What is Roof Flashing

by | May 5, 2021 | Roofing

Roof flashing is one of the most important elements because it is designed to protect areas of the roof that are most prone to water infiltration. It consists in a roll of thin metal (copper, aluminum, lead or galvanized steel), rolled out into place and sealed in order to provide extra protection by closing a joint in roof penetrations or walls.

Roof valleys, vents, skylights, chimneys – they are all surrounded by flashing that keep out water.

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As long as it is installed properly, roof flashing will do its job just fine. However, expert roofing Fort Worth contractors caution that it has to be checked periodically, to make sure it is not rusted or damaged.

Installed in a roof valley, flashing collects water and safely directs it to the gutters, preventing it from pooling on the roof and infiltrating. Without this element, a roof valley (the point where two roof sections are meeting) is a very vulnerable area, because water tends to accumulate there.

The same goes for roof penetrations. Chimneys, for example, are notorious for allowing water sweeping into the house. They form angles of 90 degrees with the roof that must be protected all along with L-shaped flashing, which is mortared right into the chimney to create an efficient water-tight barrier.