Roof Flashing: What it is, Where it is Located, What it Does

One of the most important parts of your home is the roof. It is the first barrier in defending your home from the elements Mother Nature unleashes. An important part to your roof doing that is the flashing. If it isn’t installed right, or if it is missing, the intrusion of water at various parts of your roof can cause major damage.

So What is Flashing Anyway?

It is a protective seal around chimneys, dormers, skylights, and vents and it prevents water from intruding those areas. This is one of the most critical things your roof needs to prevent your home from moisture damage.

Where is Flashing Located?

Anywhere on your roof that has possible penetration points like the edges, gaps, grooves, intersections, joints, roof projections, and valleys.

Improper Flashing can Damage Your Roof

When flashing is not installed properly, has come loose over time or is simply not there, the joints of the roof are at risk for premature deterioration. This leads to expensive repairs or even a total roof replacement.

Best Prevention?

Examine your roof periodically and if you see anything like loose or missing shingles, have them fixed immediately.  Take another step and have it examined by a professional once a year or right after a storm. The sooner you get repairs made, the longer you roof will last and the less risk you’ll have of needing a replacement.