Metal Roof Flashings Installation

Metal flashing is often used when a roof meets an outside wall.

Metal flashing is often found at the joint where a roof is attached to a wall, such as on a porch or a house extension. Its purpose is to prevent water from entering this joint and causing damage such as rot. Metal flashing is often made from aluminum or lead and is relatively straightforward to install. Recruit a couple of helpers to give you a hand and your work will be complete in just a few hours.

Things You'll Need

• Stiff brush
• Tape measure
• Metal flashing
• Tin snips
• Metal break tool
• Hammer
• Galvanized nails

Instructions

1. Remove any loose dust or debris from the wall on which you wish to fit the flashing by using a stiff brush.

2. Measure the joint that you are flashing and estimate the number of flashing lengths you will need. One length is about 10 feet long. If the length you will be flashing is longer than 10 feet, using lead would be a wise choice. This is because two strips of lead can be soldered together, which is not possible with aluminum.

3. Use your tin snips to cut the metal flashing to the right length.

4. Bend the flashing in half lengthwise by using your metal break tool. This is to provide an angle, ensuring that half of the strip is pressed against the external wall and the other half sits on the roof itself.

5. Hold the flashing in place and nail it to the wall with galvanized nails. Nail as close to the edge of the flashing as possible.

Tips & Warnings

• You should wear a safety harness if working at an appreciable height.

References

• Extreme How-To: Roof Flashing Done Right

Resources

• Home Tips; Roof Flashing; Don Vandervort