What Causes the Roof Flashing to Fail?

When homeowners perform a visual inspection of their roofing from the ground, their main focus tends to be the shingles. This is understandable since they are the main part of the roofing system. However, it is also important to pay attention to other roofing components and ensure that they are in good condition. One such component is the roof flashing, which prevents leaks by channeling water to the ground. 

To make sure that your roof flashing is not neglected, it’s best to hire a roofing professional to perform regular inspections and, if necessary, repairs. With their expertise, you can have peace of mind that your roofing system will be checked thoroughly. 

In this article, trusted roof replacement company Shine Construction Inc. shares more information about roof flashing — including the common causes of its failure and the different ways to fix the issue.

Roof Flashing 101: Basic Facts

Flashing is designed to protect the roof from leaks by providing an extra layer of material that can redirect water to the ground. This metal sheeting is usually installed around roof edges, particularly on the vulnerable areas of your roof, windows, and doorways.

Flashing Materials

Flashing is most commonly made of sheet metal. And if you prefer maximum durability, roofers will likely recommend galvanized steel. Other materials that can be used for the flashing are aluminum, copper, PVC, or other custom synthetic materials.

Aluminum is ideal for homeowners who are looking to DIY their roof flashing since the material can be bent easily, making it easier to work with than other materials. Meanwhile, copper flashing is typically used on historic homes. It’s also a great choice if you want a highly aesthetic look for your flashing.

If you want to try a cheaper material, PVC can be more affordable than other flashing materials. It’s also easy to work with, so DIY-ers might find this a good option. However, take note that it has less durability than metal. PVC flashing usually breaks down after being exposed to the sun for a long time.

Synthetic materials are relatively new to the market, and their properties are distinct from the more traditional flashing materials. Nevertheless, flashing made from synthetic materials and composites are known for their durability and ease of installation.

The right flashing material for your roof depends on multiple factors, so you should review these considerations with your contractor. This way, you can ensure the best choice for your roofing and be able to ensure your flashing’s optimal performance.

Flashing Locations

Flashing is located in different areas of your roofing. Make sure that you know the locations of all your roof flashing so that you can watch out for signs of leaks in certain areas of your home.

Also, take note that flashing location determines how the flashing will be installed. For example, the flashing that collects water in the valleys of the roof is typically installed underneath the shingles on either side. This enables the water to flow off the shingles and into the gulley created by the flashing. Then, water is safely channeled to a gutter or downspout or off the edge of the roof.

Another location where you’ll commonly find flashing is around a chimney. Chimney flashing is made up of several types of flashing. It includes continuous flashing, which is a single strip of metal installed along the base of the chimney where it meets with the roof. Another type of flashing that you’ll see around a chimney is step flashing. Found along the sides of the chimney, it comprises squares of flashing that overlap and climb toward the side of the chimney, along the roof slope. Lastly, there is also cap flashing, which is mortared or caulked to the brick of the chimney. Cap flashing is attached to the chimney at the top, with the lower part overlapping the flashing below. The bottom edge of the cap flashing is shaped in a way that will allow it to direct water outward, away from the step flashing. This prevents water from penetrating behind the step flashing.

Why Roofs Need Flashing

Since flashing is used to redirect rainwater from the roof into the gutters, it’s easy to see the importance of this component in maintaining your roofing. Despite having a solid design and being properly installed, there are still areas in your roof that are prone to leaks. These areas typically include the valleys where two roof slopes meet as well as other sections where the roof meets another structure.

Flashing helps prevent leaks from occurring in these places. That said, without flashing or if the flashing is damaged, the risk of leaks increases. Leaks can spread to other parts of your home and can even affect your interior. Water damage can be difficult to deal with, so you should take preventive measures — such as installing flashing — from the get-go.

How Roof Flashing Failure Happens

Below are some of the most common ways that roof flashing fails:

Lack of Information

It’s important to be aware of the different components that make up your roofing system. Of course, it can be difficult to know everything. But if you have your original build plans, you can have something that you or your roofer could refer to during roof maintenance or inspections. Using the original material and construction information, you and your roofer can ensure the appropriate care and roof repair. 

Moreover, you can be sure that no component will be missed or neglected during maintenance.

Wrinkled Flashing

This is usually an effect of the local climate on the flashing. When the temperature in the local area fluctuates to the extremes, roofing materials — including the flashing material — tend to contract and expand. This causes extreme warping of the metal and creates a wrinkled effect. As the metal becomes wrinkled, certain parts of the roof that should be covered become exposed, making it easier for water to penetrate the roofing system and your home.

Loose FlashingFlashing can also be installed around structures that are attached to foundations. Sometimes homeowners assume that this type of flashing was not properly installed when they notice it separating from their home. However, that is not always the case. Professional roofers would likely take a closer look at the home’s foundation to see if there are cracks. Cracks at the base of the foundation are tiny stress fractures that result from settling. This settling can cause the flashing to become loose.

What Happens When Damaged Flashing Is Ignored

If leaks in your flashing go unnoticed, water can seep through the ceiling. The drywall is especially at risk because it could become saturated and eventually collapse. This could mean a hole in your ceiling and a whole mess of water, drywall material, and junk from inside your ceiling. Aside from the hassle of cleaning up and fixing a hole in your ceiling, there are also safety risks to this kind of damage.

Ideally, you should have a professional inspect your roof system on a regular basis. This way, you can detect problems while they haven’t caused severe damage yet. Repair costs at this point will also likely be cheaper, so you can save yourself from major headaches.

Shine Construction Inc. is a reputable roofing contractor with several years of experience in home improvement. Apart from roofing, we also offer our expertise in other areas including siding, windows and doors, gutters, decks, and more. Every member of our team is trained and reliable, so you can rest assured that your project will be in good hands. Call us at (508) 278-3300 or fill out our contact form to request a quote.