What is Roof Flashing?

Dec 30, 2022

Roof flashing is a roofing technique used to prevent water from seeping into cracks and openings on your roof by redirecting it to a safer place. Roofs without proper flashing near openings can cause water damage, damage a home’s structural integrity, or lead to mold.

How Does Roof Flashing Work?

When features like skylights, vents, windows, and chimneys are installed on roofs, small cracks and openings are often found around their edges. Using a solid material like sheet metal, copper, or plastic, roofers can redirect water from around these crevices to fall down the natural pitch of the roof or in another direction. Flashing is typically placed underneath fixtures as they’re installed and then surrounded by shingles or roofing tiles for extra protection.

What materials are used on Flashing for Roofs?

The most common material used for flashing is sheet metal, while other materials like stainless steel, copper, and plastic can be used. Sheet metal is used for its resilience and ease of installation. Other materials like plastic may often be cheaper than sheet metal, but can be more susceptible to UV rays and can deteriorate over time, compromising the integrity of the seal.

Prefabricated Materials

While flashing is installed at the time of construction in modern homes, it’s sometimes necessary to replace it as you modify or update your home. Many common fixtures and features like skylights, vents, and dormers may come with prefabricated flashing in their installation kits.

Your Leaky Roof Could be Caused by Faulty Flashing

One of the most common reasons for a leaky roof is a broken or faulty flashing surrounding a fixture on the roof. In most new home constructions, flashing is installed around dormers, exterior stairs, and all exterior vents. As these materials age, they become vulnerable to leaking water into interior walls or ceilings.

If you see water damage forming in your home, it’s important to get it looked immediately. What may seem like a small amount of water may actually be indicative of a larger leak forming on the roof.

Roof Flashing in Texas

States like Texas experience extreme weather fluctuations throughout the year, with average temperatures in the summer exceeding 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Additionally, the average rainfall in Eastern Texas is close to 48 inches per year. Low quality flashing for roofs can be susceptible to direct sunlight, which compromises its integrity. As rainfall increases in the summer months, it’s important to watch for signs of water leaks or upgrade your roof flashing to a stronger material to prevent damage. If your roof is leaking, or you notice areas of possible roof damage, contact Cloud Roofing today to get a roofing estimate.

Contact Us Today For Your Free Quote!

Cloud Roofing offers free inspections and quotes on all of our roofing services. If you think your roof may require repair or replacement, reach out to us today!
Free Quote
(210) 366-9484