What is Roof Flashing & How Does it Protect Your Home?
Many homeowners we talk to are confused and ask, "What is roof flashing?" and "Do they need it for their Las Vegas home?" After all, it rains less than 30 days a year, and total annual rainfall measures only slightly more than four inches. However, there’s no overstating the importance of roof flashing, even in Las Vegas!
While Las Vegas is lucky to enjoy so many days of sunshine, the truth is that even the smallest amount of rain can cause roofing and other structural damage. Installing roof flashing protects your entire home from leaks and water damage and also helps extend the roof’s lifespan. With over 20 years of industry experience, First Quality Roofing & Insulation can inspect, install, or replace roof flashing that ensures your home stays safe and dry.
What is Roof Flashing?
Roof flashing is an essential component of all roofing systems. Typically made of corrosion-resistant aluminum, galvanized steel, copper, or PVC, it can be custom fit to your home’s roof to prevent water seepage into critical areas like chimneys and vents. Flashing works by redirecting water flow away from critical roof areas and sealing off openings where water can seep in.
To ensure a proper fit, roof flashing should be installed by a roofing specialist who understands its intricacies and mechanics. It should also be routinely inspected and regularly repaired to prevent potential structural damage.
What Happens if I Don’t Install Roof Flashing?
If you don’t install roof flashing or if your flashing fails, water can make its way inside your home, causing water damage to:
- Ceilings
- Drywall
- Insulation
- Flooring
- Support beams
Neglecting to install, maintain, and repair roof flashing can lead to expensive repairs. During flashing inspections, a roofing specialist checks for corrosion, damage, or improper installation and ensures all vulnerable areas are adequately sealed.
Where to Install Roof Flashing
Flashing is used near roof joints or penetrations. Common installation areas for roof flashing include:
- Chimneys. One of the most substantial penetrations in your home’s roof, a chimney typically requires three types of flashing. “Step flashing” is used on the chimney’s sides perpendicular to the roof’s slope; an “apron” or large piece of sheet metal is installed flat against the roof; and a “cricket” is installed above the chimney, preventing water from pooling at the chimney’s upper edge.
- Valleys. Any areas where two slopes of a roof meet are called valleys. Roof flashing prevents gushing streams of water from gathering at valleys. Valley flashing is usually custom-made long pieces of sheet metal shaped to fit into each valley. Roofing shingles overlap the flashing edges for a tight seal.
- Skylights and dormers. Skylights must be tightly sealed to prevent water seepage. A continuous piece of sheet metal on each side of the skylight is usually installed to achieve complete protection. Rubber gaskets are sometimes placed beneath the flashing as part of the skylight assembly. Dormers are roof joints that don’t form a valley. However, like with valleys, roofing contractors use a length of sheet metal to seal the seam between dormer walls and the roof.
Schedule Roof Flashing Services for Your Las Vegas Home Today
Want to learn more about what roof flashing is and how it can protect your Las Vegas home against water seepage and damage? Need roof flashing installation, inspection, or repair services? Contact First Quality Roofing online or call 702.262.7847 to get further information or schedule services.
