Why is roof flashing widely considered to be one of your roof’s weak points? It’s because these thin pieces of metal are installed over roof joints, penetrations, roof valleys and other areas where water gathers.

What Are the Common Flashing Issues Homeowners Usually Encounter?

Loose flashing – Exposure to the elements may loosen your roof’s flashing over time. If loose flashing isn’t replaced immediately, water may infiltrate your roof’s underlayers.
Wrinkled flashing – As temperatures rise and fall, certain flashing materials expand and contract. Over time, repeated contractions and expansions can cause wrinkles to form on your flashing. These wrinkles shorten the length of the flashing, leaving parts of your roof exposed to the elements.

How to Prevent Water From Infiltrating Your Roof Through Loose Flashing

Scheduling routine inspections – Through routine inspections, your contractor can keep an eye on leak-prone roofing components, such as flashing, and replace loose roofing components before they allow water to infiltrate your roof.

How often should you have your roof inspected? As a general rule, your roof should be inspected by a professional roofer at least twice a year. You should also schedule roof inspections after a storm or extreme weather event.

Make sure to vet a roofer before hiring one – Installation errors can cause your roof’s flashing to fail. Remember: always vet roofers before hiring them to make sure they’re qualified for the job.
Choose flashing made of materials suited to your climate – Sheet metal (which is made from a combination of steel, zinc and aluminum alloys) is the most commonly used flashing material. Aluminum is also a popular option, thanks to its resistance to corrosion. However, we don’t recommend aluminum flashing if your home has concrete or fiber cement siding. That’s because the alkaline found in cement and fiber cement siding can degrade aluminum. To learn more about your flashing options, consult an experienced roofer.

Larry L. Vaught Roofing, a company with more than four decades of experience, offers a wide range of professional exterior services. To get a free estimate, call us at (816) 761-9859, or fill out this form.