There are several working elements involved in maintaining a roof. Roof flashing is one of the most important. Roof flashing is what protects your home from mould contamination, rot, leaks, and potential structural issues. It seems like a lot from such a small part of the roof. But, the importance of regular roof flashing maintenance, and scheduled repair, cannot be underestimated.
What Is Roof Flashing?
Every roof features flashing, and it serves an important purpose. Flashing is installed to direct water away from chimneys, walls, gullies and valleys. It’s a thin material made from metal, and no roof is complete without it. Steel is the most commonly used material for roof flashing, but you can also opt for copper or aluminium. Copper is more expensive, but it gives your roof a classier finish, and it will last longer. There are many types of roof flashing, and the right choice for you will depend on your needed function.
- Valley
Valley flashing comes pre-painted to match the roof shingles. It’s generally used on open roof valleys.
- Drip Edges
Drip edges flashing are fitted to roof edges and channel water to drip off the edges of the roof to prevent leaks or damage to a home. While these are available pre-made for DIY repairs, an inner city plumbing professional will cut them to fit.
- Kickout
Kickout flashing is installed to channel water into the gutters, directing it away from walls. Kickout flashing is installed between the step and gutter flashing.
- Skylight
If you have a skylight, you need specific flashing to keep it watertight. Skylights generally come with the correct flashing. However, if you need new flashing installed, maintenance or repairs, you need the right flashing. In this case, seek advice from a professional plumber in Sydney’s Inner West.
If you’re not sure which option is right for you, don’t worry, you can take advice from a Manly plumbing service.
Why Would You Need Flashing Replacement?
- To Maintain Structural Integrity
The purpose of roof flashing is to direct water away from particular areas of the roof. If your vulnerable areas are not properly protected, they are more vulnerable to leaks. If the flashing is damaged or improperly installed, you need replacements. It isn’t just to protect your home against potential leaks, but flashing issues can damage the roof as a whole. A strong roof is crucial to the structural integrity of your home.
- New Roofing
You may assume a new roof means new roof flashing. Ultimately, it will depend on the condition of the flashing at the time of the roof repair. When the contractor visits to inspect your roof and provide you with a quote, they also inspect the flashing. If there’s no rust and they don’t think the integrity of the metal has been compromised they won’t replace the flashing. Give your local plumber Sutherland Shire a call to discuss roof flashing replacements.
- Rusting
Typically, flashing should outlive the roof. As a result, you should make it part of your annual home inspection. Every homeowner should have a checklist they follow each year. Or, you can enlist the help of plumbing services in Eastern Suburbs. A plumbing company can make it part of your annual inspection and check up on the health of your roof flashing. Staying on top of your roof flashing will save you from costly problems.
How Is Flashing Replacement Done?
If you are dealing with small holes or corrosion spots in your flashing, it needs to be addressed immediately. For this situation, you can use roofing cement to patch the holes. And cover with a patch using a similar material.
If the issue is extreme corrosion, you will likely need to fully replace the flashing in the affected area. You will need to remove the shingles in that area to fully remove the damaged flashing and replace it with new flashing. You can move the shingles back into place once the new flashing is secure.
If the issue is with loose flashing, you can reseal it. To do this, seal it beneath the shingle, but not along the eaves. You should always use the highest quality materials and do a thorough job if you attempt a home repair. However, the safest option to ensure the integrity of your home and roof is to call a plumber Cronulla.
Why You Need To Seek Help From A Professional
While a homeowner can handle flashing repairs and replacements, it isn’t advised unless you have the correct tools and some experience. As a critical aspect of your roof, you should allow professionals to handle replacements and repairs. Whether you need affordable plumbing in Sydney or you’re dealing with blocked drains in Cronulla, Service Fox can help.