The roof flashing is one of the most overlooked elements on your roof due to not always being visible. However, it plays an important role in keeping your roof in tip-top shape and maintaining your home’s structural integrity.
What Is Roof Flashing?
Roof flashing is a strip of material that is bent to fit your roof and then installed in areas that need extra protection from rain and pooling water. Every roof has areas that are susceptible to leaks. You’ll most likely spot them near any joints or penetrations, the most vulnerable parts of your roof.
A joint is a point where two slopes meet. More often than not, there are valleys in your roof where slopes meet. Penetrations are areas that require a hole in your roof. Examples of these are chimneys, brick walls and skylights. All of these aforementioned areas require flashings to prevent any leakage from entering your home. Traditionally, flashings are made of aluminum, but also come in steel, lead, rubber and other forms of liquid flashing.
How Long Do Flashings Last?
It’s highly recommended that you get a new flashing when you schedule a roof replacement. During an assessment, your contractor has the chance to inspect all parts of the roof along with the flashing. Roof flashings normally last as long as your whole roof system as long as they’re properly maintained. They should be caulked and resealed regularly, and repaired in case of weather damage.
Take this opportunity to have your flashings replaced if necessary to prevent roof leaks from occurring. You wouldn’t want to have any problems once the rain starts pouring down, damaging your entire household.
In need of reliable roofing services? Don’t hesitate to call on the number one roofing company in Raleigh, NC, Scro’s Roofing Company! We are GAF Master Elite® Certified and have been in the business since 1995. Call us at (919) 461-0937, or fill out our contact form for a free quote.