Flashing is an integral part of any roofing system, and its role becomes even more critical when it comes to roof replacement. It serves as the unsung hero of your roof, quietly performing its duty while protecting your home from water damage.
Flashing is typically made of metal such as aluminum or galvanized steel and is strategically placed in various parts of the roof where leaks are most likely to occur. These include areas around chimneys, skylights, vents, valleys between slopes, dormer windows and along the edges of flat roofs. The primary goal of flashing is to direct water away from these vulnerable points towards the gutters.
When replacing a roof, it’s essential not only to install new shingles but also ensure that flashing is correctly installed or replaced if needed. Over time, flashing can deteriorate due to exposure to harsh weather conditions or simply because it wasn’t properly installed in the first place. This could lead to leaks that may cause significant damage over time if not addressed promptly.
The process of installing flashing during roof replacement involves several steps. First off, old shingles and existing flashing are removed so that new materials can be put in place. Then a layer called ‘underlayment’ goes down before the new shingles; this provides an additional barrier against water infiltration. Flashing installation happens concurrently with these layers – they’re interwoven into the Faze Construction Roofing & Siding material for maximum protection against leakage.
There are different types of flashings used depending on their location on a roof – step flashing for sidewalls or chimney stacks; valley flashing for intersections between two slopes; vent pipe flashings around pipes sticking out through roofs etc., each serving unique purposes but all aiming at preventing water penetration into homes.
While some homeowners might be tempted to cut corners by reusing old flashing during a roof replacement project in order save money upfront – this would be unwise decision long term perspective because worn-out or damaged flashings will eventually lead leaks, causing more significant damage that costs much more to repair later on.
Therefore, during a roof replacement, it’s crucial to pay attention not just to the visible parts like shingles but also the unseen heroes like flashings. They play an essential role in maintaining the integrity of your roofing system and protecting your home from potential water damage. Hiring a professional roofer can ensure that all elements of your roof, including flashing, are correctly installed for maximum durability and protection.
In conclusion, while flashing may seem like a small part of a roof replacement project, its role is massive. By directing water away from vulnerable areas on your roof and towards gutters where it can be safely drained away from your home’s foundation, flashing offers critical protection against leaks and subsequent water damage. It is indeed an unsung hero in any roofing system.
Faze Construction Roofing & Siding
2749 Freeman St, Fort Wayne, IN 46802
260-235-3575
