What Does Flashing do for my Roof?

One of the main things that protect your home and all that is inside is the roof. Without a roof, your family, your possessions, your whole home would be subject to the elements that Mother Nature brings to us. One of the most important parts to your roof is the flashing.

It isn’t something that you may notice every day. It is installed and just lays there, doing its job. That is if it was installed correctly. When it hasn’t been installed correctly, water will find its way under the shingles, into your attic and in time, in your home.

Flashing is a protective seal that has one job: Prevent water from intruding under the shingles or around the chimney, dormers, skylights and vents. Flashing is one of the first preventions to moisture damage happening to the surface of your roof and in your home.

The Importance of Flashing

Anywhere on your roof where there are edges, joints or valleys, flashing is needed to cover and smooth any gaps, grooves, intersections or projections where water may intrude. This can be water from rain or melting ice or snow.

When flashing is installed improperly, your roof can experience premature aging and deterioration at the joints. It is important to make sure all your flashing is installed properly and if you see any signs of it coming loose, call a professional to repair or replace it immediately.

Rain and Winds are not Your Roof’s Best Friend

You think you’re settling in for a late fall or early winter storm that’s been brewing all afternoon. Just as it begins to blow in, you notice a damp spot on the ceiling. Just above the big screen television where you were planning to spend the evening. You didn’t notice anything there two days ago when there was the light shower, though? So why is it happening right now?

It isn’t unusual for homeowners to notice these leaks when storms blow through. Even if it had been raining daily, it takes a rain that is blowing in just right to get up under the flashing or shingles before you’ll notice a leak. Rain that comes in with strong wind, usually horizontally, will create an intrusion with the water that it didn’t a few days ago.

Leaks caused by rain that is driven harder by wind are most common around the chimney, flashings, siding, skylights and where the walls and windows meet. They are also found around the corner boards and any dormers your home may have.

Before winter comes in, it is strongly recommended to have a professional roofer inspect your roof. They will find any possible places that may have loose or missing shingles, curled or missing flashing. The problems they find need to be fixed immediately to avoid any possible roof damage this winter.