Roof flashing is considered one of the weak points on a conventional roofing system. Flashing is installed in vulnerable parts of your roof such as the roof joints, penetrations, valleys and other areas where water gathers. It’s important to keep an eye on these areas, as these are where leaks often start.
How does roof flashing fail and what can homeowners do about it? Hinkle Roofing, your trusted residential and commercial roofing contractor, explains here.
Loose Flashing
Roof flashing becomes loose over time, allowing water to infiltrate your roof. That’s why it’s important to schedule routine roof inspections. Through routine maintenance and inspections, contractors can detect potential roofing issues such as loose flashing before they affect other parts of your home.
How often do you need to schedule roof maintenance? Contractors recommend scheduling roof inspections at least twice a year, ideally in spring and fall.
Wrinkled Flashing
Certain materials expand and contract as temperatures rise and drop. Repeated contractions and expansions can eventually cause wrinkles to form on the flashing. To lower the risk of wrinkled roof flashing, it’s important to choose flashing materials that are suited to your area’s climate.
Here’s an overview of the most commonly used roofing materials:
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Sheet metal – Sheet metal flashing is made from steel, zinc and aluminum alloys and is the most common type of flashing.
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Aluminum – Aluminum flashing is durable and cost-effective but isn’t suited to all homes. For instance, aluminum flashing isn’t the best choice for homes with concrete and fiber-cement siding because alkaline components in cement and fiber cement siding can degrade the aluminum.
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Lead – This type of flashing is usually installed over the gaps between chimneys and roofing panels.
To learn more about your flashing options, consult one of your local roofing companies.
Here’s a tip: it’s best to hire local roofers. Since they’re more familiar with the local climate, they can make better recommendations.
Hinkle Roofing is one of the most experienced roofing companies in the Birmingham area. We have been offering professional residential and commercial roofing services to local residents since 1908. To request a free estimate, call us at (205) 324-8545 or fill out this form.
