What Is Roof Flashing?

Moisture is the number one enemy of roofing, no matter what material your roof is made out of. As much as we love water in our swimming pools, showers and refrigerators, there’s nothing worse than a roof with excess moisture.

Your home’s roofing system is in place to protect the interior of your home from the onslaught of the elements. Many parts of your roofing system help it shed any excess moisture. One of the features that we’ll focus on today is your roof flashing.

You may not think of your roof flashing as a significant feature on your rooftop, but it’s actually there to fill and shield things like gaps or crevices that might be present in your roof.

Some roofing features may be more prone to allowing water to seep into your home, and if your home has any of these features, it’s essential that you get your trusted local roofer to inspect your roof and determine if your home needs roof flashing.

 

These are some of the roof features that may result in you requiring roof flashing:

 

Roof Valleys

A roof valley is a section of the roof where two sides or sections meet. It’s usually hard to get these two sections close together, so there’s likely to be some space between them.

This gap is the perfect spot for water and debris to get in and eventually seep into your home. That’s why roofers add flashing to direct any dirt and moisture away from your home. This roof flashing usually drains into a nearby gutter.

 

Chimneys

The chimney is a great way to create the perfect atmosphere in your home, but it’s been known for allowing water to seep into the house. This is largely due to the way your chimney was installed.

While your roofer may take every precaution to prevent water from seeping in, the possibility still exists. And that’s why roofers have started using roof flashing to seal up any gaps and direct water away from the chimney.

 

Roof Deck

Your roof deck is the cornerstone of your home’s roofing system. The foundation under which all other roofing materials are installed, serving as a sturdy base for everything else to rest on.

While it is the backbone of your roofing system, even the deck needs to be secured against water and leaks. Flashing is installed between your decking material. It secures the deck in place and prevents any water or moisture from entering your home.

 

For more tips and tricks about roofing, give Carter Roofing & Exteriors a call today!