Flashing is a key component that helps protect vulnerable parts of the roof, including valleys and roof edges, from moisture infiltration. Since it’s exposed to the same conditions as the rest of the roof, flashing failure is eventual. In today’s post, residential roofing company Pressure Point Roofing Eugene, LLC discusses the common causes of flashing failure, and how to handle it.
Types of Flashing
Before we discuss what causes flashing failure, let us first take a look at the types of flashing that you’d find on a typical roof.
- Valley flashing. Roofing valleys are the parts of the roof where two roofing planes meet. The gaps between the planes are among the most vulnerable parts of the roof, and therefore the parts that you should keep an eye on. Valley flashing has an inverted “T” profile that runs along the length of a valley, creating a vertical fin-like structure that prevents cross-infiltration.
- Continuous and step flashing. Dormers and similar protrusions need flashing at the base. Continuous flashing is the flashing that’s parallel to the roof’s edge, while step flashing follows shingles in a stepped fashion.
- Drip edge. Drip edges are long strips of flashing that protects the roof edges. The inverted “L” profile helps prevent rainwater from flowing through the roof’s edge through capillary action.
- Rubber boots. Rubber boots protect the base of cylindrical protrusions like vent pipes.
Common Causes of Flashing Failure
Flashing can fail due to one or more of the following. When you notice signs of flashing failure — such as missing or pieces that are knocked out of place — the best way to handle it is to call a roof repair contractor as soon as possible.
- Poor installation. Flashing needs to be installed properly to avoid getting damaged or knocked out of its place, which is why things like proper use of fasteners and choosing the right type of flashing for the part of the roof are important.
- Lack of maintenance. One of the benefits of conducting regular roofing inspections and keeping up with scheduled maintenance appointments is you can spot problems like missing or damaged flashing and address them before they become worse.
- Extreme weather. Flashing can get dislodged by high winds and impact from airborne debris. Rubber boots can become brittle over long-term exposure to UV rays, and therefore will need to be replaced.
Need help with flashing repair or other tasks like roof maintenance? Give Pressure Point Roofing Eugene, LLC a call at (541) 688-7663. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. We serve Eugene, OR, and the surrounding communities in Oregon.