What is Roof Flashing?
Professional roofers will use roof flashing, which is essentially a thin material that is usually made of galvanized steel, to deflect water away from the important parts of the roof. A roof flashing is kind of a metal plate that is used to help protect the roof of your home. It is placed between the roof and the wall or ceiling and serves as a barrier between the two.
There are different roof flashing types available. A few benefits of a roof flashing are, it should prevent water from getting into your house through leaks, snow and ice buildup or through condensation. It also helps keep out UV rays that could damage your roof. A roof flashing type can be installed at any point along the length of your roof, but typically sits between two layers of shingles.
This article provides complete information and a guideline to the readers about the different roof flashing types for different sheds, their pros and cons, and their conclusion.
Purpose of Roof Flashing
Following are some of the purposes of applying a roof flashing to the home,
- Its main purpose is to protect the underside of the roof membrane from wind and water damage.
- It prevents water from seeping into your home through gaps in the shingles or around ventilation for pipes and vents.
- Roof flashing is a metal sheet used to protect a building’s exterior from direct contact with the elements.
- Roof flashing contributes to the integrity of a structure by protecting it from water damage, ensuring proper ventilation and keeping out bugs and debris.
- When a roof is shingled, the flashing runs over the top and goes completely around the perimeter of the roof.
- It is also important because it prevents leaks that can be caused by ice dams and snow melt.
When a flat roof is installed, there are two types of flashing: ridge flashing and valley flashing.
- Ridge flashing protects the upper section of the roof while valley flashing protects the lower section. Some roofs use both ridge and valley flashing.
- Rose flashing is installed to keep rain off of the roof below and to keep moisture away from your building’s walls and foundation. Rose flashing protects the lower part of your roof from water damage caused by leaking gutters or improper drainage systems as well as damage caused by tree branches dropping on your roof. Rose flashing is typically made out of PVC, aluminum, or steel.
Roof Flashing Materials
Roof flashers come in several shapes, sizes and finishes to suit different types of roof materials like. Asphalt, clay tile, metal, plastic, and wood are just a few of the materials that may be used to create roofing goods. Some of the materials are listed below,
- Soft-plastic (also known as “poly” or “gelcoat”)
- PVC
- Aluminum
- Copper
- Galvanized steel
- Steel mesh (often used in conjunction with a poly or PVC liner)
The type and thickness of a roof’s flashing will depend on climate, building codes, and the type of roofing system being installed. Asphalt, clay tiles, and metal sheets are the three most popular materials for roof flashing.
Roofing companies typically use one-inch or two-inch (depending on local code requirements) metal sheets to cover both wooden and steel frame roofs. However, clay tiles are most commonly used in areas where heavy snowfall is common because it is able to withstand heavy snow loads.
Some roof flashing can be made from many different materials, including metal (usually aluminum), fiberglass, plastic, or synthetic rubber. They are typically available in a wide range of colors and patterns for specific aesthetic purposes (e.g., copper for copper roofs).
Some roofs are made from multiple layers; one layer might be metal while another layer is plastic or synthetic rubber. These kinds of roofs allow additional protection from water penetration on exposed surfaces on the outermost layer but still allow light transmission through the middle layer.
Techniques of Roof Flashing
Step flashing
Where a roof face meets a wall, such as where a dormer protrudes from the roof, step flashing works well. Water might perhaps trickle down the wall in this location, squeeze between the shingles, and enter the structure below. By using step flashing, water is made to flow away from the wall and into the gutter. Water drains down each step and down the roof as it is erected in steps with layers of shingles in between.
Counter-flashing
Chimneys are frequently flashed using counter-flashing. Two flashing parts are used. Base flashing is the first and it surrounds the chimney’s base. The counter-flashing, the second component, is included into the chimney’s brickwork. To prevent water from slipping below the base flashing, it is positioned above the flashing. Many more uses for counter-flashing are known to construction experts, but they all entail a second piece of flashing positioned apart from the first.
Plumbing vent boot flashing
A cylindrical piece of flashing known as a vent flashing fits perfectly around the vent. Over the base or boot, the shingles are put on. Water is forced to flow around the vent by the boot’s height.
Roof Flashing Types
Roof flashing is an essential component of any roofing system that helps to prevent water intrusion and keep the roof structurally sound. Several different types of roof flashing are commonly used in residential and commercial roofing, each with its unique properties and advantages.
One type of roof flashing is continuous flashing, a long strip of metal installed along the edge of a roof. This flashing provides a continuous barrier against water intrusion. It is ideal for flat roofs or roofs with a low slope.
Another type of roof flashing is step flashing, installed on roof sections that intersect with walls. Step flashing is installed in a staggered pattern and is typically made of metal or vinyl.
Drip edge flashing is another type of roof flashing installed along a roof’s edge to prevent water from penetrating the roof deck.
In addition to these common types of roof flashing, specialized flashing types are also designed for specific applications, such as skylight flashing and chimney flashing. Proper selection and installation of roof flashing are critical to any roofing system’s long-term performance and durability.
Roof flashing is an essential component of any roofing system that helps to prevent water intrusion and keep the roof structurally sound. Several different types of roof flashing are commonly used in residential and commercial roofing, each with its unique properties and advantages.
One type of roof flashing is continuous flashing, a long strip of metal installed along the edge of a roof. This flashing provides a continuous barrier against water intrusion. It is ideal for flat roofs or roofs with a low slope.
Another type of roof flashing is step flashing, installed on roof sections that intersect with walls. Step flashing is installed in a staggered pattern and is typically made of metal or vinyl.
Drip edge flashing is another type of roof flashing installed along a roof’s edge to prevent water from penetrating the roof deck.
In addition to these common types of roof flashing, specialized flashing types are also designed for specific applications, such as skylight flashing and chimney flashing. Proper selection and installation of roof flashing are critical to any roofing system’s long-term performance and durability.
Continuous flashing
Due to the way it behaves, this is often referred to as “apron flashing.” The water is sent down to the shingles below via a single, long piece of metal.
Base flashing
Chimneys are one example of a roof feature that needs two sections of flashing. In order to send the rain downward, it must constantly encounter a flashing surface. Furthermore, flashing installations around a chimney is especially challenging.
Counter flashing
The counter flashing is positioned either in front of or behind base flashing. Counter flashing completes the team together with the previously mentioned base flashing.
Step flashing
This rectangular flashing has a 90-degree bend in the center of it. Typically, it is employed for wall flashing. To ensure that the water flows away from the wall in this situation, several flashing pieces will be fitted as layers under the tiles.
Skylight flashing
Some manufacturers of skylights offer to flash with their products, while others need you to make it or buy it separately. It’s helpful to know your options in advance.
Valley flashing
Your roof’s exposed valleys are protected by metal flashing since they are a crucial part of the roof.
Drip edges
There is a thin metal flashing at the edge of the roof that allows water to trickle down the roof without harming the house or creating an annoying leak that might further harm the roof or house.
Kickout flashing
Generally speaking, roofing contractors require a method of bridging the space between both the end of the step flashing and the start of the gutter. Water is diverted away from the fence and into the gutter to use in this sort of flashing.
Is flashing placed above or below shingles?
The headwall flashing that extends down over asphalt shingles is sometimes covered with shingle tabs on asphalt shingle roofs for cosmetic reasons. Flashing should overhang the top covering material.
The flashing used in masonry buildings falls into one of two categories. The first is revealed flashing (external flashing), while internal flashing is the second (concealed flashing). External or exposed flashings stop moisture from entering masonry walls where the wall meets the roof.
Conclusion
If you wish to eliminate any moisture or water from the roof’s surface, installing a specific roof flashing types is a great choice. Considering numerous aspects like cost-effectiveness, heat loss efficiency, low energy transfer, etc. For the installation of flashing onto your home’s roof, always seek the advice of a qualified roofer and choose the proper flashing type based on the design and structure of your house.
