Some homeowners know almost as much as their roofing contractors, but most are only a little familiar with the components of their roofs. While you don’t need to know everything there is to know about roof repair when you’re hiring a roofing contractor, it can be helpful to understand all of a roof’s components.
That’s why our team of residential roofers at J&J Roofing is sharing this homeowner’s guide to your roof’s flashing! We’re also more than happy to answer any questions you may have throughout the roof repair process.
If you need quality roof repair with transparency and great service, call us today!
Roof Flashing
Roof flashing is a roof component that is typically manufactured using galvanized sheet metal but can be made of aluminum or copper as well. Aluminum flashing is most frequently used in DIY repairs, while contractors will typically use sheet metal.
Your flashing is used to seal the roof joints, preventing moisture infiltration and protecting your roof. Which is why professional soldering and high-performance materials are essential. Flashing is also found around your chimneys, dormer walls, skylights, vents, and any other areas where two roof surfaces meet and are susceptible to water runoff and accumulation.
These are some of the ways flashing can differ in different areas of your roof.
Chimney and Chimney Cap Flashing
Chimney flashing is located at the base of a chimney and can include saddle flashing at the top of your chimney, step flashing for the sides, and lower chimney flashing at the bottom. Chimney cap flashing overhangs your other chimney flashing to provide extra water resistance.
Valley
The valleys of your roof where two planes meet require extra protection. Valley flashing is reinforced using a “W” shape and is installed over the top of the roofing felt before the shingles are added.
Step Flashing
This type of flashing is found on a vertical wall or sloped roof and typically includes drip edges to protect your roof near the eaves.
Vent Flashing
This type of flashing surrounds vents in your roof.
Integral Flashing
This type of flashing is found along with step flashing around a sloped-roof skylight.
Assessing Roof Flashing Damage
Flashing is designed to be tough and sturdy in order to protect your roof. However, it may begin to fail over time, hence the need to assess it from time to time.
It’s crucial to take some time after a major weather event to inspect your roof carefully. To guarantee that you find an issue early on, inspect your roof several times a year. While you may wish to do this yourself, getting an inspection from an expert is advised. Their knowledge guarantees that damage will be discovered and repaired.
Should you choose to assess your flashing for damage before inviting a roofing professional, below are some signs that may indicate a possible damaged flashing.
Small Holes
If you spot small holes in your roof’s flashing, you must get in touch with your roofing contractor to take a look. Even the tiniest hole can let water seep through your roof; hence it’s recommended that you have any holes sealed as soon as you discover them.
Rust or Corrosion
Over time, your roof flashing will rust, even with their coatings. This corrosion is mainly due to their reaction to other chemical compounds in the air. When your flashing gets affected by rust, it will no longer be able to repel water whenever it rains. So, if you find your flashing in this situation, it’s best to hire a roofing expert to replace your flashing immediately.
Bends, Cracks or Dents
Never turn a blind eye when you see your flashing twist, bend or crack, no matter how minor it looks. If you let this flashing damage go unchecked, it won’t be long until you discover that your flashing’s galvanized coating has weakened.
This galvanized coating is meant to prevent your flashing from corrosion. So, if you allow bends or dents on your flashing to go unchecked, you may lose your flashing to corrosion over time.
Internal Leaks
When you begin to notice internal leaks near your windows, fireplaces, and attic, know that something may have gone wrong with your flashing.
Mold or Stains on Fascia Boards
This type of flashing damage may be caused by improperly installed flashing or aging flashing. The fascia board is part of the roof system. It ensures that the gutters are attached firmly to the roof and prevents water from entering the roof deck and attic.
If you notice stains or mold growing on the fascia boards, it’s a sign that your flashing may be damaged. The only way to confirm is to invite a roof repair expert to have a look.
Contact Michigan Roof Repair Experts for Common Flashing Problems
Since your roof is most vulnerable to leaks in the areas where flashing is located, it’s crucial to address wear on your flashing right away. With a professional roof inspection, our roof repair team can look for warped or cracked flashing and make the necessary repairs to keep your roof functioning at peak performance.
To get an online consultation or free estimate, give us a call at 586-445-6455 or contact us online today!