When repairing or replacing roofs, most people focus primarily on the shingles, though the roof flashing is just as important. So, what is flashing on a roof? Below, our team of expert roofers from Aspect Roofing Company explains everything you need to know.
At Aspect Roofing Company, we install and repair all types of flashing, including copper flashing. Our professional roofers operate throughout Iowa City, Coralville, and North Liberty, Iowa. Call us at Aspect Roofing today at (319) 382-0073 for a free inspection and estimate for your project!
What Is Roof Flashing?
What is flashing on a roof? Roof flashing is thin layers of sheet metal used to direct water across the top of your house.
Roofers add different types of roof flashing around areas like your chimney, skylights, windows, doors, drip edges, or valleys to create a smooth vertical surface where water can drain. Essentially, roof flashing acts as a gutter for your entire roof surface.
Why Is Roof Flashing Important?
Most houses aren’t shaped like perfect pyramids, meaning water doesn’t easily rush down the surface to reach the gutters. Water might sit in different crevices when it rains and seep inside the roof’s seams.
Roof flashing is critical to the overall health and lifespan of your roof. Without flashing, water can leak between the shingles in any low areas or joints in your roof, causing water damage to the roof deck and underlayment materials. The most important regions for roof flashing are:
- Where your roof meets exterior side walls
- Any valley areas where two low-angled slopes of a roof come together
- Windows, skylights, vents, chimneys, or any other extensions from the roof surface
- The drip edge around the perimeter of the roof
The Different Types of Roof Flashing
Each roof has unique shapes, walls, and high and low points that require varying types of roof flashing. Below, we discuss the different types of roof flashing based on the areas you install them.
Base and Step Flashing
Many homes have multiple roofing levels that intersect with the exterior walls. Rather than a singular roof, the home might have lower portions of shingles that protrude from varying heights. For example, your house may have a piece of roof disconnected from the top, acting as an overhang above a first-floor window.
When you have sections of the roof beneath the main one, you must deal with the areas where they meet your house’s side and front walls. Water could enter these exposed seams when rain hits your home, especially with high winds. Professional roofers use base and step flashing across the seams to divert water toward the edge.
- Base flashing: Contractors use base flashing for the front wall of your house and match its size to the roof’s pitch. Usually, base flashing goes beneath the shingles, so you won’t see it.
- Step flashing: You can use step flashing for the side walls of your home to protect any open joints. Step flashing shows outside the shingles, so homeowners typically pick a material to match the property’s aesthetic.
More Areas for Roof Flashing
Aside from protecting the seams where your roof and walls meet, you should also consider the following areas:
- Valleys: Valleys are any low areas in your roof where two slopes meet. Water builds up in valleys and creates severe roof damage. Metal flashing beneath appropriately gapped shingles channels water out of these low areas.
- Chimneys, skylights, and vents: Many homes have chimneys, skylights, dormers, and vents, each having at least three to four edges of seams where the roofing meets the object. To prevent water from entering these areas, you can install flashing customized to your exact size needs.
- The drip edge: Drip edges force water away from your roof so moisture cannot get underneath materials. When you add flashing to your drip edge, you increase its strength and durability, reducing your chances of water damage and rot.
- Gutters: Water from your roof trails into the gutters, though sometimes, it might get stuck in small pockets or corners. Kickout flashing diverts water in the correct direction, so it always reaches the gutter.
Roof Flashing Materials
Professional roofers use metal or rubber for roof flashing for superior water resistance. You can decide between a few choices, depending on the flashing location, your home’s style, and your budget. The most common types of metals include:
- Copper
- Steel
- Sheet metal
- Aluminum
Repairing or Replacing Roof Flashing?
Now that you have an answer to the question, “what is flashing on a roof?” it’s time to consider replacing yours. At Aspect Roofing Company, our teams in Iowa City, Coralville, and North Liberty, IA, will install or repair any flashing you need!
Call us today at (319) 382-0073 for a free project estimate from our professional team!
