Flashing is a flat and thin material used to prevent water from entering the openings and cracks of a roof. It is placed underneath the shingles of your roof and it redirects the water to another location.
Roof flashing is made from metals, such as copper, aluminum, stainless steel, or galvanized steel. A roofing contractor can install flashing around doors, gutters, windows, and chimneys. High Point Roofing recommends installing flashing on any exterior joint where water drains out.
The Critical Areas of Your Roof that Require Flashing
These areas include:
- Side walls and front walls (the roof surface that joins the wall)
- Valleys (low points where two roof slopes join)
- Roof protrusions (bathroom vents, kitchen vents, and skylights)
- Roof edges (eaves and rakes)
Even though there are several types of roof flashing, there are four main types of roof flashing you need to know more about.
8 Types of Common Roof Flashing
The eight types of common roof flashing include:
Continuous Flashing
Continuous flashing or apron flashing is a long and single piece of metal. It carries water down to the roof shingles underneath. As your home expands and contracts, continuous flashing struggles to flex. To prevent continuous flashing from breaking and wrapping, expansion joints are built into the long pieces.
Base Flashing
Certain roof features need two pieces of flashing, such as chimneys. Base flashing makes sure that water always encounters a flashing surface that guides it away from the roof. Unlike other types of flashing, base flashing is easy to install. When the weather changes, the roof materials expand and contract. Since base flashing is made from two pieces of flashing, it can move with it.
Counter Flashing
Counter flashing either goes on top of base flashing or opposite it. It is the second piece required to complete the base flashing.
Step Flashing
Step flashing, shaped like a rectangle, is bent 90 degrees from the middle. The roofing contractor will install several layers of step flashing with shingles to make sure it directs water away from the wall.
Skylight Flashing
Most skylights come with flashing, but if your skylight did not, your roofing contractor will need to buy it separately or create it.
Valley Flashing
Valley flashing, made from metal, protects open valleys from water damage.
Drip Edges
Drip edges is a metal flashing installed on the roof’s edge. It helps water drain off your roof without causing a water leak or damaging your home.
Kickout Flashing
Kickout flashing closes the space between where the step flashing ends and the gutter starts. It keeps water away from the wall by redirecting it into the gutter.
3 Types of Roof Flashing Materials
Roof flashing is made from these three types of materials:
Aluminum Roof Flashing
Aluminum is lightweight and easy to install. Before roofing contractors can install aluminum, they coat it with masonry and concrete to prevent corrosion.
Copper Roof Flashing
Copper is malleable and is easy to solder. It is a highly durable material with a long lifespan. However, as copper ages, it fades into a patina.
Steel Roof Flashing
Steel is the primary choice for flashing. It is malleable and aesthetically appealing. To prevent corrosion, it is galvanized.
If you need your roof flashing inspected, fixed, or installed, Southern New Jersey homeowners can contact High Point Roofing at 856-347-4700 for a free quote. High Point Roofing is GAF certified and has earned a reputation for their quality work.
