Why Roof Repairs Related To Flashing

At some point in your life you’ve probably heard the term ‘roof flashing’ but perhaps never associated it with having to get a roof repair or maybe even an entire roof replacement.  Flashings, although not a common discussion topic, are very important to understand as a homeowner or business owner.

Flashings function is to make sure that water does not seep into areas of roof sections as well as other parts of the structure.  They should be designed and installed to last the entire life of the roof until a roof replacement is necessary.  Unfortunately, if this is done incorrectly or the improper materials are used, you might have a roof repair on your hands very quickly.  The importance of not having a flashing failure cannot be overemphasized.

Sometimes when there is a flashing failure all you’ll need is a roof repair to put new flashings in place.  Your roof then, hopefully, will be watertight and last for years.  But if there are no problems with the flashings then it might be a bigger issue.  There might be open joints which are permitting water to get under the flashings and into the home or building.  Allowing situations like this could easily cause you to need a roof replacement.

There are common causes for having flashing problems and makes you in need of roof repairs.  They are: needing more flashing, improper height of flashing, not enough protective coating to withstand weather, insufficient sealing, not enough adhesion which allows flashing to separate, loose insulation and lastly, improper fastening and installation.   If any of those situations are not repaired, you could very well need a roof replacement soon.

Many times problems arise and you need a roof repair when the flashings are not installed correctly and there are cracks and open joints between metal pieces.  Also, if the counter flashings are too high above the base flashing and/or if there is lack of loss of the coating which is used as a protectant for your roof, this can cause your to need roof repairs as well.

Generally speaking, roof flashing that is correct and installed properly is of the utmost importance to try and alleviate future roof repairs as well as possible roof replacement.  Making sure that you hire a professional that knows how to install roofing and that is his only business will help insure that you won’t have unnecessary