Have you checked your roof flashings lately? Do you know what roof flashing is? It is a thin piece of galvanized steel, aluminum, or copper used to direct water away where leakage could happen and protect areas such as walls, vents, chimneys, and skylights. Roof flashing guides the water directly to the shingles instead of into the roof deck; without it, your home is vulnerable to a leak through the crevice between the wall and the roof. This leakage can lead to potential damage to the inside of your home.
Inspecting roof flashings is crucial to identify the damage or improper installation to prevent wood rot and deck collapse that can lead to costly repairs. When examining your roof flashings, here is what to look for to fix or replace them.
When it’s time to repair a roof flashing leak—Poor installation, the pressure of human weight, severe weather, and normal wear and tear can lead to damage. Check for holes, bending, rust, loose or missing nails, broken shingles, dried or missing sealant, or looseness of the flashing. You may have to replace it when installing a new roof to ensure proper fit and watertight security. If your budget is a consideration and it is not damaged, you may be able to reuse it. Otherwise, it should be replaced. Check your roof flashing annually and make it part of your maintenance regimen. Properly installed flashing should outlive the original top it was installed on, but a roofing professional can verify this.
Parts of your roof that require flashing—Wherever there are crevices, protrusions, valleys, and edges, flashing is a necessary deterrent to water getting in. It can be installed near walls that join the roof surface and low points where two roof slopes meet. Other areas are bathroom and kitchen vents, skylights, and eaves. Different types of roof flashings can serve these areas, whether for walls, vents, eaves, chimneys, skylights, or other areas. Consult a roofing professional for the kind that best meets your roofing needs.
Roof Flashing Costs—Repairing damage can cost approximately $40 to $80 per hour in labor plus the cost of materials which can run between $300 and $800. However, the price will depend on the damage’s extent and the existing installation’s age. If you have experience with roof repair, you can save money. However, hiring a roofing professional is highly recommended.
Understanding the importance of roof flashing is the first step to protecting your roof and other structures of your home from water damage. The next step is to identify the areas you have flashing and determine whether they show signs of wear and tear. If you are experiencing a leak and suspect it may be due to faulty or damaged flashing, don’t hesitate to contact a professional for inspection and possible repair or replacement that best meets your budget and safety requirements.