The most important component of your roofing system may be something you’ve never heard of. It’s called roof flashings.
For your home or business, flashings are one of the first barriers of defense against the elements. It consists of strips of aluminum or galvanized steel. These protect the most vulnerable areas of a roof, such as over joints. And, at the gap between where roofing material ends and a wall or protrusion. Examples of these include where a skylight or a chimney begins.
By properly installing it at these points, Columbus, Ohio roofers can prevent water from seeping in and causing damage.
What is the purpose of roof flashings?
Simply, to keep the water out. If you have a roof leak and your shingles are in good repair, chances are the culprit is a problem with your flashing. These sections can be damaged by high winds, they may slide out of place if nails are missing. Or the caulk used to seal around them may dry and crack over time. The metal can also become corroded or weak. All of these issues allow water to penetrate underneath.
Here are common locations for roof flashing installation (and leaks)
Valleys
A valley is a line where two roof planes intersect. It is common to use metal in this area to reinforce the area since valleys channel large amounts of water off a roof.
Apron
Where roofs meet a vertical wall, installing the apron flashing (also known as headwall flashing) occurs behind siding or over brick. If the roof flashing is bent the wrong way, it will instead channel water toward the home.
Wall step
Installation of step flashings will be over the shingles where a sloped roof rises along a vertical wall. They are prone to rust and holes.
Chimney
Chimney flashing installation demands the skill of an experienced installer because even the tiniest crack can allow a tremendous amount of water to leak into the chimney. Proper installation includes step flashing and counter-flashing to cover the top.
Vent
These often are a rubber seal with an aluminum flashing to seal around vent pipes. The problem is that the rubber can crack and fail quickly, often in as little as 10 years.
Don’t let damaged or improper roof flashing lead to premature deterioration of your roof.
Call Muth & Company today for an inspection of your roof. If your roof is already leaking, we can help with roof repair in Columbus, Ohio. Call or contact us today at (614) 682-3060 for a FREE estimate.
Since 1992, Muth & Company Roofing has installed the highest-quality roofing systems, and gutter repair, on homes and businesses in Central Ohio.
When it comes to product knowledge, customer service, financing, workmanship, and warranties, no other roofing contractor can compare to us. It’s no wonder that we were the first roofing company in Columbus to receive the President’s Club Certification by GAF, or that we are consistently referred out by insurance companies, realtors, and customers alike.
Need the best roofing available in Columbus, OH, and surrounding communities? We’re the roofer who wants to earn your business. Call Muth & Company Roofing today at (614) 882-0900 for a FREE estimate, or fill out our contact form. We serve Columbus, Westerville, Delaware, Worthington, Dublin, Bexley, Gahanna, New Albany, and many other surrounding Central Ohio cities.