You may think there are only a few parts to your roof. Yet, you might be mistaken thinking that the only part protecting your roof from elements is asphalt shingles. Your asphalt shingles are just one of many components made to guard your home against high wind, torrential rain, and burning heat. There are also many kinds of flashing helping in protecting your home.
The many types of flashing are some of the most vital parts of your roof. There are plenty of kinds of roof flashing; a lot of them make the weakest points of your roof guarded and protected. Understanding the various types of flashing can help you know your roofing system very well. In turn, you will feel more comfortable and safer about your next roofing job.
What is Roof Flashing?
Before we jump into the types of flashing on your roof, it is vital to know what roof flashing is and its purpose. Roof flashing protects and reinforces the seams of your roof. Seams are the weakest point of your roof since they can become imperiled from the penetrating moisture. Roof flashing adds and creates a more durable layer to the seam, adding more protection to the seam.
Roof flashing is usually made of metal such as aluminum, copper, stainless steel, or lead. Other materials might also be used, including composite materials or plastic. Metal is the most effective and durable material for roof flashing as plastic can deteriorate faster.
Types of Roof Flashing
Now that you have an idea and understand what roof flashing is and how it helps you, you can learn the types of flashing on your roof.
1. Drip Edge Flashing
The part of the roof that overhangs is called the eaves. You have a drip edge at the lip of the eave. It redirects the water away from the edge and toward the gutter. If your gutters have become super full from heavy rain or clogs, the drip edge flashing carries water from penetrating under the shingles. With no drip edge, water can enter under the shingles and into the siding of the house. The fascia will begin to diminish first before moving towards your decking and finally the walls of your home. To prevent these expensive damages, make sure your drip edges are efficient.
2. Valley Roof Flashing
The type of flashing is one you will not see since it lies under your asphalt shingles. It is where two peaks meet. As the rain pours, your valley will amass water and go toward the gutter. For this reason, it requires an extra layer of protection called valley roof flashing.
Before installing asphalt shingles on your roof, your roofer will apply a synthetic or felt underlayment to the decking. They will also install the flashing on top of the underlayment at the valley and then install the shingles. This type of flashing is zig-zags like a W down the valley to keep the roof protected from future torrential rain.
3. Vent Pipe Flashing
Your roof needs proper ventilation, which is why you can find vent pipes across the roof. At the bottom of the vent pipes, you can see the flashing. Vent pipe flashing is known as a boot. The goal of the vent pipe flashing is to keep the seams of the pipe shielded from possible moisture. The boot or the vent pipe flashing must fit around the base of the pipe for protection.
4. Step Roof Flashing
Step roof flashing is the one you found around the skylights and chimneys. Roofers install it with overlapping seams and go under each shingle as they move down the roof. The purpose of the step roof flashing is to help water continue to flow the seam without interruption. When the water penetrates the seams around the skylight or chimney, damaging effects can take place.
Missing or Damaged Flashing
Do you have any issues with your roof? Are there any missing or damaged types of flashing? Pros at Rugged Roofing and Restoration can help you with any repairing or replacing services. We offer thorough roofing services for all types of roofing needs, flashing, and asphalt shingles. Give our team of professional roofers a call to assist you with your roof needs. With them, we can assure quality services and efficient customer service. You can also go to our page to see our other roofing services. We are delighted to discuss the details about our roofing services. We are happy to help you. Rugged Roofing and Restoration in Richland, TX, is the one you can trust. Call us today.
Salman is a prolific environmental writer, and has authored more than 500 articles in reputed journals, magazines and websites. He is proactively engaged in creating mass awareness on renewable energy, waste management, sustainability and conservation all over the world.
Salman can be reached on salman@cleantechloops.com
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