At MLM Home Improvement, we take pride in providing our customers with the honest and professional service. During the process of working with us, our project consultants inform and educate you every step of the way.
If you aren’t a roofing professional and have never gone through the process of replacing or repairing your roof, you may not be privy to all of the jargon. An important term to know is roof flashing. Roof flashing is a necessary component roofing material that every roof needs, yet many people don’t know what it is or the purpose it serves.
What Is Roof Flashing?
Flashing is a flat, thin material that is installed underneath the shingles of your roof to prevent water from entering certain areas. These areas are typically weakened sections of your roof where a leak could easily form. Flashing can be made from a number of materials including copper, aluminum, stainless steel and galvanized steel.
Areas Roof Flashing is Installed
Flashing is used to direct water away from weakened areas of your roof, these consist of vulnerable sections where water could easily enter. So, where would flashing typically be installed?
Flashing is installed wherever the contiguity of your roof is broken and any exterior joint where water should drain. This includes:
- Chimney
- Roof Valleys (low points where two roof slopes join)
- Walls (roof surface that joins the wall)
- Roof Protrusions (vents, skylights)
- Roof Edges (eaves and rakes)
Do You Need To Replace Roof Flashing When Getting A Roof Replacement?
The answer to this is different from case to case and depends on the condition of your old flashing. Your flashing is something that is always checked during your free roof inspection with MLM. They’ll look to make sure the integrity of the metal is strong and that there is no rusting. If all is well with your flashing material, then it will not be replaced during your replacement.
The two situations where your flashing will be replaced are 1. If it is damaged or rusted and 2. If you are upgrading from a 3-tab shingles to architectural shingles.
Importance of Inspections
Something to remember about flashing is that, regardless of the metal, it should outlive the original roof it was installed on. Because it outlives the roof, it’s important to have it expected at least annually. Flashing is put in place to protect the vulnerable areas of the roof, which means if it’s been damaged and is failing, it will lead to severe damage. When it comes to home maintenance, being proactive is always a lot cheaper than being reactive- and in MLM’s case, prevention is free.
Let MLM Serve You
MLM’s trained roofing professionals here to help you! Call us today at 844-MLM-ROOF to schedule your free, no obligation roofing inspection.
