The Positive Functions of Installing Roof Flashing
The Positive Functions of Installing Roof Flashing
The very purpose of your roof is to protect your home from rain, snow and other outdoor occurrences. However, if the structure of your roof is more complex than usual, chances are that the shingles alone won’t be able to provide suitable coverage. In that case, you also need to consider some roof flashing. A concept of roof flashing is covering the joints on your roof with a thin layer of waterproof material, in order to close any gaps that the water would, otherwise, leak through. Now depending on your choice of material and installers, you may have different benefits from this project. Either way, here’s a brief rundown of all that you have to look forward to – the positive functions of installing roof flashing.
1. Types of flashing
Before we even start listing all the benefits of flashing, you need to bear in mind the fact that the outcome of the works might get affected by the materials used in the process. You see, depending on whether you pick copper, lead or aluminium, you will also determine the properties of your roof, as well as the complexity of installation. Not to mention that the price also affects the cost of the project, as well as the visuals of your home. Different metals have different colour and texture, which is why you should consider their correlation with your shingles of choice, before making up your mind.
2. The protection of the roof
The first major benefit of the roof flashing lies in the fact that it’s, by far, the most vulnerable part of your home. Why? Well, your walls, windows and doors are protected by the fact that the majority of weather occurrences (wind, rain, hail and snow), don’t have a tendency to hit them directly. Their direction is more commonly vertical, which means that the roof is in their direct collision course. Other than this, you also have to worry about the ultraviolet radiation, as well as the heat entering/leaving the premises. By doing a proper roof flashing, you’ll be well on your way to provide your home with holistic protection from all these things.
3. More efficient guttering and downspout system
Another thing you need to understand is the fact that this rainwater, melted snow and piled hail might get scattered all across your property unless you have a guttering and downspout system that’s up to the task. This is why some companies like Flash Roof Plumbing also include tasks like gutter replacement and downspout replacement into their offer. This way, you get an efficient closed system that is bound to keep your home safe. Nonetheless, in order for all of these elements to end up in your guttering system, they must be first swept from the roof and kept away from the interior of your home. This is something that your roof’s flashing can help you with.
4. The danger of a leaky roof
Overlapping shingles leave gaps through which the rainwater can seep through. This may result with significant property damage, due to the fact that this leak might harm your hardwood floor, stain your paint and even completely destroy your furniture. The financial ramifications of this occurrence would be catastrophic for your property. This is why it’s definitely in your best interest to ensure that the quality of works done on your roof is on an admirable level.
In conclusion
Finally, whether you need flashing or not, mostly depends on the type of your roof. However, regardless of the complexity of the structure, chances are that there’s at least one pivotal area of your roof that requires this extra protection. It doesn’t have to be a whole joint and you can just want to add an additional layer of protection around the base of your chimney. Every little bit helps.
Featured photo by freepik
