About Roof Flashing

Designed to serve as a primary defense in the fight against leaks and water damage, roof flashing is considered by many contractors to be an integral factor in determining the worth and practicality of a house. This construction component serves to protect the joints in the roof, and the construction of walls to prevent water from being able to enter in cracks and crevices to cause water damage.

Identification

Flashing consists of metal pieces that are fitted around various locations on the roof. The pieces are soldered or welded together where they meet to create one solid piece of metal around the fixture, which enables seamless protection from the elements. The most common locations of roof flashing on the average house is around dormer windows, skylights, pipes protruding from the roof, and around the base of the chimney. Galvanized steel and aluminum are the most common materials that are used to produce roof flashing. Aluminum is not advised, however, due to its inability to be soldered and the rapid rate of corrosion that occurs.

Features

Roof flashing is manufactured to withstand any number of weather changes, particularly because the elements produce most of the wear and tear on flashing. Extremely high temperatures cause the roofing materials to expand, in which case the flashing must be able to accommodate that expansion. Low temperatures cause contraction and require well installed flashing to minimize the gaps left by the contraction of the roof materials.

Identification

A defect, or weakness in the welding is usually evident with a simple visual inspection, when it becomes noticeable that the flashing is outdated and no longer serviceable. The damage is apparent by the appearance of large water spots and stains on the ceilings on the inside of the house or building. Flashing that has come loose can be repaired temporarily with a minimum of effort using rubber cement or caulking.

Considerations

Any temporary repair is not meant to last indefinitely, because the UV rays from the sun do damage to the caulking and cement by removing the elasticity of them which causes them to become brittle and hard, resulting in additional cracks and breaks. Flashing that is deteriorated or oxidized and weather damaged must be completely replaced as soon as possible, and preferably by professionals.

Warning

It is essential to contract with a professional unless you have extensive experience in handling roof flashing. Roof work requires a certain degree of dexterity and knowledge of the materials and as well as the ability to maneuver on the roof without falling. Professional contractors are skilled in this type of work and offer knowledgeable advice as well as skilled workmanship.