Protecting your home with flashing

After the roof deck has been cleared, reinforced where needed, and sealed to protect it from water, the crew will be hard at work installing your starter, field, and cap shingles. During and after the shingle installation process the roofing contractor should also be installing custom cut metal flashing. These two materials are work to secure your roof and protect your home for decades.

Why is Metal Flashing so Important?

When the crew was preparing to install ventilation in your new roof, they were essentially cutting a large hole in your roof deck. Custom cut metal flashing helps bridge the gap between the roof deck and the object creating the hole, whether it is an exhaust vent, pipe, or skylight.

Where else can flashing help?

Sealing penetrations in the deck isn't the only instance where flashing is useful. There are various areas in your roofing system where flashing can help reinforce already existing components.

Strengthen Valleys

The metal can be used along with water and ice shield in the valleys of the roof. As we have mentioned, roof valleys can experience a ton of water flow. Especially in the spring with melting snow and rain storms. Metal flashing here will go a long way to guard against future leaks.

Drip Edges

Another place where flashing can help with ice and water shield is anywhere the edge meets a gutter. This will also impact the starter shingles used in these areas. Drip edges extend past the edge of the roof, directing any water runoff directly into the gutters. Drip edges keep water away from the foundation and your home's walls.

Chimney Saddles

Metal flashing can also be used to fortify where a chimney meets the roof. The piece of metal will look almost like the base of your chimney has a little roof of its own. This piece of flashing makes sure no water or obstructions collect at the base of your chimney which can create issues down the road.

Finish your roofing project right!

Ask your roofing contractor about their metal flashing options and give serious thought to including custom cut metal flashing to your roofing system.