Flashing Mistakes That Contribute to Roofing Failure

Flashings are a roof’s unsung heroes. While they’re not as flashy—pun intended—as other components of the roof, such as the shingles, they are just as important. And in some cases, it might be argued that they’re even more important, as roof repair specialists can attest.

The near-invisibility of flashings, however, is also its weaknesses. Most homeowners are unaware of what flashings do and why they’re important, which leads them to haphazard application. In today’s post, Home Pro Exteriors, Inc. shares a few flashing mistakes that contribute to premature roof deterioration.

Improper Installation

The most common mistake is a misapplication of the flashing. As they’re sheets of waterproof material, such as steel or plastic, that cover water-prone areas (like valleys or where panels of roofs meet together), a simple mistake here can spell big trouble. For example, a piece of flashing that doesn’t cover the area can invite leaks, so it’s a good idea to find a roof replacement contractor that knows what they’re doing.

Inferior Materials

No amount of skill can be a substitute for the appropriate material, to begin with. If the piece of flashing corrodes easily, can flake off after a gust of wind, or doesn’t adhere to the rest of the roof, you might as well not install flashing at all. Look at the contractor’s website or talk to them to see if they’re using roofing materials that are up to par.

Neglecting Maintenance

Finally, one thing that flashing shares with a roof is that they need maintenance—and flashings even more so! A piece of flashing bears the brunt of the elements more than the rest of the roof, so it’s an excellent practice to check it every now and then. And when you spot a problem, at least you can perform triage on your flashing before it becomes a full-blown headache.

At Home Pro Exteriors, Inc., we not only repair and replace roofs; we’re a licensed deck builder as well. To start your free consultation, contact us today at (845) 343-1777 or fill out our contact form. We serve Warwick, NY and neighboring areas.

Jim Klein