What Is Roof Flashing & Why Is It Important?

September 29, 2022

Roof flashing is critically important for your roof’s overall lifespan. It’s a protective mechanism that guards against moisture problems brought about by rain, ice, snow, and humidity. There are several types, such as counter flashing, apron flashing, and step flashing.

Rapid Roofing installs accessories like these all the time, and we’re happy to explain why we think they’re valuable for your Michigan home.

Defining Roof Flashing

Roof flashing is a metal material, often stainless steel, that we apply to the grooves or joints to divert water from eroding and entering your home. If you check out your roof, you’ll probably notice a few vulnerable spots where rainwater could intrude. That includes fixtures like vents, skylights, and around a chimney.

Rapid Roofing does a lot of roof replacement jobs that involve shingle installation. The flashing material overlaps the shingles to provide greater protection, but we try to cover it with additional shingles for aesthetic purposes. For the most part, you shouldn’t see too much-flashing material on someone’s roof.

What other areas on your roof require flashing? We like to apply it to any place where your roof would intersect with an interior wall. In addition, it’s important to have it around the roof’s low areas and edges (eaves). If you have a complex roof, it helps to apply to flash where any of the various roof slopes intersect.

Types of Roof Flashing

You’ll hear about certain types of flashing, which we’d like to describe for you.

• Counter Flashing
  This flashing style relies on vertical flanges that align with the sidewall. It looks like a piece of metal in the shape of an “L.”
• Step Flashing
  It’s similar to counter flashing but has a rectangular shape that runs at a 90-degree angle. It usually involves multiple layers, so that you have more than one defense against rain storms.
• Apron Flashing
  This kind of flashing covers all the roof junctures where the roof slope meets with a chimney or other slope.
• Drip Edge Flashing
  Here, we target the edge of the roof, a place that’s particularly vulnerable to icicle accumulation and other hazards. The main purpose is to divert water from the eaves (edges) and into the gutters.
• Pipe Flashing
  This is basically an extra sealant for the vent pipes on your roof. It’s made from a firm metal that supports, protects, and reinforces roof material.

There are others, but these are some of the most common approaches you’ll see for roofs in the Detroit area.

Consequences of Not Protecting Your Roof

Why does all of this matter? Well, without sufficient roof protection, your home is vulnerable to several troubles like:

• Leaks
• Ice Dams
• Moisture-Driven Bacterial Growth (mold & algae)
• Pest & Insect Intrusion
• Cold & Hot Air
• . . . and other aggravating problems.

These are the sorts of things that no homeowner wants to halt their busy lives to fix. It’s better to have good protective flashing in place to minimize the chances of roof damage. This could be the difference between a 20-year versus a 50-year lifespan.

Of course, if you suffer roof damage and need repair service, we’re always happy to assist. Don’t forget that there are ways to handle roof damage without breaking the budget. Check out these tips for paying for storm damage restoration work.

Call Rapid Roofing for Roof Replacement in Detroit

Rapid Roofing has earned a sterling reputation with our friends and neighbors in Detroit because we don’t cut corners or overlook important details like flashing. If you’ve ever dealt with a leaky roof or ice dam, you know how important it is to get things done properly.

You can always find out more about our excellent track record by looking over our long list of testimonials. Don’t forget that we’re fully licensed, bonded, and insured to perform roof repair and installation on any residential or commercial building.

Contact us today to learn more about roof flashing and any of our other replacement services.