How Do I Flash a Gable?
Roof flashings are metal trim strips which prevent water from entering at the roof edges and penetrating into the roof boards and walls of buildings. Flashings for the gable ends of metal roofs are made as a part of roofing material provided by each manufacturer. Metal roofing types differ significantly, but there are common steps to the installation of gable flashing that assure a good seal for weather protection of your home or building. There are standard methods to seal where the trim meets the metal roofing surface and for cutting the gable trim at the roof peak. Flashing is also recommended where siding meets the bottom portion of the gable. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Gable trim
- Trim fasteners
- Hammer for nail fasteners
- Drill with bit for screw fasteners
- Butyl tape
- Razor knife
- Tin snips
- T-square with level
- Caulking gun
- Silicone caulk
Instructions
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Apply butyl tape or the manufacturer-recommended sealant on the upper surface of the metal roofing where the flashing will be joined with the roofing. Lay the gable flashing on the tape and drill holes over the butyl tape seam/gable trim joint every 24 inches. Drive the first fastener on the upwind side of the flashing and then work downwind.
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Mitre the cut at the roof peak with tin snips. Use a T-square and level to make sure the initial cut is vertical and extends 1 inch into the other side. This type of cutting will assure a good seal by making a tab that will go underneath the overlapping gable trim from the other side of the roof peak.
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Drill holes in the front facing of the gable trim where it covers the fascia and every 24 inches. Install fasteners in these holes, making sure that the rubber washer is not flattened too much.
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Install flashing where siding materials change from the triangular portion of the gable to the walls to protect these transition points. Wrapping the construction in this area with a material like Tyvek will provide an extra layer of protection from moisture penetration.
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Tips & Warnings
Some manufacturers suggest installing metal covers over wooden fascia at the gable ends to increase protection from water damage.
Two-part flashing systems are sometimes recommended tocompensate for expansion and contraction that occurs between metals.
For composition shingle roofing, ordinary metal drip edge flashing can be used on gable ends of the roofing.
Be careful when working with ladders and while on the roof. Secure ladders in place while working.
Do not drive the fasteners too deep, flattening the rubber washer. This will reduce their service life.
Caulking is not recommended because of the normal expansion and contraction that occurs in metal roofs.
References
Resources
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