There are many different types of roof flashing that serve a variety of purposes. These include waterproofing roof edges, where roofs change slope, and around roof features such as chimneys, vent pipes, and skylights.
There are also different kinds of materials used for flashings, ranging from sheet metal to bituminous-coated fabrics and plastics. The type of material chosen depends on the location and the application.
Apron Flashing
Roof flashing is a crucial part of a roofing system, especially when it comes to preventing leaks and protecting the interior of your home. It’s made up of thin pieces of metal that are designed to direct water away from critical areas. Without it, your home could easily be flooded with water that can cause significant damage to the interior and exterior. Berkeley roofers almost always never forget to include this in their roofing services.
Apron flashing is one of the most common types of roof flashing. It’s used around walls and penetrations, usually in the base of a chimney or at the base of a dormer. Generally, it is shaped like an L and can be up to 14 feet long.
Step flashing is another type of apron flashing. It takes the form of a rectangular piece that is bent in the middle. It’s used in places where shingles are installed directly up against the wall and the side of the house. The goal is to insert a piece of flashing under each shingle as a layer to ensure that water flows away from the wall.
Continuous flashing is similar to apron flashing, but it acts differently. Instead of being a single, long piece of flashing that carries water down to the shingles underneath, it is more like an apron and has built-in expansion joints. This allows it to flex with the home as it expands and contracts in the different seasons.
Valley flashing is also a common type of roof flashing. It’s used in any open valleys on a roof (where two differently sloped sections of the roof meet). These areas are crucial when it comes to directing rain water correctly. This helps to prevent debris from building up and causing damage to the building.
Drip edges are thin, metal flashings that are placed at the roof’s edge to help guide water away from the fascia and gutters. They prevent water from leaking through the fascia and into your home.
Vent pipe flashing is another type of roof flashing that’s used to seal ventilation pipes and other protrusions in the roofing system. This is a good option for houses that have a chimney or other penetrations as it aids in draught exclusion and helps to avoid leaks.
Valley Flashing
Depending on where your roof slopes meet a wall, there are different types of flashing that you need to install. All of these areas need to be protected from water entering the home, which can lead to rot and leaks.
Valley Flashing
This type of flashing is installed around the lowest point where two roof slopes meet. This area is the most common place for shingles to erode and cause leaks, so it’s important to make sure it’s protected properly.
Valley flashing can be made from many different materials, but copper is one of the best choices. It’s durable, eye-catching, and doesn’t tend to rust as easily as other types of metal flashing.
It can also last for a long time, even with a lot of exposure to the elements. It’s a good choice for homeowners who want to protect their homes and prevent costly water damage.
The material is usually made from copper, but it can also be made from aluminum and steel. It’s a relatively inexpensive flashing material, but it needs to be covered with a protective finish to prevent corrosion or damage from the elements.
When choosing the right material for your flashing, look for a high gauge. A higher gauge means a better quality product.
Most roof flashing is designed to direct water away from the underlying roofing material. It should be able to withstand a heavy amount of rain, and it should be sized correctly for your particular roof.
If you’re installing a new roof, you may need to replace all of the flashing. It’s also a good idea to inspect it once or twice a year to ensure that it’s in good condition.
Using chalk lines can help you line up the shingles and make sure they’re straight. Snap a couple of chalk lines parallel to the valley and down its entire length, and then slope them outward at a quarter inch every 12 inches (300 mm).
There are several different kinds of valley flashing, and they all have different purposes. Some are shaped like “Ws,” which form a barrier that slows down water as it crosses the edge of the flashing. Others are curved, like a stair step.
Skylight Flashing
Skylight flashing is a critical part of skylight installation. It protects the skylight from water leaks and keeps moisture limited to the roof. It also extends the lifespan of the skylight. VELUX offers a number of flashing systems that shed water without relying on sealants that can break down over time.
There are many different types of roof flashing, so it’s important to understand the basics of each one. Here’s a quick look at the most common flashing types:
Apron Flashing
This type of flashing acts a lot like an apron and keeps water off the roof. It’s usually made from long pieces of metal with built-in expansion joints so that they can flex with the house as it expands and contracts in the changing weather.
To install an apron, run it along the lower edge of your skylight and overlap shingles beneath it. Attach it to the curb–not the roof–with one screw or nail at each corner. Next, cover it with a strip of building paper or self-adhering membrane.
Another type of flashing is continuous flashing, or apron flashing. This is a long piece of metal that carries water down to the shingles below it. It can be difficult to bend without breaking or warping, so many long pieces feature built-in expansion joints.
Before installing any flashing, be sure to use tinning snips to cut it to the right size. If you’re unsure about the correct size, ask your roofing professional for help.
Depending on the material of your roof, there are different kinds of skylight flashing. For example, shingle roofs require deck mounted flashing while metal roofs often have curb mounted flashing.
The most important thing to remember when using skylight flashing is to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and use a high-quality roofing adhesive. If you use an incorrect adhesive, you’ll end up with a weaker flashing that will fail to keep water out.
If you’re in need of a quality skylight flashing kit, Riverside offers custom fabricated kits that fit your particular skylight perfectly. They’re designed to shed water without relying on sealants, and they offer a variety of flashing options to meet the needs of virtually any roof.
Chimney Flashing
Chimney flashing is a crucial component of your chimney and roof system. It prevents water from pooling behind the masonry of your chimney and the shingles on your roof. If you don’t replace or repair your chimney flashing on time, the water can erode the mortar of your chimney and cause serious structural problems to your roof.
There are three basic types of chimney flashing: step flashing, base flashing, and counter flashing (or cap flashing). Each type functions differently to protect your chimney from water damage.
Step Flashing: This is an L-shaped piece of metal that sits under the shingles and along your chimney’s brick. Contractors embed this flashing into a groove cut in the brickwork of your chimney.
This type of flashing is a good option for many homes because it can be installed without removing the shingle siding from your roof. It also requires little maintenance once it is installed.
If you’re unsure of the type of chimney flashing your home needs, it may be best to call a roofing professional. They can assess the damage and recommend a suitable type of flashing for your home.
Once the flashing is inserted into your chimney, it is covered with a thick layer of caulk to create a strong waterproof seal. This is the most important aspect of your chimney flashing because it protects your roof from water intrusion and prevents moisture from forming inside your chimney and causing extensive drywall damage.
Aside from protecting your home, a properly installed chimney flashing can also save you money in the long run by preventing costly roof repair bills in the future. It will also keep your home’s drywall and insulation from becoming damaged.
To install your own chimney flashing, you’ll need a ladder, a safety harness, and a few other tools. You’ll also need to purchase the necessary parts from a local roofing supply shop.
Start by cutting a piece of cap flashing 8 inches longer than your chimney. Use a saw to make 1-inch-deep grooves in the mortar joints that will accept the L-shaped cap flashing.