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Phoenix Roofing Series: Roof Flashings

Roof Flashings protects the roof at its most vulnerable points: in the valleys, at the roof and plumbing vents, around chimneys, along the eaves-anywhere water can seep through open joints into the sheathing. As you might expect, the areas where flashings are located are the most prone to leaks.

Though youll find roof flashings made of plastic, roll roofing, roofing felt, and rubber, the best choice for most homes is flashing made from rust resistant metal, such as aluminum or copper. The joints may be sealed with roofing cement or caulking. Cracked or crumbling cement or caulking is a major cause of leaks around flashings.

Where Flashing is Found.

Flashing is found on shingled roofs wherever the courses of shingles are interupted, whether by the intersection of two roof planes or by obstructions. Flashing is also installed around obstructions or protrusions (such as vent pipes) on built up roofs.

Chimney roof flashing is installed in two layers to protect joints between the chimney and roof. Step flashing bends in an L shape to fit along the roof deck
and up the sides of the chimney and is interleaved with the shingles. Cap or counter flashing is mortared or caulked into the chimney and bend dows over the step flashing.

Valley flashing may be open, with shingles cut away to expose the flashing, or closed, with shingles meeting or overlapping at the center of the valley.

Vent pipe flashing is installed over the course of shingles just below the pipe. The next courses cover the flashing.

Skylights that are self flashing have built in flanges that sit on the roof deck. A skylight mounted on a curb requires flashing, much like that for chimneys,
installed around the curb.

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