Flashing is essential to preserving the structural integrity of your roof and is equal in importance to roofing material and underlayment. Flashing prevents water from leaking through a roof, especially at the most vulnerable part of your roofing system—the valleys. Roofing contractors also place flashing on walls, around chimneys, around skylights, and in areas that present an opening in the roofing system.
Roofing contractors use a wide range of flashing types depending on the roofing application, roofing material, and roof design. Flashing made of aluminum, stainless steel, or copper material holds up well in the Florida climate.
Roof Flashing Types
Every roofing material or application needs a specific flashing. Fortunately, there are several types available.
Continuous Flashing
Continuous flashing is a long, single piece of metal that carries water down to the shingles. Roofers install continuous flashing by embedding it into roofing cement and nailing it to the last course of shingles on the roof deck.
Base Flashing
Base Flashing is attached to or resting on the roof deck to direct water flow onto the roof covering. A base flashing consists of piles of roof membrane material used to seal a roof at vertical plane intersections, such as at a roof wall.
Counter Flashing
Counter flashing is metal or elastomeric sheeting secured on or into a wall, curb, pipe, rooftop unit, or other surfaces to cover and protect the upper edge of the base flashing and its fasteners. The flashing is a strip of sheet metal in the form of an inverted L built into a vertical masonry wall and bent down over the flashing to make it watertight.
Step Flashing
Step flashing is a rectangular piece of flashing bent 90 degrees in the center and is used for roof-to-wall flashing. Multiple flashing parts will be installed in layers with shingles to ensure the water flows away from the wall.
What Are the Benefits of Roof Flashing?
There are several benefits to installing flashing on your roof.
Protecting Your Home
The Florida climate can be harsh on your roof, exposing areas of your roofing system to high winds, extreme temperatures, UV rays, and humidity, which beat down on your roof, making it vulnerable to leaks. Flashing reinforces your roofing system, preventing rain from seeping through your roof.
Finishing Your Roof Design
The decorative element of flashing gives your roof a professional, finished look, smoothing openings or uneven lines between two components of your roof. For example, a chimney placed next to asphalt shingles doesn’t create a flush line. Flashing can hide an unprofessional finish by providing a decorative, clean roofline.
Insurance, Warranties and Repair Costs
Quality roof flashing may prevent homeowners from filing major insurance claims or voiding a roof warranty. Missing or damaged flashing can cost you thousands of dollars in roof repair. So, it is important to schedule a professional roof inspection in Florida to make sure your flashing is always in excellent condition.
What Is the Average Life Expectancy of Roof Flashing?
You can expect roof flashing to last between 25 and 30 years. Schedule an annual roof inspection to ensure your flashing is in good shape. Remember, you won’t always have to replace your roof flashing when you get a professional roof replacement. No matter what kind of roofing material, roof flashing should outlive the original roof installation.
If you notice any dents or cracks in your roof flashing, get it checked immediately. Damaged or worn-out flashing can cause holes or cracks in your roofing system, which makes your roof more susceptible to leaks. With proper care, you should expect flashing to last as long as your roof’s warranty.
Get a Free Roof Replacement Estimate from Quality Roofing
Quality Roofing offers premier roofing services for homeowners in Florida. To learn more about our roofing replacement solutions, call (850) 753-0041 or fill out the quick form on our contact page.
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