The roof on your Oregon home is your first line of defense against the elements. It keeps you and the inside of your house dry through all kinds of storms and inclement weather. In addition to shingles, flashing is an integral part of your roofing system. Let’s look at why flashing is so important to your home and why proper installation is so important.
What Is Flashing?
Flashing is a waterproof barrier installed on your roof to seal edges and cracks. It is typically found on the side of your chimney, around any skylights, and in the valleys of the roof where the water flows. It uses metals like aluminum, copper, and steel and is installed with your shingles.
How Does Flashing Work?
The metal pieces of flashing direct the water away from any openings in the roof. Flashing goes under the shingles, acting as a barrier and diverting the flow of water. Flashing in the valleys of the roof creates a channel, helping the water travel down the roof instead of pooling in the low points. Flashing near a chimney or another wall bends to make an L shape, directing the flow of water away from a particular spot.
How Can Improper Installation Damage Your Roof?
Flashing that is not properly installed can create bigger problems down the road. Water that sits in the valleys will cause mold and deterioration to your roof. Moisture that enters the cracks and seams on your roof will cause the plywood underneath the shingles to rot. Seams along skylights, chimneys and roof vents can cause the water to leak through and into your home.
It is much easier to install flashing the right way the first time than to repair flashing down the road. A repair requires lifting an entire section of shingles and then replacing them. If the wood underneath is rotten from bad installation, it becomes a much bigger job than originally anticipated.
Hadley Roofing is here to help you get the most out of your roofing experience. We have more than 15 years of experience working with flashing and roofing and can help you find the perfect solution to fit all your needs.
Source:
http://www.oldhouseweb.com/how-to-advice/flashing-what-is-it-and-why-is-it-important.shtml