How Do You Repair A Roof Leak Caused By Flashing?

Many homeowners assume that roof leaks can be caused by damaged shingles. They are often correct in many cases. Roof leaks are usually caused by damaged or missing shingles. Flashing is an important component of your roof that can lead to leaks if it starts deteriorating. Flashing can often go unnoticed until it causes problems to your roof. It is possible to learn the basics of flashing and identify problems sooner.

What is Flashing?

Flashing is a thin, flexible sheet of material that is placed on top of seams and crevices within your roof. Flashing is mostly made of metals like aluminum or stainless steel. Flashing is used often in:

• You will find valleys where the two sections of your roof meet.
• The perimeter of skylights, vents, or chimneys
• The roof’s edge
• Where the roof meets a wall

There are many types of flashing roofers that you can choose from. They will choose the right type for the job. Base flashing is one common type. Base flashing is made up of two sheets that can be moved over each other as the roof expands or contracts. It is used to cover chimneys and other protrusions. Drip edge is another common type of flashing. This is a thin, long, metal flashing that is placed around the edge of a roof.

How does flashing protect your roof and home?

There are two ways flashing protects your roof. It blocks cracks and crevices, so water can’t seep in. It prevents water from entering these cracks and freezing in winter, which can lead to roof damage.

Sometimes, flashing can be placed at an angle so that water flows towards the gutters. It helps water drain faster from the roof, which minimizes water damage.

Flashing also allows for the joints and crevices beneath it to contract and expand with the weather. Roofers ensure flashing is attached in a way that permits for this movement.

What can be done to flashing?

Exposure to the elements and weather can cause flashing to become damaged. It can even become weaker from ordinary UV light. This natural wear and tear can cause flashing to develop rust spots or even corrosion. The corroded areas could eventually develop holes.

Flashing can also cause damage during a storm. Flashing can also be damaged by hail, hail or severe winds.

Shrinkage of the roof membrane is another possible cause of flashing damages. The flashing can buckle or detach if the roof membrane underneath it contracts or expands.

What are the signs of possible flashing damage?

If your roof leaks but you don’t see any damage shingles, it is likely that your flashing is the problem. Lifted shingles around flashing are another sign of flashing damage. The flashing may be failing to do its job properly and allowing water to seep through.

If your flashing is rusted or corroded, bent or detached from the roof these are all signs of damage.

What happens if you don’t repair damaged flashing?

You will soon have roof leaks if you don’t repair the damaged flashing. Water may seep into your attic. It may be a small amount, but enough to cause mold growth.

Water can seep under the shingles and get into the wood roof deck from damaged flashing. The roof deck can become weaker and deteriorate over time, eventually leading to a buckled roof. Roof deck damage can be costly and time-consuming to fix. It is much easier to replace damaged flashing sooner than later.

What can contractors do to repair damaged flashing?

Most flashing that is damaged should be removed and replaced. Most flashing is located under your roof shingles. Your roofing contractor in chester will have to take off some roof shingles and replace flashing. Then, shingles can be put back in their place. It is not a good idea to add a new layer of flashing on top of an existing layer. The two layers could become more damaged if water gets caught between them.

Flashing repairs should be done only by certified roofing contractors. A roofer can tell if there are additional water damage that needs to be addressed. A roofer has the skills and tools to remove the shingles and expose the flashing that is damaged and then replace it. To be effective, flashing must be correctly installed.