How To Install Roof Flashing?

While not well-known to the general public, Roof flashing is an essential component of roof construction. Roof flashing prevents roofs from leaking due to rain or snowfall. The flash is a lining made of a thin metal material and is typically applied to areas where water runs off or does not have a solid seal. So how to install roof flashing?

Water may seep into numerous parts of your roof, including your chimney, valleys, and vents. To prevent water from entering these areas and causing damage, you'll need to install flash. In this article, I will discuss how to install roof flashing step-by-step. Keep reading.

New clay tile roofing with two chimneys, How To Install Roof Flashing?

Types of Roof Flashing

Before choosing the right roof flashing for your roof, you need to know the types of roof flashings. The ideal roof flashing is any thin metal material, such as galvanized steel, aluminum, copper, or stainless steel. These materials provide a tidy appearance while also providing the durability required to withstand natural elements. According to the list, the most frequent material employed for roof flashing installation is steel. It gives a finished appearance and protects against corrosion.

Roofing made from asphalt shingle tile roofing with a brick chimney

Base Flashing

A brick chimney photographed on a house with red roofing

Two flashings are required when a roof meets a vertical edge, like a dormer or chimney, on the bottom, and against the vertical surface. Because no matter which direction the rainwater is coming from, it's constantly hitting flashing to assist direct it down and away from the junction (a.k.a. where the roof joins the vertical surface), this is a low-maintenance solution.

Continuous Flashing

A continuous flashing is a long piece of metal that must stretch down the length of a larger junction, such as when a roof meets an entire wall of siding. It's also been dubbed "apron flashing" because it serves as a rain protection apron for your roof, similar to an apron worn on one's clothing.

The disadvantage of continuous flashing is that it can bow and break as your house grows and shrinks in response to changing weather conditions. This is why long sections of metal flashing with expansion joints are welded into place to allow for movement with the changes in your home.

Counter Flashing

Flashing the roof is accomplished through a combination of both primary and secondary flashing. It finishes the dual flashing component where it's necessary. It will be put in place the same way as the base flashing, on top of the vertical surface of the junction.

Drip Edges

A drip edge is a small metal flashing that sits on the very edge of your roof to aid in water flow off your roof. It either aids in directing the water into your gutters or, if you don't have channels, it ensures that water flows away from your house's soffit and fascia, protecting it from moisture damage. You can also make your rain gutters by gluing together two plastic bottles. You may use them in place of channels if you don't get a lot of rain.

Kickout Flashing

The water will be directed to where it meets the gutter using end-stop flashing, which is activated by a switch at the bottom of your step flashing or continuous flashing. It has a scoop-shaped appearance, which helps end the step flashing but then directs water away from the wall, allowing it to flow down the gutter. It keeps things organized and flowing.

Pipe Boot/Vent Flashing

Vent flashing on top of a roof with asphalt roofing

Your roof's pipe boots are frequently leaking, and yes, they also require flashing. This is a cylindrical form of flashing that fits right over the pipe boot/vent. The vent flashing is covered with shingles after that.

Skylight Flashing

Stainless steel roof flashing of a brick house

If you have a skylight or several skylights on your roof, they will almost certainly require flanging around the edges to prevent rainwater from seeping into them. Skylights are generally shipped with the necessary flashing, but if it's not there, roofers will install it themselves to ensure a tight seal.

Step Flashing

When the roof and a wall meet, flashing is used. It's similar to continuous flashing, but it's made up of a rectangular piece of flashing that descends the roof and appears to go up the walls as it goes. Step flashing may be used for a variety of reasons. They are necessary to offer that safety net in addition to any roof-ceiling combination. It might be a third-story or dormer window situation that needs step flashing.

Valley Flashing

Flashing is required on any open area of the roof. Valley flashing will reside in the valley crevasse, ensuring that the joint between the two roofs is securely sealed against leaks. You may choose from various colors and styles to match your shingles.

How to Install Roof Flashing

A metal roof tile designed roofing with a stainless steel flashing on the side

The procedure for installing roof flashing depends on the flashing chosen for a specific job. Although the steps are varied, the fundamentals remain consistent. We'll concentrate on the step and kick-out flashing because they're among the most popular forms of flashing.

Step 1

The roofing underlayment is a substance that serves as an additional layer of protection for your roof. This must be placed beneath your shingles and on top of your underlayment. If you have a shingled roof, this implies you'll need to remove the shingles to install the underlayment and to flash.

Step 2

To install kick-out flashing, you must first secure it to the roof's foundation and both the wall and the bottom of the top. Then you may begin working your way up.

Step 3

Once the underlayment and flashing have been installed, you must install the first shingle to keep it in place. Secure the shingle over the flashing base with nails and roofing cement for a solid seal.

Step 4

After you've glued the first shingle over the flashing, go on to roof shingling or re-shingling. Repeat the previous step for locations that come into touch with the flashing.

Step 5

Once you've reached the roof's peak, you'll need to custom cut the flashing and shingles to ensure they fit correctly. Flashing installation near chimneys, vents, skylights, and other rooftop features that stick out is a must.

The process of installing roof flashing is more challenging than regular roofing. Because it's more complicated, you'll need the services of a professional for the more intricate roof flashing work. You may prevent any harm or required repairs by ensuring that your roof flashing installation goes as smoothly as possible.

Copper flashing on the roof of a house

Roof flashing is a critical element in preventing water damage to your home due to extreme rain or snow. Keeping moisture out of your house and preventing roof leaks will help you keep your home mold-free and avoid costly repairs.

Now you know, how to install roof flashing. Installing flashing over chimneys, vents, plumbing boots, skylights, and other roofing features and structures might get even more difficult. As a result, it is strongly advised that you hire the services of expert contractors.

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