Is Roof Flashing Important?

A complete roofing system relies on the optimal performance of each of its components so that the home and its occupants stay dry. As such, one of the most important parts of a roofing system is the flashing. But what does it do, and why is it important?

What Is Roof Flashing?

Flashing is a strip of material that’s usually made of rust-resistant metal, but occasionally made from plastic, roof felt or rubber. The material is measured, bent and, in some cases, soldered, to fit the valleys of a roof –  basically any area on the roof that’s prone to leaks and water damage.

Types of Flashing

There are different types of flashing that perform specific functions. Here are the most common ones.

• Chimney flashing – As the name suggests, this type of flashing is applied around crucial parts of the chimney, namely along the bottom, sides and top. Your preferred roofing company will also apply cap flashing over the top edges of the other flashings to keep water out.
• Continuous flashing – This protects the gap or joint between a vertical wall and a sloped roof.
• Drip edges – These are installed along the eaves and the edges of the rakes to prevent water from seeping under them.
• Skylight flashing – Since a portion of the roof needs to be cut out to install a skylight, flashing is needed to keep water from getting into your roofing system.

There are other types of flashing, all of which work to keep your roof intact and your home dry. Needless to say, flashing is an essential part of the roofing system. This is also why proper installation and flashing material choice should be taken into consideration.

American Roofing & Construction, LLC offers roof repair and installation services. If you need your roof done right, we’re the company to trust. Call us today at (251) 379-9712 for a free estimate.