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Roof flashing plays a pivotal role in ensuring the longevity and durability of your roofing system. It's the unsung hero that prevents water penetration, safeguarding your home from potential water damage. Let's delve into the intricacies of roof flashing and understand its significance.
What Exactly is Roof Flashing?
Roof flashing is a specialized material designed to seal the intersections between roofing materials and any adjoining structures or protrusions. Whether you have shingles, slate, or cedar shakes, flashing ensures that these joints remain watertight.
Typically, for sloped roofs, materials like aluminum, steel, and copper are the go-to choices for flashing. However, for flat roofs that employ a membrane system, such as rubber (EPDM), a flexible EPDM flashing tape is used.
Historically, not all roofs had flashing installed. Some older homes might either have improperly installed flashing or lack it altogether. But in today's roofing standards, flashing is indispensable.
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Key Areas Where Flashing is Essential
Flashing is strategically placed in areas most susceptible to leaks. These include:
- Walls: Where shingles or other roofing materials meet the walls.
- Chimneys: A common area where water can seep in if not properly sealed.
- Open Valleys: The points where two roof slopes meet.
- Pipe Boots: Surrounding areas where pipes penetrate the roof.
- Other Protrusions: Any other objects or structures that intersect with the roof.
When Should You Consider Replacing Your Flashing?
It's a misconception that flashing needs replacement every time you change your shingles. The key is a thorough inspection. At Equity Roofing, we emphasize the importance of assessing the current state of your flashing. If it's made of aluminum, which doesn't corrode, it can often be reused. However, certain areas demand attention:
- Skylights: While we advocate for replacing the entire skylight along with the roof, the flashing around it is non-negotiable.
- Pipes: Standard pipe flashing tends to wear out in about 20 years. It's crucial to replace them in tandem with the roof.
- Chimneys & Valleys: These are vital areas where flashing should always be replaced to ensure the roof remains watertight.
Identifying the Need for New Flashing
Stay vigilant for signs that indicate your flashing is aging:
- Presence of rust.
- Visible holes or indentations.
- Adjacent shingles appearing lifted or out of place.
Why Choose Equity Roofing?
At Equity Roofing, we pride ourselves on delivering top-notch Central PA roofing services. Our team of Central Pennsylvania roofing contractors is dedicated to ensuring that every roof we work on is sealed, secure, and built to last. When you're looking for reliable roofers in Central Pennsylvania, look no further than Equity Roofing.
In Conclusion
Roof flashing is more than just a supplementary component; it's a critical element that ensures the overall health of your roofing system. By understanding its function and ensuring it's in prime condition, you're not only safeguarding your home but also making a wise investment in its longevity
Read also our blog on Protecting Your Roof from Storm Damage.