Roofs are designed to protect and make your lives comfortable within a specific structure. You surely know the roof color, the materials used to build it, and the importance of gutters. However, what do you know about roof flashing?
Unbeknownst to many owners, this fixture is a vital part of the home’s shelter. Although it’s hardly noticeable because it sits quietly in the corners and junctions, it still plays a significant role. It directs the water flow away from critical areas of the roof and into the gutters. If not for roof flashing, water will be splashed all over the place!
In this article, we will share more about roof flashing and especially when it needs repair.
The Basics Of Roof Flashing
Roof flashing is generally placed on the edges, junctions, and valleys of the roof. You will see this between roofing and other elements, such as chimneys, vent pipes, and skylight perimeters. As mentioned, its main function is to direct heavy water flow into the gutters to protect the home’s shelter and the external walls that are susceptible to leaks.
It’s a thin material, which is usually made from galvanized steel. Without this fixture in place, water can slowly drip into the crevice between the wall and roof and potentially into the house.
When Roof Flashing Needs Repair
If you are experiencing leaks, there’s a good chance that there’s damage with your roof flashing and needs immediate repair. This is because flashing can deteriorate over time or even rust due to a constant temperature and weather change. When this happens, it won’t effectively do its job, causing the leaks to occur.
The Repair Process
When you suspect roof flashing damage the best thing to do is call a contractor because they will have the right pieces of equipment to examine the roof safely. The process usually begins with the removal of debris from the flashing, gutters, and drains.
The roof flashing may be repaired, but if the corrosion is severe, a replacement may be a more practical choice. Furthermore, repairs for roof flashing vary depending on the extent of the damage. If it only sustains small holes or corroded spots, it can be patched with the same material as the flashing or plugged with cement.
There have been several homeowners who tried to repair the flashing by themselves. However, this isn’t always the best idea because it can result in costly mistakes. If you don’t have experience in flashing repair, you might get into accidents while on the roof due to the lack of safety equipment and protocols.
Keep in mind that roof repairs involve training, and navigating yourself at the top is difficult. There are also specific techniques on how to repair effectively to prevent falling and slipping.
Conclusion
At this point, you now know that roof flashing damages must be addressed immediately. For this reason, if you notice damp water spots on your ceiling, there’s a good chance that there’s something wrong with the flashing. While you’re at it, do not attempt to repair the damage yourself because being up on the roof is risky, especially if you lack proper training.
Be sure to call a reliable local roofing contractor to guarantee quality work. With that, you will be at ease knowing that your flashing will be repaired well to prevent any unnecessary damages in the long run.
Are you looking for high-quality roofing services in Charlotte, NC? Then you have come to the right place! At Charlotte Roofing Specialists LLC, our experts are licensed, qualified, professional, and certified roofers that will ensure satisfactory results. Get in touch with us today to request for a free estimate!