A roof leak is one of the most costly repairs a homeowner can face, so keeping leaks from occurring is of the utmost importance. While you may think that broken shingles or storm damage is the number one cause of a roof leak, the true culprit may be small and hardly noticeable until it fails—roof flashing.
The fact is, simple roof flashing is the biggest reason you could end up with a leak. So, it pays to understand how it works—and when it is failing. Here is what you need to know.
How Roof Flashing Protects Your House
A roof consists of many parts that must work together seamlessly in order to create a watertight seal. Certain features of your roof are more vulnerable to moisture penetration—such as your chimney, vents, skylights, the edges of the roof (often called the drip edge), and roof valleys (the place where two slopes meet, such as around dormers).
To keep those crucial areas safeguarded, an added layer of protection known as roof flashing is installed. Roof flashing is a strip of metal usually made of galvanized steel, lead, copper, or aluminum, and it is placed around and on top of vulnerable areas to help stop water from penetrating into your house.
What Causes Roof Flashing to Stop Functioning Well?
Like every other material in and around your home, roof flashing will not last forever. Still, there are a few common reasons that it can begin to weaken and underperform.
- Age — When flashing and sealant begin to grow old, they wear down. The result is corrosion and deterioration that makes the metal less effective at preventing moisture.
- Incorrect installation — If the person who installed the flashing was inexperienced (such as a DIY attempt to repair damage), the roof flashing may not be nailed down or attached with the correct caulking. This results in a weak or incomplete seal.
- Foundation issues — When a house’s foundation is uneven due to settling or damage, the roof can shift, and flashing can be loosened as a result.
- Weather damage — Over time, exposure to heat and changing temperatures can cause metal flashing to warp. High winds can pull it up, and storm debris can push it out of place.
Signs You May Have Failing Roof Flashing
Regardless of what causes roof flashing to stop functioning as it should, the result when it fails is that your roof becomes more susceptible to a leak. Here are some common signals that your flashing may be underperforming and unable to prevent water intrusion:
Interior Water Leaks
The most obvious sign that your flashing may not be working as expected is that you actually have a roof leak to contend with. You are most likely to see water intrusion in areas where flashing should have been acting as a protective seal but is now failing to do so—such as around your fireplace, windows, and skylights, and throughout your attic.
Visible Damage
Issues that are obvious to the eye—such as rust, cracks, and holes in the metal—can be signs that roof flashing is not completely watertight. When flashing breaks or bends, its protective sealant is damaged. Even galvanized steel is not immune from rusting or wearing down.
Missing Pieces
During strong storms, high winds, hail, and debris can lift flashing out of place, and even pull it completely off your roof. After stormy weather, it is always a good idea to grab a pair of binoculars, walk across the street, and take a look at your roofing. If flashing is missing, repairs need to be made to prevent leaks.
Damaged Roofing
You may not always immediately notice if pieces of flashing are gone. However, if you notice that your roof shingles are cracked or missing, then it is possible that the flashing is also damaged.
Siding Problems
When your roof does not adequately handle excess moisture from rain, snow, and ice, your siding may be affected. You may see water stains, mold, mildew, cracks or wood rot in or near siding, and those issues may be related to flashing failure.
What Should You Do if You Realize Your Roof Flashing Is Damaged?
If you see any signs that your roof flashing is failing, it is important to act quickly so that the risk of a leak can be prevented. The best solution is to call on a professional roofing team (like ours!), who can check out your roof, identify areas that need attention, and properly address them.
Enjoy the Peace of Mind that Comes with a Fully Functioning, Watertight Roof
Because of the harsh weather in St. Paul and Minneapolis, a strong, durable, leak-resistant roof is vital. Our team of skilled roofers at Beissel Window & Siding is dedicated to providing local homeowners with careful, thorough renovations that you can be confident are done right. See for yourself what it is like to work with us. Explore our gallery of completed projects and envision your roof transformed!
