Roof Flashing Failure: What You Need To Know
Whether you are installing a new roof or maintaining an existing one, roof flashing is an important part of the process. This material prevents water from seeping into your home and damaging it, so proper installation and maintenance are essential. However, when your roof flashing fails, there can be severe consequences for your property’s safety and value.
To help you out, sheet metal fabrication expert Roofmasters Roofing and Sheet Metal Company discuss what roof flashing is, potential causes of failure, how to detect it early on to prevent more serious damage down the line, signs of failure to watch out for, and how to repair any damaged flashes to keep them functioning as they should.
What Is Roof Flashing?
Roof flashing is thin strips of metal or plastic that create a waterproof barrier around openings such as vents or chimneys on a home’s rooftop. These pieces provide extra protection against moisture getting into vulnerable areas where it could cause structural damage like rotting wood beams or mold growth inside walls and ceilings. The material also serves as a guard against wind-driven rain which can lead to additional leaking problems if not properly addressed with reliable sealing methods like those used when installing these flashes correctly in the first place.
Causes Of Roof Flashing Failure
The most common causes of roof flashing failure are:
- Poor Installation – Improperly installed roof flashing allows water seepage due to sources like loose nails. These often don’t hold securely enough especially when exposed to constant vibrations caused by weather conditions. This can easily be avoided by having professional roofing contractors install or replace your flashing.
- Lack Of Maintenance – Without regular inspections and necessary repairs, roof flashings can become prone to failing faster than expected. This can be prevented with regular maintenance checks by professional roofers.
- Age – Natural aging eventually takes its toll, even when properly cared for. If your roof is near the end of its life span, consider a complete replacement.
Detecting Roof Flashing Failure
You can do two things to identify if you have a roof flashing failure.
- Visual Inspection – Regularly looking at seams between different materials ensures no gaps exist for moisture or water to come in.
- Moisture Tests – Homeowners should do moisture tests to identify areas where water has been collecting due to lack of flashing. If not addressed quickly, this could cause serious structural damage.
Signs Of Roof Flashing Failure
A few signs that you may have roof flashing failure include:
- Cracks – Small cracks may appear along edges where two pieces meet due to temperature changes over time, causing expansion/contraction cycles. This issue requires immediate attention before more severe cracking occurs, leading to further deterioration.
- Warping – Warping can occur if too much pressure was applied during installation, resulting in bends/buckles. Warps should be flattened immediately before being sealed back together.
- Rust – Corrosion often results from exposure over long periods, which weakens its strength. Rust must be removed by sanding away at affected spots, followed by coating with primer and paint designed specifically for metal surfaces.
How To Repair Roof Flashing
Quickly repairing any damage helps ensure that moisture doesn’t enter through these vulnerable spots, which could cause further damage down the line.
- Replacing Damaged Flashing – When a section of flashing is beyond repair, it must be removed and replaced with new material
- Sealing Cracks – If the cracks are small enough, they can usually be sealed using a special sealant designed for use on roof flashings. This prevents further deterioration as well as water from entering vulnerable spots.
While you can do the repairs yourself, it’s best to call a professional roofer for assistance if you’re not confident about tackling the task.
Contact Roofmasters Roofing and Metal Sheet Company in Hays, KS, if you need roof flashing or any other roofing materials and services. We offer a wide range of roofing products and services to meet your needs. Give us a call today at (785) 628-3614 to get started! You can also send us a message online to learn more about our roofing and sheet metal services.