09 Nov The Importance of Roof Flashing During Roof Replacement

Every roof has some sort of break on otherwise continuous planes: valleys, dormers, a wall that meets the roof and so on. These breaks can be vulnerable to water intrusion if not protected, and that’s where flashing comes into play.

As one of the leading licensed roofers in Central Florida, Universal Roof and Contracting takes a look at the importance of roof flashing.

The Importance of Roof Flashing

An ideal roof is an impenetrable plane of roofing material, without breaks or seams. Homes are not designed that way, however, and such a roof would be impractical to build. A more typical roof needs breaks on the roofing plane to accommodate both design and utility. These breaks can be vulnerable to rainwater, so they need adequate protection.

This is why you have to be aware of the state of your roof’s flashing when conducting a roof inspection and even more so when having a new roof installed by experts like Universal Roof and Contracting. These strips of metal cover vulnerable spots and divert rainwater away from the roofing underlayment. Flashing is usually made of galvanized steel, but can also be made from aluminum and copper as well as rubber and plastic for certain applications.

Types of Flashing

Flashing differs depending on what part of the roof it’s installed on, but all types accomplish the same thing. Your new roof should have some or all of the following:

• Valley Flashing – This is the type of flashing that most people are familiar with and can be easily seen from the ground. Its cross-section looks like an inverted letter “T”. When installed on a valley or other similar breaks on the roof, it creates a channel that routes rainwater towards the gutters, instead of crossing over and collecting at these spots.
• Drip Edge – The roof’s edge is particularly vulnerable to rainwater intrusion due to capillary action. Strips of metal shaped like an inverted letter L blocks rainwater from seeping into the roof and keeps the water flowing into the gutters.
• Vent Pipe Flashing – Also known as “rubber boots,” vent pipe flashing is installed at the base of vent pipes and similar types of protrusions.
• Step and Continuous Flashing – This kind of flashing is installed on areas where the roof meets a vertical plane like a wall, dormer or chimney stack. Step flashing is installed on the sides that follow the roof slope while continuous flashing follows the roof’s edge.

To learn more about our roofing services, including storm damage inspection, call Universal Roof and Contracting today at (407) 278-2686 or (904) 416-1399. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule a free inspection and estimate. We have provided Florida homeowners with quality products, top-notch services and solid warranties for over 50 years. We serve Ocoee, FL, and the surrounding areas.