One of the most common terms you will hear from a roofer is the term “flashing”, especially when talking about roof leaks or routine inspections. What is the roof’s flashing, and why is it so important? Here’s a beginner’s guide to this particular roof component.
Flashing refers to the part of the roof that runs along the edge of the roof’s planes. Made of waterproof material such as metal or plastic, the flashing can also be found in valleys and ridges of a roofing system. For flat roofs, you’ll find the flashing around vent pipes or the chimney stack.
Any roof repair expert will tell you that a roofing system isn’t complete without the flashing. Without the flashing, your roof won’t be able to provide complete protection against rain. This is because the flashing goes over the parts of the roof where shingles or panels can’t fully intersect. You can think of flashing as the part of the roof that “fills in the gaps”, so to speak.
Like other parts of the roof constantly exposed to the harsh elements, the flashing can also suffer from constant wear and tear. The sealant running along the flashing can crack or peel off, creating small gaps where water can seep through. Extreme temperature changes can also cause roof flashing to get warped over time.
Taking good care of the flashing is easy, especially because it comes with taking care of the shingles. A roofing contractor will always check for signs of damage because leaks tend to show up along damaged flashing strips. Depending on the extent of the problem, maintenance could be something as simple as reapplying sealants or completely replacing the damaged flashing strip.
Make sure your roof’s flashing remains leak-free with help from our team. Adams Roofing Professionals, Inc is the most trusted roofing contractor in the area. You can call us at (847) 364-7663 or fill out this contact form to request a quote.
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