Flashing Failure: What to Do and How to Prevent It

You need to keep an eye on the most leak-prone parts of your roof, particularly the roof flashing. Why is it considered the weak point of a conventional roofing system? And how do you fix it if it starts to fail? 

A picture of a roof from patriot roofing

Why Roof Flashing Is Leak-Prone 

Flashing is a term for thin pieces of metal covering roof joints (the areas where roofing panels meet) to prevent water from infiltrating your roof’s underlayers. They’re also installed in parts of your roof where water gathers (e.g. roof penetrations and valleys), which is why they’re also leak-prone. 

Flashing Issues 

Here are some of the flashing issues homeowners usually encounter: 

  • Loose flashing  – Roof flashing will become loose over time, which is why routine  roofing  maintenance is so important. Through routine inspections, contractors can replace loose flashing before water can infiltrate your roof. How often does your roof need to be inspected? Your roofing system should be inspected at least twice a year. 
  • Wrinkled flashing  – Certain flashing materials expand or contract as temperatures rise and fall. Over time, repeated contractions and expansions can cause wrinkles to form on the flashing. 

Choosing the Right Type of Flashing 

Remember: There’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all approach in roofing projects. To keep water from infiltrating your roof’s underlayers, you need to choose a type of flashing that can handle your area’s climate. 

What are the most widely used flashing materials: 

  • Sheet metal  – Sheet metal—which is made from steel, zinc and aluminum alloys—is the most commonly used flashing material. 
  • Aluminum  – Aluminum flashing is durable but isn’t the best choice for homes with fiber cement siding. That’s because the alkaline components found in this type of siding can degrade aluminum. 

To learn more about your flashing options, consult a local  roof repair  and installation contractor. 

Hiring local has its advantages. For starters, local contractors can make better recommendations because they’re familiar with the local climate. Not to mention local contractors are known for their personalized service. 

Patriot Roofing LLC, a contractor with an A-rating with the Better Business Bureau®, offers a wide range of roofing services, including  gutter installation  services. To get a free estimate, call us at (405) 217-0473 or leave us a message  here. We serve homeowners in Edmond as well as the surrounding OK communities. 

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