Metal Roof Flashing

Metal roof flashings have become increasingly popular because of the numerous advantages they have. Their primary function is to protect the interiors of your house from harsh weather conditions such as wind, rain, snowfall, heat, and cold. One of the most challenging weather elements to resist is water, and nothing can fight it better than metal flashing.

These are strips of metal that are attached between the roof and wall, to guide the rainwater down the roof. They work on a simple engineering technique that is based on the principle of gravity. When the water falls on the roof, it automatically falls on the ground due to the slope provided by the roof. Some people also choose to go for complete metal roofs that are triangular in shape.

Installing metal roof flashing is a challenging and critical task, that can only be performed by a professional. However, there are certain things that you must consider before purchasing roof flashing.

Design of the Roof: How you would install the metal flashing largely depends on the design of the roof. You have to consider its shape and size while fixing the flashing in place.

Location of the Flashing: You have to consider the location of the leak that you wish to seal, as it determines the type of flashing. For example, valley flashing protects the valley metal where two planes of the roof meet, and step flashing protects the joints between roof decks, dormers, or a chimney.

Flashing Details: Make sure to take a closer look at the installation details such as the condition of the flashing, positioning of the roofing shingles, etc. Also, check for loose nails and ruptured gutters.

Material of the Flashing: Flashings play a very important part in making the roof leak-proof, and hence, they have to be made from good metal roofing material. They are usually made of stainless steel or copper. Plastic flashings are also available as a cheaper option. The lifespan of the flashing material should equate or exceed the lifespan of the roof.

Strong Roofing Cement: Choosing a good quality caulk or roofing cement is important because if the caulk chips, the leakage will resume. Hence, it is essential to use a durable and strong roofing cement.

Apart from this, you must also make sure that you keep the structure dry during the installation process, and provide it with redundant protection.

The primary benefit of roof flashing is that it stops water from entering a house, thus, avoiding a lot of damage. It helps divert the water from the roof, to the gutter system, without allowing it to pool under the roof tiles. Another advantage is that it adds to the durability of the roof and the adjacent walls. The good thing about it, is the low maintenance required. A quality flashing rarely cracks, burns, flakes, peels, or breaks.

Another additional advantage is its availability in a variety of colors. Thus, you can always purchase one that matches the color of your roof. It is also available in different materials, textures, and designs, that can complement the overall exteriors of your home.