Flashing - What It Is and What It Does

You may have heard people refer to roof flashing and not have known exactly what they are talking about.  As with any industry, the roofing industry has jargon that they use to describe certain parts and components of roofing systems and what they do.  If you have been trying to figure out what flashing is and exactly what it does, take a look at the guide below to give you some ideas.

What It Is

Flashing is the term used to describe the metal that roofers place over seams and along joints in roof construction.  It can be found in a wide range of materials that all come at different costs.  Some of the most common types of flashing are those crafted from aluminum or galvanized steel.  There are many manufacturers that provide pre-made flashing that can be bent or angled as needed.  If you are a do-it-yourself homeowner who wants to repair or replace your flashing, it is usually best to go with pieces that are already pre-made.  Many roofing contractors bend and shape their own flashing, however.  They do this for a variety of reasons, but most often to accommodate odd angles and construction in roofs.  By bending their own pieces they can guarantee that the flashing will fit better than pre-made, mass-produced flashing products.  Other flashing material includes copper and stainless steel which are commonly used along with roofs constructed of those metals.

What It Does

Now that you know what it is made out of and where it goes, you may be wondering what exactly it does.  Flashing is used to protect the area in those angles and bends of your roof.  It protects the seams of the shingles or metal roofing system and diverts the water away from that area.  This is particularly important, because those angles are difficult to fit with roofing material.  It is usually along those angles and bends that roofers cut the roofing material.  Without the flashing in place, it would be easy for water to get under the seams and into the home.

If your flashing is damaged, it is best to call a professional to repair it.  While it may be tempting to climb on your high roof and attempt to fix it yourself, the odds of injury to yourself greatly increase.  It is worth the extra cost to call a professional and remain safe.

However, if you have a low porch roof, for example, that you have climbed on many times, there is no reason why you cannot re-caulk the flashing yourself.  Re-caulking does not require a great deal of skill, but as you will be on a roof, it does require safety precautions and a sturdy ladder. 

Flashing is a simple product that yields great benefits for any roof.  With the proper care and installation it can last for many years and provide your home with water diversion that keeps your home's interior dry.  Now that you know what it is and what it does, take a look at your roof and make sure your flashing is in good shape.