What is Flashing on a Roof?
The thin, weather-resistant material for roof leak prevention on a roof is called roof flashing. This metal flashing is usually made of materials such as copper or aluminum and its purpose is to provide solid, additional protection between openings where there’s a possibility of leakage. Although roof flashing is not visible from the ground, it is an indispensable part of every roof construction. Namely, improper installation of this part of your roof can lead to premature deterioration or even roof failure. So if you’re replacing your roof make sure your flashing is installed correctly.
Why is it Called Roof Flashing?
The term “flashing” comes from the action of flashing water away. The purpose of this material is to create barriers that guide water away, thus “flashing” it off the roof surface. This prevents it from causing further damage to the roof.
Does Flashing Go Over or Under Shingles?
Flashing must be installed under shingles for it to do its job. For instance, with step flashing, each piece should be placed beneath the shingles, allowing water to flow over the flashing instead of beneath it. This installation technique ensures waterproof flashing.
Roof Flashing Repair
Over time, flashing can become damaged due to weather exposure or improper installation. A habit of regular inspections can identify any issues early. Common repair needs include:
- Flashing Replacement: If the flashing is corroded or damaged, it may need to be entirely replaced.
- Flashing Repair: Small cracks or separations can often be repaired with sealant or patching. Larger issues may require replacement.
Roof Flashing Types
There are a few types of roof flashing, each designed for their own specific purposes. Check them out below!
- Chimney Flashing. This is installed around chimneys for leak prevention. Proper installation makes sure that water does not seep into the roof.
- Drip Edge Flashing. Located at the roof’s edge. This flashing directs water away from the fascia so that it does not seep under the shingles.
- Counter Flashing. Counter flashing is embedded into the masonry of the chimney and overlaps the base flashing.
- Aluminum Flashing. A lightweight and corrosion-resistant material, aluminum flashing is often used for various applications, including skylight and wall flashing.
- Metal Roof Flashing. Designed for metal roofs, this flashing helps maintain the roof against harsh weather.
- Step Flashing. This flashing is installed in conjunction with shingles to provide waterproofing at roof-to-wall intersections.
- Roof Edge Flashing. This type protects the edges of the roof, guiding water away.
- Wall Flashing. Installed at the base of walls to divert water, wall flashing helps prevent moisture penetration.
- Lead Flashing. Highly malleable and waterproof, lead flashing is often used around chimneys and other protrusions.
- Skylight Flashing. For skylights; this flashing prevents leaks by directing water away from the skylight frame.
- Valley Flashing. Located in the valleys of the roof, this flashing helps direct water flow down the roof and into the gutters.
- Roof Vent Flashing. This flashing surrounds roof vents, making sure they are sealed properly against rainwater.
Roof Flashing Installation Process
As you’ve read by now, there are different types of roof flashing you can choose from, depending on your needs. Because of this, each of these flashings requires a different approach in the installation process, but the materials you’ll use will remain the same.
Materials You’ll Need
- Roof flashing
- Sealant
- Pry bar
- Nails or screws
- Roofing nailer or hammer
- Safety equipment
- Ladder or scaffolding
Installation Steps
Step 1: Install Underlayment
Commonly in roofing you install underlayment beneath the shingles first. However if you have already installed the shingles, you will need to remove them as it’s not possible to install underlayment and roof flashing over existing shingles.
Step 2: Install Corner and Kickout Flashing
Corner flashing is an employed technique for walls or dormers that extend out from the roof’s top. In the event that you’re installing corner flashing, be sure to install it before kickout or step flashing.
After you finish this step you’ll have to install kickout flashing and work your way up. The method to this includes placing kickout flashing at the base of your roof and securing it with flashing sealant.
Step 3: Place Shingles
The next step is to place your shingles. Start by positioning the shingle in a way that covers both the starting strip and the kickout flashing and secure it by using proper roofing sealant. Place the nails higher on the shingles so that they’re covered by the next flashing piece for a seamless appearance. Proceed to install shingles on top of the kickout flashing and the first installed step flashing. Repeat this process of installing kickout flashing and adding shingles.
Step 4: Install Roof Flashing at the Peak
One thing you should always have in mind is to make sure that both the flashing and the shingles are cut and fitted specifically for the roof’s peak. That way your flashing and shingles will bend over the roof’s peak, creating a curved application.
Step 5: Install the Last Layer of Shingles
Your flashing should, in the end, be covered halfway by your shingles and the other half should be covered by your siding. If you are replacing flashing with existing siding, carefully peel away the bottom layer and make sure it lies over your flashing.
Roof Flashing Installation Made Easy With Pro Restoration LLC
Many homeowners might be enticed to tackle roof flashing installation on their own. However, even the basics of flashing setup can pose a challenge. When you start thinking about tackling trickier situations such as installing flashing around chimneys, vents, plumbing boots, skylights or other intricate components, things can get more complex more quickly. That’s why it’s highly recommended to entrust this task to a skilled professional like Pro Restoration LLC.
If you need roof flashing services, contact your local professional roofing contractor in Byron, IL today!
