Many people think of the roof as one big piece of a house. It’s a complex system with as many as 24 parts. All these parts have to be in good working condition. This is to ensure the home is always protected against the elements. It’s also the best way to keep the interior temperature at a comfortable level.
Roof shingles get the most attention. They’re the most recognizable part of the roof since it’s what people see. The roof flashing is another critical element. It’s also one that’s often overlooked.
Breaking Down Roof Flashing
Roof flashing is a thin sheet of moisture-resistant metal. It links various parts of the roof. Flashing is also used to prevent leaks from getting through vulnerable areas. For example, they’re installed around the chimney or vents. They’re also used to protect drainage pipes.
Roof flashings direct water away from places where shingles intersect against something. For example, a wall or vent. The flashing position extends underneath the shingles and different parts of the roof. This ensures that there’s no water seepage even if there’s damage to the upper layers. Flashings are often made from aluminum and stainless steel. That’s because they’re resistant to corrosion and are cheaper. It can mean fewer roofing repair jobs.
How to Do a Roof Flashing Repair
A roof flashing system is very durable but heavy winds and severe conditions can still damage it. It’s also hard to discern if your home has a flashing issue. You can look for rust in the flashing or gutters. Curling shingles and water damage in the attic are also signs to watch out for. It could mean the flashing needs replacement. But you need a roof repair expert to determine if there’s a problem. The good news is it’s easy to do a roof flashing repair. Here’s what roof repair experts will do.
- Take Off Shingles Around the Flashing
A roofing expert will have a hard time accessing the flashing with shingles around it. That’s why they will first remove the shingles. This can be a delicate job as it’s easy to damage them. That’s why it’s best that a professional handle this job.
- Deal with Minor Repairs
A common problem with roof flashing is some minor corrosion. This often happens with constant dripping water. It causes small holes to form in the metal due to corrosion. Roof repair contractors fix this by putting a small amount of roofing cement in the hole. It’s enough to plug the hole.
A larger hole or more corrosion needs more work. The roofer will start by sanding away the corroded area. They’ll use either a sandpaper or wire brush for this. This is to make it easier for a patch to adhere to the metal. The patch is often a small piece of the flashing. It’s placed over the hole. A roofing cement is then added to secure it. The roofer will then cover the patch with more roofing cement. This is to seal the patch and ensure waterproofing.
- Replace the Flashing
Roofers will replace the roof flashing that’s rusted. The first thing they’ll do is to remove the caulk or roofing mortar. It’s a challenging job that requires skill and experience. Any mistake can cause roof damage. An experienced roofer will be extra careful when they chip away at the caulking. They can take the flashing off once they have removed the roofing mortar.
A roofing repair contractor can then install new flashing. They’ll nail down the metal to ensure the flashing is secure. They will then seal every edge to make certain it’s waterproof. They’ll also place roofing cement over nails to prevent leaks. They will place the shingles back once the roof flashing is already in place.
One Last Thing
Roof repair and replacement are best left to the professionals. We at A Affordable Roofing can do the job anytime. We’re the premier roof repair contractors in the Lone Star state. Our company provides smart solutions to different roofing problems. We use the latest technology and high-quality materials. We’re a Master Elite contractor for asphalt shingles. We even offer a lifetime warranty on our shingle projects. We specialize in commercial roofing jobs. We offer roof repair and replacement services. We also do roof inspections. You can reach us here or at 832-299-3024. Call us and get a free estimate.
