Why Roof Flashing Repairs Are Critical In The Winter

As California enters the rainy season, many homeowners across the state will experience leaks and water damage from the downpours.

While there are various reasons why you may have a compromised roof, the majority of leaks come from flashing issues.  

Pyramid Roofing Company says,  

“In order for your roof to protect your home from water penetration, it must have a good drainage system. 

Flashing is a critical component of that drainage system. 

Flashing is used to seal and protect joints in the roof, making them waterproof while still allowing them to contract and expand with humidity and temperature fluctuations.”

Flashing is a thin layer of material, usually made out of steel, that keeps water from getting into places where it doesn’t belong. 

When flashing becomes compromised, your home can experience severe water damage. 

In order to inspect your flashing, you will need to be able to be able to recognize the types of flashing that you probably have – or should have. 

Georgia Roof Advisors says that most sloped roofs have the following flashing types: 

1. Valley flashing is the most common type of roof flashing. It is a strip of metal with a profile shaped like an inverted “T”. Valley flashing is usually found in roof valleys, or where two roofing planes meet. The vertical fin acts as a barrier that prevents rainwater from flowing from one roofing plane and under another.
2. Continuous and step flashing are installed where the roofing plane meets dormers and walls. Continuous flashing is installed on the side that’s parallel to the roof, while step flashing is installed on the sloped sides. The “steps” follow the overlaps on asphalt shingles.
3. Drip edges are installed along the roof’s edge. The inverted L-shaped profile prevents rainwater from seeping back into the roof deck through capillary action.
4. Rubber boots, also known as vent pipe flashing, are cone-shaped rubber flashing installed at the base of vent pipes. The cone is trimmed to match the pipe diameter during installation.

Common Flashing Problems

Cracked Flashing

Depending on the type, your flashing may be exposed or concealed. 

Tar used to seal concealed flashing can wear down over time and crack. 

If you have metal flashing that’s exposed, the rain, wind, and other elements can cause that flashing to deteriorate and crack. 

Any cracks in your flashing will compromise the material and put you at risk for leaks. 

Bent Flashing

While a bend in your flashing, especially a small one, may seem minor, this type of damage can lead to much larger issues later on. 

When the protective coating that covers the steel of your flashing is damaged in any way, the structure starts to break down, corrode, and is less capable of protecting your home from leaks. 

Missing Flashing

If you have flashing missing in any area along your roof, you need to address this immediately. 

Even if water damage is not visible to you at this time, flashing is designed to keep runoff from entering your walls, pipes, windows, doors, and chimneys. 

Without flashing in place, water has the opportunity to seep into these places, causing mold, rot, and other major damage. 

Installing flashing the wrong way is almost as bad as not having flashing at all – contacting a professional to help you replace your flashing and evaluate any existing damage is your safest bet.