Info Last Updated February 2, 2025 @ 3:33 pm
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Last Updated February 2, 2025 @ 3:33 pm
SHIELDO WATERPROOFING COMPANY

Roof Flashing & Ridge Repair

Your roof is made up of various components that work together to keep leaks out of your house. To stop these leaks, your roof's flashing is essential, even though every component matters.

What is Roof Flashing

A thin layer of material called roof flashing is put in place to divert water away from places where your shingles butt against objects like walls, chimneys, valleys, etc. It's one of the most important roofing parts that every roof needs in order to prevent leaks in high-risk locations.

A thin sheet of metal that resists corrosion and is bent to fit into a junction is called flashing. Flashing on roofs helps divert water away from weak spots. Typically, it is constructed with membrane or galvanised steel to stop water seepage. It is laid between the underlayment and the shingles on shingle roofs. It is typically put over panels on metal roofs.

Why Is Roof Flashing Important?

In areas where roof leaks are likely to happen, flashing is put. Roof valleys are formed by the meeting of two descending slopes. Anywhere a feature like a chimney, plumbing vent, or skylight is present on a roof, its seams should likewise be covered with flashing.

The sole function of flashing is to stop water leaks and the subsequent water damage they cause. Water that seeps under roof shingles or other roofing components can lead to pest infestation, rot, mould, and mildew. While sealant works well for minor gaps, flashing covers a larger portion of the roof's surface with waterproofing. It is also reasonably easy to install and reasonably priced.

Parts of A Roof

Depending on the particular kind of roof construction, the components of a roof might vary, however the following phrases are frequently used:

Ridge: The highest point on the roof, formed by the intersection of two slopes.

Rafters: The slanted beams that extend from the ridge to the eaves and support the roof.

Eaves: The lower roof edges that protrude past a building's walls.

Triangle frames known as trusses support the roof.

Flashing: Tiny metal sheets or strips that are used at roof seams or intersections to stop water leaks.

Underlayment: An additional layer of material laid beneath the exterior roofing material to prevent water infiltration. Examples of this material are roofing felt and synthetic membrane.

A vertical board called a fascia is used to cover the ends of the rafters at the eaves.

Soffit: The underside of the eaves, which is frequently opened to let air flow through the roof.

Different Types of Roof Flashing

These are the flashing kinds that are most likely to be encountered in a roofing project.

Apron or Continuous Flashing

Continuous flashing, sometimes referred to as apron flashing, involves a single piece of metal running the whole length of the junction that needs to be waterproofed. It's frequently utilised where protrusions, such as dormers, meet the roof's surface. The advantage of using a single metal strip is that there are no joints or overlaps that could leak. But since a single piece of metal cannot expand or contract in response to changes in the outside temperature, it may eventually crack or distort.

Step Flashing

Step flashing solves this problem by lining a joint with multiple pieces of flashing that overlap like fish scales. This flashing consists of rectangles of sheet metal bent into an L-shape. The base of each L is nailed to the roof, and the top is secured to the vertical wall of the dormer, chimney, or other protrusion.

Base and Counter Flashing

Together, these two flashing kinds form a set that is employed to safeguard structural elements that are difficult to waterproof, such chimneys.

Usually forming a continuous L-shape, the base flashing is fastened to the roof; however, its upper edge is not fastened to the roof penetration against which it rests. The flashing pieces overlap but are not fastened to one another because the counter flashing piece is fastened to the penetration rather than the roof.

On a roof, flashing that is visible is typically counter-flashing. Base and counter flashing systems enable additional expansion and contraction without causing damage, which is particularly crucial in regions like chimneys that are challenging to waterproof.

Drip Edge Flashing

To stop rain from trickling down the fascia boards and into the soffits, different flashing shapes are fixed at the edge of the roof. Like other flashing varieties, the simplest is an L-shape. But there is also drip-edge flashing in the form of Ts and Fs, which is a little more costly but can help direct water into gutters more successfully.

Valley Flashing

Water flowing into the places where two roof slopes meet is channelled into a V-shaped channel by this form of flashing. This location needs particular protection because it receives a lot of rainfall. In open valleys, valley flashing can be left exposed or covered with shingles. Additionally, it might consist of multiple overlapping sections, like step flashing, or a single continuous flashing piece.

Pipe Flashing

Pipe flashing is similar to a single-piece collar that surrounds the diameter of a pipe. In contrast to other forms of roof flashing, it is occasionally composed of silicone or rubber rather than metal to facilitate expansion and contraction.

Wall Flashing

To add additional waterproofing, wall flashing is usually installed around the roof-to-outside wall intersection.

What Is Ridge Capping & How Do You Fix It?

Maintaining the best possible condition for your roof should be a top priority if you own a property. We tend to overlook the significance of ridge capping while talking a lot about other parts of the roof. Please write a thorough article to tell us more about the same.

Ridge capping: What Is It?

The triangular-shaped tiles used to seal the joints where the roof's two sides meet are known as ridge capping. You may use ridge capping on any kind of roof, although it works best on roofs with sloping surfaces. For hundreds of years, homemakers have relied on ridge capping, which is often regarded as a crucial component of the roof structure.

Installing ridge caps is a simple procedure because they are frequently secured in place with bedding, or cement. To give the roof a beautiful and aesthetically pleasing finish, tiles that match the colour of the roof are utilised once they are installed. In order to keep the capping in place and improve the aesthetics of the roof, a flexible mortar made of rubber is now put over the cement.

What Makes Ridge Capping Vital?

There are numerous benefits to ridge capping. Nonetheless, the following list includes a few of the most popular ones:

Rainwater can harm the entire roof structure if it penetrates a roof's lower layers. Ridge capping stops this from happening.

Additionally, ridge capping prevents debris from filling the lower levels, which could clog the gutter and cause leaks.

They also make sure that the roof's structural integrity is maintained. Because they are utilised at the joints, the construction is kept level and uniform.

Ridge capping is regarded as the roof's structural support system. The entire thing might collapse if they are incorrect.

This demonstrates the necessity of ridge capping for all homeowners in order to guarantee the long and secure life of their property and roof.

How Can Ridge Capping Be Replaced?

They are more vulnerable to damage than the other portions because the ridge capping covers the point of the roof, which is where the two angels converge. As was covered in the previous section, ridge capping carries out a number of crucial tasks. In addition, they are more vulnerable to deterioration than the other roof components since they are bent over the roof. Therefore, it is crucial that homeowners maintain their ridge capping properly. The good news is that replacing them is a simple process that requires just three steps. Go over them in detail.

To fit the curve of the roof, first cut and bend the tiles.

After positioning it correctly, hammer the tile into place with nails. For added security, use mortar and cement to hold them in place. M-seal can also be used to stop snowmelt and precipitation from getting into the lower levels.

Prior to applying a second top layer, let the cement entirely dry. Paint it on top to give it a gloss.

Hiring a reputable roof maintenance firm to do ridge capping repairs is always preferable. It is usually preferable to hire professionals to complete the task because working on the roof is dangerous and there is a great possibility of accident. They can complete the task perfectly because they have the appropriate tools and equipment.

You can prevent damage and maintain the integrity of the ridge capping by inspecting it once a year. Now that you are aware of how crucial ridge capping is, you should take care of them to extend the lifespan of your roof.


Professional vs. DIY Roof Flashing

Even though flashing is simple to install, replacing a roof involves more steps than just flashing. The roofing system of a house is a complicated component, and doing the flashing installation wrong can cause water damage and limit the roof's lifespan. For this reason, we highly advise having flashing installed or repaired by a professional roofing contractor. Flashing will be included in the price of shingle roofs, saving homeowners from having to install it themselves.

Signs You Need Roof Flashing Replacement

These are some indicators that the flashing on your roof needs to be replaced or repaired.

โ€ข Visible flashing has rust spots or cracks in it.

โ€ข The flashing on your older home is composed of roof cement or tar rather than metal.

โ€ข You observe leaks in the area surrounding chimneys, roof valleys, or other roof penetrations.

โ€ข The roof has extensive deterioration, such as decay or drooping.

โ€ข The age of your asphalt shingle roof exceeds 20 to 25 years. The entire roof system could then need to be replaced.

Roof Flashing Works (Before)

Roof Flashing Works Reference #1

Roof Flashing Works Reference #2

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