Your roofing system is composed of many parts that must all work together to protect your home. Roof flashing is one of the critical elements that must function effectively to keep your house dry. Keep reading for three things that you need to know about this unsung hero of your roofing system.
It’s a smart idea to give the flashings on your roof a little bit of thought because a large percentage of roof leaks occur near failing flashing. Roof leaks, as any homeowner knows, can wreak a vast amount of costly damage before making themselves known, so it’s a smart idea to pay attention to the state of your roof flashings.
#1: Choose the right roof flashing material
Roof flashing is a material that covers the openings on your roof so that water cannot enter into your home. Its job is to prevent moisture from sneaking into the areas where gaps are present on the roof, such as (1) roof valleys, (2) skylight openings, and (3) chimneys.
There are many terrific choices in material for your roof flashing. Copper, aluminum and galvanized steel are common flashing materials found on roofs throughout Florida. Aluminum and galvanized steel are affordable choices and will stand up well throughout the life of your roof. Copper, while often pricier, is a sturdy choice that lends a touch of style to a roofing system.
The pros at Tornado Roofing & Contracting Inc. know the pros and cons of every flashing material, and we’ll help you to decide on the best choice for your house. Contact us to discuss your options.
#2: Proper installation is essential
A poorly installed flashing system will allow water to get underneath the roofing material. Once moisture enters your home, you could face substantial damage from things like mold and wood rot. Protect your property and pocketbook by relying on the professionals to install your roofing system.
There’s much more to installing flashing than simply nailing the material into place. The roof flashing needs to be correctly sealed and sealing around such tricky spaces as a chimney is not an easy task. A professional is an expert in all of the different types of flashing installation that your roof might require.
#3: Maintenance is mandatory
It’s easy to forget about the structure on top of your home that protects your family from the worst of Florida’s weather. Flashing issues that begin as small problems can evolve into an expensive roof failure if not corrected in time. Routine maintenance is a sure way to save money over the long term. HouseLogic recommends that you include the following tasks in your roof maintenance program.
- Cleaning your gutters several times a year
- Trimming tree branches away from the roof
- Checking for missing and curling roof tiles
- Examining roof flashings for damage
Keep in mind that climbing up a ladder and walking around on the roof can be dangerous. Indeed, more than 160,000 people go to the emergency room in the United States each year due to ladder falls alone. Safeguard your health by hiring a professional roofing contractor like Tornado Roofing & Contracting Inc. to handle your maintenance needs.
Lastly, even the best roof won’t protect your home if the roof flashing is sub-par. Choosing the right flashing material, hiring professional installers, and sticking to a regular maintenance program will help to ensure that your house stays dry during the rainiest weather.
Contact us at Tornado Roofing & Contracting Inc. for an honest assessment of your roof flashing needs today.
