Roof flashing is a thin material used by professional roofers to direct water away from critical areas of the roof. Flashing surrounds roof features like vents, chimneys, and skylights. It prevents water and other elements from entering the roof system and damaging the building by creating a waterproof barrier at these vulnerable points. It also helps to extend the life of your roofing system.

Roof flashing is a vital part of the roofing system and should be installed by a qualified contractor.

In this article, we'll take a closer look at roof flashing, its importance in protecting your home from water damage, and what different types of roof flashing are.

What Is the Purpose of Roof Flashing?

Roof flashing is used to direct water away from the side of a roof. Water should run down the flashing side and be directed to the shingles instead of the roof deck. The purpose of roof flashing is to create a barrier that will stop water from traveling down the roof's surface and entering the building. Flashing surrounds roof features, such as vents, chimneys, and skylights, and it's an integral part of any roofing project.

What Are the Different Types of Roof Flashing?

There are different roof flashing types, each designed for a specific roof part. These include the following eight types:

1. Continuous flashing

Continuous flashing is also known as "apron flashing” because it acts much like an apron. It's a long, single piece of metal that carries water down to the shingles below. Long pieces of continuous flashing have built-in expansion joints to move with the home.

2. Base flashing

Chimneys require two pieces of flashing, called base flashing. Base flashing ensures that rain always meets a flashing surface that directs it downwards. When the materials expand and contract with the weather changes, the two pieces can move, so the system stays secure.

3. Counter-flashing

Counter-flashing is a flashing opposite to the base flashing or above the base flashing. This completes the two-part flashing team.

4. Step flashing

Step flashing is a piece of thin metal slipped between every shingle.

5. Skylight flashing

Sometimes a skylight manufacturer doesn't include flashing as part of their product. In that case, roofing professionals must create or purchase skylight flashing separately.

6. Valley flashing

Valley flashing protects this critical area of the roof.

7. Drip edges

Drip edges are thin metal flashing to help water drip off without damaging the home or causing a leak.

8. Kickout flashing

Kickout flashing bridges the gap between the step flashing and the gutter and directs water away from the wall into the gutter.

Installing Roof Flashing

Step Flashing

Roofers use various installation methods for flashing, but step flashing is the most common. It is created by installing metal flashing on the vertical surface and then overlapping it with another piece of flashing installed on the roof. This overlapping creates a 'step' that funnels water down and away from the critical area.

The purpose of step flashing is to prevent water from running across the top of the shingles and toward the house. This helps keep water from leaking into the home by directing it to the next piece of flashing.

Metal Roof Flashing

Metal roof flashing can be made from aluminum, steel, or copper. Contractors often use prefinished steel if they need a long flashing on a wall. It's more rigid than aluminum yet has good corrosion resistance. If they want to do a long run of flashing on a curved surface like around the eaves of a building, they use copper because it's more flexible than aluminum or steel. It will last longer than either material, but it's more expensive than aluminum or steel.

In addition to roof flashing, make sure you know how to measure your roof and calculate roofing squares. before installing a new roof.

Directorii: Best Roofing Contractors Near You

Improper roof flashing is one of the most common causes of roof leaks. The improper installation of flashing around the chimney, roof cricket, or dormer can lead to wood rot and even deck collapse. At Directorii, we don't recommend installing a DIY roof. Leave this job to professionals with experience installing all roofs and roof flashing types of roofs and roof flashing.

At Directorii, we provide a list of pre-screened roofers near you who have been state-licensed and certified by leading roofing companies.