Residential roofing is not just simply putting a roof on top of your home.
There are important steps you need to know such as rolling the underlayment and applying the shingles or slate. Flashing is an important part of your roofing installation process that comes after these steps.
What is Roof Flashing?
Roof flashing is an integral part of your roof that connects and seals all your roofing components, and plays a vital role in your roof’s life span and protection. Flashing is a flat and thin material usually made from metals such as aluminum, copper, and steel used to cover gaps and holes in certain parts of the roof. There are seven common types of roof flashing.
Get to Know Your Roof Flashing
Continuous Flashing
The most used roof flashing. Many refer to it as “apron flashing.”
Base Flashing
It is a joint between roofing surface and vertical surface forming an L-shape which ensures that the rain always meets a flashing surface to direct it downward.
Counter Flashing
Think of it as the opposite of Base Flashing. An upside-down L.
Step Flashing
Like Base and Counter flashing, Step flashing is a rectangular piece of flashing that is shorter in height, but longer in width.
Valley Flashing
It is a long flashing that directs water straight down to your gutter.
Drip Edges
An attachment to your gutter from the roof to contain all the water collected and prevent it from overflowing.
Kickout Flashing
Also known as Diverter flashing. Like Drip Edges, its job is to redirect water flow to avoid hitting sensitive parts of your home’s roofing and cladding.
Now that you know the types of roof flashing, here are four essential things you must know about roof flashing in Alberta.
Prevents Leakage
Placing a roof is not going to ensure protection from rain and snow. You need to have Valley and continuous flashing to stop water drips from travelling all the way inside your home and certain areas of your roof. This is a must-have for all homes because if water successfully infiltrates your home, you will be paying for the damage. If you see water stains on your ceiling, that is because of the roof flashing failure.
Keeping The Roof Intact
Nobody wants an unsteady roof for their homes, especially in a province like Alberta where heavy snowfall occurs. Roof flashing conjuncts the shingles and underlayment to enhance the stability of your roofing. Roof flashing covers dents, holes, and bends to maximize the security of your roof while holding all your roofing components together.
Step flashing strengthens your chimney, drip edge flashing supports your gutter and base & counter flashing maintains your ridges to remain your entire roof intact for many years to come.
Withstand Strong Winds
The shingles on your roof are not immune to the aftermath of strong winds. Thanks to roof flashing, it reduces the impact of violent winds leaving your roof undamaged. Roof flashing will also prevent the tiniest particles of dirt and dust carried by the intense winds from entering the smallest gaps of your roof.
Required Annual Inspection
Exposure to sunlight and changing temperature is detrimental to your roof flashing. It may require proper maintenance unlike shingles and cladding inspections. You do not need to replace your entire roof just because you have damaged roof flashing. You can even DIY the repairs and replacements, but we recommend professional roofers diagnose the problem and have your roof fully inspected. It’s important to have an annual inspection of your roof flashing to keep track of its condition.
Roof Flashing Comes Along with Roofing Services
If your roof is experiencing leakages and instability, or just needs an inspection, Superior Roofing has over 25 years of experience in delivering exceptional service to our clients, even for roofing inspection and maintenance. Have a look at our projects on our website and social media and find out why we are one of Calgary's most trusted roofing contractors. Let’s inspect your roof flashing today.