Many components make up a roof to create a strong and resilient structure that withstands the often harsh environment that it is exposed to. Its main objective is to shelter your home and family through such conditions. One of the key components that makes up your roof is flashing. Here is some important stuff you should know about your roof flashing to ensure it stays in tip-top shape.
What are roof flashings?
Roof flashing is typically made of metal and galvanized steel, and it’s purposely placed on your roof in vulnerable locations to direct water away from the seams and joints of your roof.
Why is roof flashing so important?
Without roof flashings, your roof would most certainly fall victim to water damage at some point or another. If you don’t see to this promptly, and a lot of people don’t because it infiltrates the interior of your roof cavity before making its way to your ceiling, it can cause widespread damage that may see you temporarily displaced and out of pocket thousands of dollars.
1. You can prevent inferior roof flashings from damaging your home
When you are aware of the location of your roof flashings, you can then inspect them regularly to ensure they are in good working order. If you don’t have the proper equipment to do this, you should hire a roof inspector or professional to take care of it for you. They know exactly what to keep an eye out for and what course of action will be needed to remedy any issues if any. Ideally, you should have your roof inspected twice a year or after a severe weather event. Considering your roof protects the entirety of your home and what’s inside it, it’s something that shouldn’t be overlooked or left neglected for too long. Most often your flashings will be positioned between your roof and other fittings, including skylights, chimneys, valleys, dormers, and vent pipes. They can fill up with twigs, leaf litter and other organic matter over time too. So by having them routinely inspected, you can ensure that they aren’t filling up with unwanted rubbish. If you do decide to tackle the task yourself, make sure you have all the correct equipment to do this safely. Falling from a height can have disastrous consequences and is simply not worth the risk.
2. You should keep an eye out for signs of roof flashing damage
There are some signs that your flashings may not be up to par however, if you are not looking for them, they may go unnoticed for quite some time. Mould and rot along with water stains are some of the more obvious ones. It’s no secret that these things can be detrimental to you and your families health, and once they have set up home at your place, they spread at an astonishing rate and can be very difficult to remove without extensively replacing the affected areas. This excess moisture can compromise the structural integrity of your home by weakening key fixtures. Discolouration, high moisture readings and a musty smell are also other signs that you may have a water problem happening at your place.
3. Numerous factors can cause roof flashing problems
Many things can cause your flashing to fail, below are some of the more common ones:
Faulty repair work
If you have a problem with your roof and you hire someone to come out and repair it and they accidentally damage it or don’t use the correct products to make the repairs, this can lead to roof flashing problems.
Severe weather events
Severe weather events can damage your flashings, they can come loose, warp or sustain a hole.
Old age
Unfortunately, roof flashing will age, and they will need replacing or repairs at one point or another. Rust is one of the main culprits and general problems such as pulling away from the roofing. The good news is that once brand new roof flashings are installed, they should last 20 years or more before they start showing significant signs of wear from old age.
Shrinkage
Roof shrinkage sometimes happens if the roofing products weren’t up to standard or the application was faulty, as it does this, it pulls away at the flashing causing tears and cracks which can allow water into the home.
Flashing has been installed in the incorrect location or not at all
If you get a roof replacement or a partial roof replacement, the flashing needs to be replaced too. Make sure you only hire an experienced roofing professional for all your roofing needs. This will ensure you get a high-quality finish that’s going to last. It is also important to keep up to date with your roof cleaning so contact your local gold coast roof cleaner today!
At the end of the day, the main way you can prevent major issues from water damage due to roof flashing that isn’t up to standard is by getting regular roof inspections done. Professional gutter companies such as ours here at Global Vac Gutter Cleaning are highly skilled at investigating rooves and their contraptions and will be able to detect the smallest of defects. If you do attempt to inspect your roof flashings yourself you risk potential injury if you don’t have the right equipment, and issues may go unnoticed if you don’t know what you are looking for. Contact our professional team today!
