What is Metal Roof Flashing and Why Do You Need It?

When it comes to your roof, there is much more to it than simply the material used in its construction. A metal roof is able to keep out the elements quite easily, thanks to the larger sheets leaving fewer entry points between them. There will be seams between those sheets, though, and that is where metal roof flashing comes in.

So, what is metal roof flashing, and why do you need it?

What Is Metal Roof Flashing?

Flashing is a flat thin piece of metal, which is placed in areas where water could make its way into your roof. For example, it’s placed around chimneys, in valleys, around any vent pipes, and in between seams.

There is a slight difference between metal roof flashing and flashing for other types of roofs. On other roofs, such as asphalt shingle roofs, you will see that flashing is placed underneath shingles. When installed on a metal roof though, the flashing will be installed on top of the panels.

No matter where the flashing is installed, its main job is to keep water out of your roof.

Why Is Metal Roof Flashing So Important?

There are many different parts of a metal roof that work together, so what is it that makes the flashing so important? It’s essential that you have it installed, because water is the number one enemy of any roof. 

Lots of homeowners have metal roofs installed because they are good at resisting the elements, including water. It is true that a metal roof is better at keeping water out than other roofing types, but you still need to consider where those metal sheets meet together, as well as the other potential entry points, such as around your chimney or vent.

Should there ever be an issue between any of those entry points, then water can very easily get under the metal sheets and start to cause damage to the roofing structure. If not noticed for long enough, water can start to leak down into your home and cause damage to your ceilings and walls. You may also see rot and mold damage in your roofing timbers. 

If this is not spotted in time, then repairs are potentially costly. With extensive enough damage, the only other option will be totally replace the roof. Of course, that is a costly repair and you want to avoid that if at all possible. That is why metal roof flashing is so important to have installed on your new roof.

Installing Metal Roof Flashing

How do you install metal roof flashing to avoid any potential water damage later down the line? You can find guides to help you install it yourself online, but with most roofing jobs, the most sensible thing you can do is call on your local roofer to handle the job for you.

Like with most roofing or repairs and installations, installing the roofing flashing correctly is essential to keeping water out. If it is installed incorrectly, then it will not be able to do its job to the best of its ability. Then, you are risking the element potentially getting into your roof and causing any of the issues discussed above.

If you call on a trusted roofer to install that flashing, then you can be sure they are bringing their experience to the job. They will install it correctly first time, so you will get the full lifespan out of that flashing and protect your roof. Plus, they will be able to tell you exactly where it needs to be installed on your roof specifically, so there shouldn’t be anywhere that isn’t protected.

Taking Care Of Your Metal Roof Flashing

Like all parts of your roof, metal roof flashing will not last forever. The best way to get the longest lifespan out of it is to do regular inspections of your roof and look for any issues with the flashing. You can inspect your roof from the ground, using binoculars if you like to get a close look at all of the aspects of that roof. As well as damage to the flashing, you want to look for any damage to the metal panels, such as denting.

You also want to take a look at your roof from the inside, so get into your attic and take a look around. If you see any water damage, such as any mold or wood rot, then that is a sign that flashing has potentially been compromised on the roof.

Typically, it will be fairly obvious if the flashing has been damaged. If you see any flashing coming away from the roof, or having corroded, that is a sign that it has been damaged and needs to be replaced.

For those who have seen damage to the roof or the flashing especially, then the best thing to do is to call a roofer to come do repairs. Just like when you first have it installed, it is always best to have a professional handle the job safely and correctly.

Will A Metal Roof Be For You?

For those who are considering replacing their roof, they do need all the information at hand before they make a decision. If you are considering a metal roof, it’s very important to know that you will still need flashing on it even though it is better at resisting water than other roofing types. 

The good news is if the roof and flashing are installed correctly, you will get a long lifespan out of that investment. If you want to know any more about metal roofing, then talk to your local roofer to ask more about them and whether they are right for you.

Metal roofing flashing is one of the most crucial parts of the roofing system. This is what stops water from getting through any of the potential entry points and causing damage to your roof over time. Ensure you have metal roofing flashing installed by an expert to get the most from it.

If you live in Virginia areas such as Warren, Fairfax, Winchester, or Leesburg, Piedmont Roofing will be happy to help you with your roofing needs.