What Condition is Your Flashing In?

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    DATE

    March 22, 2017

    CATEGORY

    Roof Components

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    What Condition is Your Flashing In?

    Flashing refers to the adjoining material at intersections or projections (vent pipes, chimneys, adjoining walls, dormers and valleys) on your roof. Flashing protects the areas of your roof most susceptible to water damage by directing the flow of water and preventing it from seeping into your roof.

    Flashing is normally fashioned from rust-resistant metal like galvanized steel, aluminum or copper, but it can also be made with plastic, roofing felt or rubber. The material of your flashing is one of the biggest factors in how long it lasts.  So how do you know what material is best to use? Here are some tips:

    • Stay away from aluminum flashing! Aluminum can’t be soldered and it corrodes when used on mortar. The chemical makeup of mortar actually attacks the aluminum.
    • Paint metals like galvanized steel and tin-coated steel prior to installation. Without the proper treatment, metal flashings can be prone to rust, which compromises their effectiveness down the road. This can lead to you unnecessary (and costly) repairs.

    Another important aspect affecting the durability of flashing is its ability to withstand fluctuations in temperature. Flashing must be able to handle the continuous expanding and contracting caused by seasonal or even daily—depending on your geographical location—temperature changes. Two-part flashing systems are a good option to go with as they can handle the expansion and contractions caused by change in temperature and are not harmed by the sun’s ultra-violet light.

    There is a copious amount of information online regarding flashing installation and maintenance, and that’s only one piece of your roof! If you are looking to minimize the stress placed on your shoulders and get the best result possible, enlist the help of a reliable roofing company.