Flashing may be a construction detail, but it is integral to your roofing. Flashing is something that you should not take lightly when choosing roofing material or considering the costs you want to invest in a new roof. Before delving into the importance of properly installed flashing, let’s look at what flashing is and its purpose for your roof.
What is Flashing?
Flashing is a protective seal installed anywhere on the roof, provided there are seams, edges, joints, valleys, gaps, grooves or intersections. You will notice flashings around the chimney or any roofing with skylights, vents or dormers.
Flashing can also be seen at the parapets of the roof, made of the same material as that of the roofing or a completely different material. Flashing, however, must never be an extension of the roofing material primarily used – it must be separate pieces installed after the roof has fully installed and set.
Flashing’s primary purpose is the prevention of water seeping through any joints, edges, seams and other avenues.
Significance
Imagine a roof with zero flashing. All gaps and intersections are vulnerable to moisture build-up and water penetrating through the roofing layers into the substrate layers or deck.
Leaks will be definite problem, moisture damage in the roofing will be possible, and substantial property damage is sure to happen from water seepage and moisture within your walls. Other than the main water damage, there is bound to be secondary water damage taking effect. Every junction where two roofing materials connect or meet the deck requires some fixture or construction to be completely sealed.
Moisture damages your entire roofing deck or substrate layers, costing you thousands of pounds in repair costs. With leaks, you will have additional cost in the hundreds. If roofing materials such as shingles and sheets are damaged, that will cost you a few hundred extra pounds to replace. Poor quality flashing improperly installed will be a much harsher cost before you factor in any interior property damage caused by it – and that is before mould growth and spread of allergens thriving on moisture start to affect your belongings.
Flashing as a Priority
When looking into flashing, two things are essential from the beginning. Your flashing materials selected need to be of the most impeccable quality – and require installation on a professional level by a qualified roofing company.
Do not compromise on quality in order to save some money. Ensure that your roof company considers everything with your flashing installation and informs you how to keep it well-maintained
For more information and for roofing companies stockport, contact the team at Pinnacle Roof and Build today for skilled and professional roofing services.
