How Does Flashing Protect My Roof From Potential Leaks?

How Does Flashing Protect My Muncie, IN, Home’s Roof From Potential Leaks?

Everything You Need To Know About This Important Material

Are you getting a roof replacement on your Muncie, IN, home? You probably took the time to research the most durable roofing material to ensure you get the most out of your investment. Something many homeowners do not usually stop to consider is the flashing that gets installed with a new roof. This critical material can do so much to prevent leaks.

A roof replacement is a significant investment that you will want done correctly. Knowing more about the importance of flashing can help you understand the project and if the contractor is doing the job right.

What Is Roof Flashing?

Flashing is a thin, waterproof material that pushes water away from vulnerable parts of your roof. Materials used for this purpose include the following:

• Plastic – mainly polyethylene
• Composite substances
• Metals – copper, stainless steel, lead, and aluminum

Typically flashing made of plastic has the shortest life expectancy while metal has the longest. However, when properly installed and maintained, all flashing will last for years, but roof replacement companies prefer metal.

Steel is the most commonly used metal flashing today because of its clean look and budget-friendly options. Copper, while a higher upfront investment, offers a much more aesthetically pleasing upgrade to your roof and will last longer than steel.

Why Roof Flashing Is Important

As we mentioned, roof flashing protects the vulnerable parts of your roof from water. To fully understand this, you first need to know these areas. Flashing needs to be installed anywhere there could be a gap or a way for the water to get underneath.

Penetrations On Your Roof

Any opening or penetrations on your roof is susceptible to leaking and requires flashing as a preventative measure. These areas include the following:

• Chimneys
• Dormers
• Vents
• Skylights

Any home with a chimney is at risk for a leak, which is why two flashing sections are typically installed – base flashing and counter flashing. The base flashing is installed under the shingles, while the counter flashing extends and securely fastens to the chimney.

A dormer creates a break in the roofline that requires flashing to be installed in the gap between the dormer and the main roof. Vents come in two types, pipe and hood, requiring two different types of flashing.

Skylight openings are the riskiest perforation to have on your roof. They provide the most accessible access point for water to enter your home. Generally, the flashing is installed in one piece around the entire perimeter of the skylight to prevent leaks.

Roof Valleys and Edges

Roof valleys are where two or more roof sections meet in a downward pitch, and each side of the valley is made from separate decking. Flashing is installed in the gap between the two sections of roofing to ensure water cannot enter the joint.

The roof edges are susceptible to leaking when water drips down and works its way underneath the inner roofing material. Another type of flashing, a drip edge, is installed in this location to prevent this from happening.

How Roof Flashing Prevents Leaks

Any spot on your roof where you have a joint or penetration increases your risk of a leak. When flashing is installed, it diverts the water away from these vulnerable areas because of its waterproof properties. The water is redirected away from the site and safely into the gutters.

When You Need A Roof Replacement In Muncie, IN, Rely On A Company That Cares About Its Customers

If it’s time to replace your roof in Muncie, IN, choose a roof replacement company that genuinely cares. Here at Clemens Home Solutions, we take pride in helping each of our customers.

We abide by strict core values that shape everything we do. The ultimate goal of each one is to bring the ultimate customer experience to each of our clients, from providing absolute honesty to building the best relationships.

Call us today at (765) 741-8214 to schedule your free estimate.