There is more to roofs than metal panels, tiles, shingles and colours. To take better care of your roof, it’s important to know and understand the components of your roof. A basic understanding will help you troubleshoot small issues and also help you to easily communicate the problem with your roofing contractor.
In this blog let me familiarize you with flashing. Know more about the metal roofs and tropical climates
The term refers to the thin pieces installed in roofs in order to prevent water from getting inside a structure in the roof. In simple words, it can be called a weather-resistant barrier.
How it Works?
Generally, Aluminum or Galvanized steel is used to make flashing. The barrier is then placed over joints and wall construction. It is common to find it in the valleys, around chimneys, pipes, and around skylights. It prevents water from penetrating your roof and in areas, such as a valley, it collects water from two slopes and directs it down to the gutters. However, in each area where it is placed it works to direct water to the gutters.
Types of Flashing
The type of flashing used depends on the roof it is used for. The main types are:
Valley Flashing
This is useful in moving water from the slopes towards the gutter in the roof.
Chimney Flashing
This goes around the chimney and directs water away from penetrating and flowing down your chimney. Generally base flashing at the bottom, step on the sides, and saddle type is placed at the top. There is also cap type that helps to caulked into the chimney thus it prevents water from penetrating behind them.
Continuous Flashing
Continuous type helps to protect a joint that is between a vertical wall and a sloped roof.
Step Flashing
This is made up of a variety of right-angled metal sheets. Thus each section of the right-angled metal sheets overlaps the section beneath it and is caulked underneath siding or skylights. The purpose is to protect dormers and chimneys as well.
Vent Pipe Flashing
To protect the pipes in your home, vent pipe flashing with a cone flange and a flange at the base is used.
Drip Edges
This is installed to prevent water from seeping underneath the rakes and eaves. It is generally placed under the roofing felt.
Although it is good to know and gather knowledge about roofs it is better to leave it up to the professionals to fix roofs. For any roofing problems of queries, we are just a call away.
Leave A Comment