April showers call for roof flashing.
April is officially here. And with it, come the cliches about April showers. Of course, April showers call for roof flashing. In this blog we’ll take you through what roof flashing is and how it is used. Read on to learn more about this vital defense for your roof against rain and other kinds of bad weather and worse precipitation.
Just What Is Roof Flashing?
Just what is roof flashing? What does it do? It keeps water from penetrating into weak spots or other openings in your roof and entering your home. Water runoff is diverted from the roof and into your gutters instead. You can find flashing made of many different materials, such as:
- Aluminum: Aluminum is known for its durability and cost-friendliness. Aluminum is a solid choice for flashing, mainly because of these benefits. But you should also be aware that corrosion can occur if it happens to come into contact with siding made of concrete or fiber cement.
- Copper: Although more difficult to shape and form and more expensive than aluminum, copper is still a strong choice for flashing. Why is this? Because it makes up for its higher cost with improved durability and compatibility with new types of wood preservatives that are commonly found on roofing.
- Galvanized steel: The main advantage of galvanized steel is its lower cost. Unfortunately, galvanized steel is also less durable than other comparable materials.
- Lead: Because of show soft and bendable it is, lead is most often used for chimney flashing. Along with its malleability, lead can be surprisingly durable.
- PVC: An inert material (meaning it won’t react with anything), PVC is far more pliant and easier to work with.
How is It Used?
Your roof may need some flashing installed in multiple areas of your roof. After all, leaks can become expensive problems if not prevented properly. In this next section, we’ll review the uses of flashing for your roof, and some of the places it might be used on the roof.
- Skylights: After skylights are put in, a wood curb is also installed to leave room for flashing material to be inserted. Some skylights could come pre-installed with flashing, and others might not.
- Chimneys: Flashing strips are used for the chimney. These strips are made from metal of PVC.
- Vents: Necessary features on any roof, vents may have to be modified or otherwise altered to accommodate newly-placed flashing.
Contact Topper Construction Today!
If you’re interested in having a roof system or siding installed in your home, or would like a free estimate, contact Topper Construction. With Topper Construction, you’ll see the benefit of nearly three decades of experience. Contact Topper Construction at 301-874-0220 or email us at info@topperconstruction.com if you are interested in learning more. We can help you with projects in Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Northern Virginia.
