WHAT IS FLASHING FOR?

Flashing is the small metal strip between your roof shingles and the brick or wood of your house on chimneys. It can also found between where your roof and a vertical wall meet.

What does flashing do?

Flashing acts as a barrier between the wood or brick of your house and the elements. It is layered between the underlayment and the shingles. A roof has three main lines of defense: the shingles, the flashing, and the underlayment.

Step flashing

Step flashing is using small cuts of flashing layered in between shingles. So if it hits a piece, it can go to a shingle, then a shingle, or another step flashing.

Counter flashing 

Counter flashing is an extra piece of flashing above the original to direct the rain towards the first set of flashing then down the roof.

Continuous flashing

Continuous Flashing is not cut but is one long piece. Generally, this type of flashing will result in leaks and is best avoided.

Flashing materials

Flashing will tend to come in:

• Metal
  • Copper
  • Aluminum
  • Stainless Steel
• Plastic 
• Rubber

Which kind you use can depend on the style of your roof and the building codes of your area. Each type of flashing has tradeoffs in maintainability, protection, and cost that a professional roofer can help explain to you.

Rooftop Designs for your roofing needs

The professionals over at Rooftop Designs can give your roof a thorough inspection and help you figure out how to best protect your home. Keep a close eye on the condition of your flashing because it protects the most vulnerable areas.