A Beginner's Guide for Roof Flashing

What exactly is roof flashing? In simple terms, roof flashing is any sheet of metal that creates an interlocking connection with the roof as well as any objects that are affixed to the roof, like chimneys, dormers, or pipes. It is done in an order that blocks water from flowing through the joint.

Every house in America is equipped with at most one vent pipe or other grate in the roof. It is likely that your older home has a chimney, maybe even a few.

The extent of your roof's complexity, there could be dormers, valleys, or many other features that require flashing to eliminate rainwater. Flashing components that are not properly considered or regarded tend to be the most leak-prone parts of the roof. However, the positive side is that the majority of roofs can be dismantled within the areas of flashings made of steel, and the work can be repaired or replaced to avoid leaks.

The Basic Different Types of Roof flashing

Vent Boot

A vent boot, also called the vent pipe cover, is usually an iron or lead sleeve that is placed on the top of a vent pipe opening on the roof to keep the area of the roof surrounding the pipe to prevent water intrusion.

Valley Flashing

Valley flashing is made of metal or peel and stick materials, which protects a crucial area on the roof, where two slopes join to create an elongated valley. The proper size and installation of valley flashing is crucial to directing water away from the roof.

Ridge Cap

A ridge cap can be described as the part of roofing that covers the ridge or peak of the roof. They are typically a form of specific shingle, tile, or fabricated metal that is specifically created to assist in the removal of debris and water. Because it is situated on the highest point on the roof, only a little amount of water will reach the roof ridge with rain and not the lower areas of the roof that will be carrying large amounts of runoff.

Step Flashing

Step flashing is a small, rectangular piece of metal that is placed in a shingle-like fashion at the intersection between a wall and a roof to keep water out of the walls and roof and redirect water onto the roof and away from home.

Cricket

"Cricket" can be described as a framed out, triangular structure placed over an existing pitched or flat roof. It is designed to divert water from these points of concern to stop leaks. Due to their rapid change of angles, areas such as chimneys and dormers, as well as other big openings in roofs, are best served by crickets.

Common Issues with Roof Flashing

Corrosion

Many times, when an older house was constructed using what we call the "lifetime" roof material, such as slate or tiles roof typical to install fasteners and flashings that were made from metal, which corrodes.

Tin, also known as "terne" metal (a steel that is coated on both sides by an alloy made of lead and tin), was commonly used in older houses. It was a great and durable material; however, it is susceptible to rust if it's not coated with paint. Galvanized flashings of metal will gradually fade away with time. Plastic components and gaskets made from neoprene are likely to be damaged by heat and UV light.

Incorrect Repair or Installation

If you do not have a fully repaired roof, the chances are there are some shady repairs in the roof that might not be visible from the surface. Many roofing experts, including ones who use traditional roofing, are conditioned to use petrochemicals to seal joints and prevent leaks.