The Significance of Roof Flashing and Common Areas that Need It

27 April 2022

The roof part of your property is designed to protect your interiors from the damaging effects of sunlight, rain, and other weather elements. It is likewise intended to keep your building free from dust, dirt, and other particles that could bombard your place and leave your things vulnerable to wear and deterioration.

But sometimes, some parts of your roof are the ones that allow these elements and particles from infiltrating your building. These parts, known as joints and penetrations, provide small yet detrimental openings for these things to come through. Fortunately, you can prevent them from entering your property by acquiring roof flashing services.

The Importance of Roof Flashing

Joints and penetrations, as mentioned earlier, are roof parts that require protection from flashing. Joints are areas where two slopes meet. One great example of a joint is the dormers. Penetrations, on the other hand, are areas in a roof system that feature a hole. Some examples of penetrations are vents, skylights, and chimneys. Flashing must be added to these parts to secure them from any damaging elements.

As the flashing is installed on the weak points of a roof, it is expected to prevent water from accumulating. Flashing likewise can assist in transferring the water into the gutter system, which can then prevent leaks from developing in sensitive roof areas.

Roof flashing can withstand the effects of water and other outdoor elements as it is often made from durable materials. Some of the materials that can be utilised for creating a flashing are copper, steel alloys, zinc, and aluminium.

Areas that Benefit from Flashing

A wide array of joints and penetrations can benefit from flashing. Some of the most common areas that can be filled with roof flashing are as follows:

• Valleys – Valleys are areas where two roof slopes meet. Without flashing, they would most likely allow water to accumulate on the slopes until they get damaged, allowing water to infiltrate other roof sections and building areas. The flashing utilised for valleys is made from long sheet metal pieces.
• Chimneys – Chimneys are penetrations that can eventually allow the entry of water and other damaging elements. Since they may be designed differently, various types of flashing can be utilised in covering their openings. Step flashing, for instance, is a flashing that is installed on the sides of the chimney perpendicular to the roof slope. Flashing can also be installed to overlap the top of the step flashing. All these flashing types direct the water away from the chimney.
• Dormers – Dormers are roof joints where slopes often meet. While they do not form valleys, they are still vulnerable to water build-up. A step flashing can be installed on the seam between their walls and the roof to save them against the accumulation of water and other elements.
• Skylights– Skylights, ultimately, must possess a tight sealing with the roof so they do not promote water leakage. Normally, they can be fitted with a long piece of sheet metal flashing and rubber gaskets to ensure the protection of the roof and the property.

For roof flashing services, you may contact us at Redrock Contracting.

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