It’s important that you understand all the components of your roof, including the metal panels and shingles. Understanding all components of your roofing system will help you troubleshoot problems and communicate them to a contractor. Roof flashing is one of the parts of your roof you may not be familiar with.

Roof flashings are metal pieces that are installed to stop water from leaking through your roof. The term flashing can also be used to describe a weather-resistant barrier.

How It Works

The flashing system is made from galvanized steel, or aluminum. The flashing is placed at the joint of wall construction, along chimneys and on other parts of your roof. You can wrap flashing around skylights and other areas. This prevents water from penetrating your roots. Flashings can be shaped into valleys to protect your roof slopes and guide items into your gutters over time.

As we have already discussed, the main types of flashings that can be installed are valley flashing and chimney flashing.

The purpose of chimney flashing is to divert water away from pipes or chimneys. The flashing is located at the base of the fireplace and directs the water away from both the sides and the entrance. Leakage can be prevented by flashing the sides and top of the piping, or chimney.

Another option is continuous flashing. It is used to protect the joints of a sloped roof or vertical wall. Another type of flashing commonly used on siding or skylights is stepped flashing.

You can identify these materials on your roof to help identify problems and signs of flashing erosion. Contact a roofer immediately if you see areas where the flashing is eroded and exposed.

This post was written by Reggie Reed! Reggie is a state-certified roofing contractor and co-owner of Reggie Reed Roofing, the best Pinellas County roofing company. He is a 4th generation roofing contractor. RR Roofing offers a wide variety of roofing services for residential homes, apartment complexes, condos, commercial buildings, churches, and more. Reggie enjoys dedicating his spare time to helping underprivileged youth in his community and traveling with his family and friends.