Roof flashing is a part of the roof that often goes unnoticed by homeowners, but it’s actually a vital piece of the roof system. Roof flashing protects your home at the joints of your roof so that water, moisture, dirt and debris can’t seep into cracks and potentially damage the substructure of your roof.
Purpose of Flashing
Roof flashing, generally made of metal such as copper, zinc, stainless steel or aluminum, is strategically placed in areas of a roof that require reinforcement in order to remain watertight. Common examples of such areas on a typical residential roof are the connective area between the roof and a chimney and the valley between two sections of roof. These areas are vulnerable to leaks precisely because they involve a space of transition, rather than uninterrupted roof. Flashing serves to make the home roof system more durable against moisture and ice, and makes leaks much less likely to occur.
When Flashing Fails
Depending on the severity of the weather that it is subjected to, a roof that is reinforced with high quality flashing can last for decades. Given that they are made of metal, flashing systems can be quite durable and long-lasting, when properly maintained. However, degradation can occur, and it is wise to be on the lookout for signs of degradation. The fasteners that secure flashing to the roof may begin to give way, or the flashing itself may degrade. In either case, it is important to call in the professionals to handle the repairs.
Keeping You Dry
By reinforcing the areas of a residential roof most likely to leak, flashing can play a significant role in protecting your home and the belongings within it from water damage. This is therefore a highly worthwhile investment, particularly for those homeowners who live in moist climates and wish for a home roof system that is built to last.
At Turada Hardwood Shingles, we care about the health of your roof system. To learn more about our wallaba shingle and how it can keep your structure protected for years to come, click here!