Roof flashing is an incredibly important component of your home’s construction. If it was improperly installed, to begin with, or has already started to deteriorate in some way, you could find yourself facing a host of problems. Water damage is an especially likely issue in the humid, wet regions that comprise much of North Carolina and South Carolina. Don’t worry if you don’t know much about roof flashing. You are not alone!
As a matter of fact, most homeowners are unfamiliar with what flashing truly is and how it actually functions. In the rest of this guide, you’ll find some key questions and answers that will help you better understand roof flashing. By the time you’re done reading, you may have come to the realization that you need to have your flashing replaced or, at the very least, inspected. If you find that this applies to you, we hope you’ll give the Hatch Homes team the opportunity to provide assistance.
What exactly is roof flashing?
Roof flashing is a product that is designed to eliminate the risk of water damage by protecting the areas where roofs meet exterior walls and chimney edges. Flashing, it is worth pointing out, also has a variety of other uses, including underneath siding and behind deck rails that attach to houses.
There are many materials that can be used to make flashing, including galvanized steel, rubber, copper, and PVC; copper is generally the most costly option. As long as flashing is installed correctly, however, any of these materials will do the job effectively, so don’t blow your budget!
What can be done about existing leaks?
If part of the reason you’re concerned about the state of your flashing is that you’ve recently noticed leaks in your home, you are right to be worried. The best thing to do in this case is to schedule a professional inspection. Any Carolina roofing professional should be able to locate leaks and tell you what the best course of action is. The majority of the time, they are likely to tell you that your current flashing needs to be replaced. Or, in rare situations, you may be told you don’t currently have flashing, and it must be installed as quickly as possible.
How can I keep flashing in good condition?
There are several steps you can take to make sure your home’s roof flashing remains in good condition for as long as possible. First, you can periodically check to make sure it is properly attached. Flashing has a tendency to pull away over time, which means it occasionally needs to be screwed or nailed back into place.
You also need to fill any holes that may have developed in older flashing. Even though flashing is meant to be durable, metal styles sometimes corrode. The best way to fill your flashing is to use high-quality roofing cement. If you aren’t sure how to do this, make sure you contact a local roofing contractor to make sure the job is done the first time correctly. The last thing you need is to have to pay to have work redone!
As mentioned earlier in this guide, the team at Hatch Homes looks forward to helping you repair or replace your roof flashing. We know that roofing issues can be daunting, but with our expert crew on your side, you never have to worry about whether or not projects will be completed properly. We take great pride in our work and look forward to working with you soon.