flashing on a roof?
You should install flash on your roof’s most vulnerable areas where leaks are likely to occur. These areas include shingles adjacent to:
- Wall
- Chimney
- Open valley
- Pipe boots
- Other objects or penetrations
When do I need to replace my flashing?
The flashing on your home is often not replaced when roofing companies replace the shingles. This is okay! Watkins Roofing determines the life span of flashing during roof inspections and replaces it as needed, which is what is most important.
The flashing on your roof may not necessarily need to be changed when you replace your roof. Due to aluminum’s ability to protect steep roofs from rust/corrosion, it is the most commonly used flashing material.
It is not always possible to replace wall flashing without also replacing siding because of the way it is often installed behind the siding.
The flashing is always carefully inspected, no matter what the difficulty is, to make sure there are no cracks or tears. The pieces of the roof system are replaced in order to ensure that it is 100% watertight. In the case of rusted flashing (steel), it needs to be replaced.
It is always recommended to replace flashing in the following areas with the roof:
Skylights
Ideally, the roof should be replaced along with the skylight, but at the very least, the flashing around the skylight should be replaced.
Pipes
It is common for standard pipe flashing or pipe boots to last up to 20 years, so they need to be replaced at the same time as the roof. Unlike other pipe boots, the Ultimate Pipe Boot is a lifetime product from Watkins Construction and Roofing.
Chimneys
There is a critical need for the chimney flashing to be replaced. If the flashing is damaged there will be a high risk of your roof needing to be repaired soon.
Valleys
It is always a brilliant idea to replace valley flashing while you are removing the old roof due to damage issues. If your roofing contractor does not replace the valley flashing while removing the old roof, then you might have a bad roofing contractor on your hands.
How do I know if my flashing needs to be replaced?
Any signs of aging should be identified, as these vulnerabilities can lead to more severe problems later. It will cause future severe leaks and maybe even a roof replacement soon. Here are some indications that you should replace your flashing with your roof replacement:
- Rust
- Holes or indentions
- Surrounding shingles are lifted
- Talk to Watkins Construction and Roofing
Watkins Construction and Roofing can provide you with the help you need. Getting in touch with us can be done by calling us at 251-299-8151. We service areas in Gulf Shores, Spanish Fort, Foley, Fairhope, Robertsdale, and Orange Beach, AL.
