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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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Phoenix Roofing Series: A Quick Guide to Roof Maintenance

A tree falls on a house. A fire is caused by debris accumulated within gutters. Water leaks into a house during a storm. These are just a few examples of disasters that could be avoided by regular roof maintenance. Homeowners should conduct semi-annual roof inspections (at least twice a year) to check for signs of damage or potential problems.

Here are a few tips to keep roofs in top condition:

• Keep roof free of debris – Remove leaves, branches, twigs, and other debris that accumulates over time. This is especially important after major storms or during the dry season when fires are particularly prone to develop.

• Monitor surrounding trees – If trees are growing near the home, make sure to trim branches regularly so to prevent them from scratching or falling on the roof.

• Clean gutters and overhangs regularly – Leaves and other debris can clog gutters, leading to potential water damage of the building.

• Attend to repairs regularly – Minor leaks, holes, and open seams should be repaired immediately to prevent further damage.

• Inspect roof for mold – If black or discolored streaks are visible on your roof, you may have a mold problem.

• Monitor shingles and replace if necessary – Shingles that are cracked, worn, or broken should be replaced.

• Replace paint or sealant if necessary – If your roof is painted, it will need to be repainted every 2 to 4 years. Tin roofing for example, requires paint or a sealant in order to prevent corrosion.

Maintenance strategies will vary depending on the construction materials of the roof. The tips provided in this article are meant to be general strategies that any homeowner should use. Regular roof maintenance will help save time, money, and the occasional disaster.