4 Flashing Mistakes That Should Be Avoided

Flashing is the strips of sheet metal installed over breaks on the roofing plane, such as valleys, joints and where the roof meets a wall, chimney, or protrusion. Proper installation and repair processes should be observed by your roofing contractor if it’s expected to protect these weak spots from leaks. In this blog, Home Pro Exteriors lists the flashing installation and repair mistakes that should be avoided.

1. Taking the DIY Route — There are certain home improvements and repairs that must be left to professionals. Flashing installation and repair is one of them and for several good reasons. One reason is safety: in addition to the inherent danger of climbing the roof, you’ll also need to make precision cuts to sheet metal. You’re risking deep cuts on your hands by handling sheet metal yourself. Another reason –installing flashing yourself may qualify as an unauthorized modification, which can potentially void your warranty coverage.

2. Neglecting Repair or Maintenance — If you already have a maintenance agreement with your roof replacement contractor, make sure it is not delayed. Neglecting repairs, scheduled or otherwise, can lead to bigger problems down the line. Since the roof is exposed to constant wear and tear, even the smallest problem can develop into a bigger one over time.

3. Wrong Flashing Size — This is a common problem with the flashing installed in roofing valleys. The flashing needs to be wide enough to make sure that even under heavy load, rainwater will not reach the underlayment. Flashing width is determined by factors such as the roofing system type and the roof slope. An inexperienced roof is more likely to install inadequate flashing, which can then lead to moisture intrusion in the roof.

4. Forgetting the Drip Edge — The drip edge is flashing installed at the roof’s edge. The profile is shaped like an inverted letter “L,” and prevents rainwater from seeping into the roof deck through capillary action, instead of going straight into the gutters. Inexperienced contractors and DIYers forget to install this small but crucial part. Fortunately, when you hire contractors like Home Pro Exteriors, you won’t have to worry about these flashing mistakes.

Home Pro Exteriors is your leading provider of roofing and window replacement services. Give us a call at (845) 747-0035 or fill out our contact form. We serve customers in Newburgh, NY, and surrounding areas.