15 Mar Can Flashing Cause Problems For My Roof?: Answers & Explanations

While you may be familiar with various roofing components and layers, you may not have a full grasp as to how they’re important.

Particularly when it comes to your roof’s flashing, for example, you may know that it offers you enhanced protection — but did you know that it can also cause you continuous problems when not properly maintained or installed?

Working Around Water Damage

“Flashing is an integral part of a roofing system and protects against water infiltration at roof hips and valleys; penetrations such as chimneys; where roofing meets a vertical surface such as a parapet or at a porch roof; or at drip edges,” according to the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA).

Thus, when flashing failure leads to water damage, you’ll find more than just water stains and dampness around the immediate area on your roof. In fact, you may find extensive degradation of your indoor walls, ceilings, and wallpaper where continual leaking has gone unnoticed and unrepaired. Thus, a home renovation may be in order once you’ve had the opportunity to survey the damage.

What’s more, chimney flues, fireplaces, roof vents, and other features of your home that both literally and figuratively go over your head are liable to become weakened over time as a result, thereby becoming a far more costly problem in comparison to simply replacing your old flashing.

When “Deterioration” Means Both Your Roof And Your Health

That all being said, your flashing can cause other major problems regarding your property when not properly maintained; namely, it can negatively impact your overall roof in addition to your personal wellbeing.

Simply put, your flashing should not be taken lightly. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) refers to flashing as a property’s “last line of defense in the battle against water penetration,” meaning any moisture that makes its way past the flashing will inevitably make its way to you in one way or another.

Specifically, weak roof flashing can cause problems in that subsequent leaks may lead to hazardous mold and mildew growth. Capable of causing upper respiratory complications in addition to other allergic reactions or severe infections, it’s important to think of flashing maintenance as preventative work in terms of your health.

Finally, should water damage occur when your flashing gives out, the structural integrity of your roof and other topmost features may be compromised by rot and deterioration. From degraded shingles to tilting chimneys and more, failed flashing poses an overall safety concern and should be addressed immediately.

Fixing Your Problems In A Flash

At the end of the day, the best way to avoid roofing problems related to your flashing is to maintain it regularly and replace it whenever necessary.

For example, the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning National Association’s (SMACNA) Architectural Sheet Metal Manual specifies that flashing — even when made of galvanized steel and coated with paint — can only last about 15 years maximum.

What’s more? You may not yet even know how old your flashing is.

That’s why Universal Roof & Contracting offers services that are guaranteed to provide you with ultimate satisfaction… because we believe in keeping the home and business owners of Central Florida and Jacksonville both safe and happy!

If you’re ready to reevaluate your flashing — or if you’d like to learn more about our nation’s best warranty — contact Universal Roof & Contracting today at 855-ROOF-HELP and ask for a FREE inspection!