October 15, 2021
Whether you are the owner of a multi-family property or a construction professional, being able to quickly diagnose the source of a roof leak is important. When trying to diagnose these issues, you need to educate yourself about metal flashing. Here is some important information about this vital roofing component.
There are a variety of components a residential or commercial roof needs to keep water at bay. Every year, property owners pay millions of dollars to fix water damage. Figuring out the cause of your water damage and fixing it is the only way to prevent further issues in the future. Whether you are the owner of a multi-family property or a construction professional, being able to quickly diagnose the source of a roof leak is important.
When trying to diagnose these issues, you need to educate yourself about metal flashing. Below is some important information about this vital roofing component.
The roof on a structure is designed to allow for the run-off of rainwater. The average roof has a number of vertical protrusions like vent pipes, chimneys and even skylights on them. When these protrusions become damaged, they will allow water to seep into a home. The best way to prevent this water seepage issue is by installing metal flashing.
This rust-resistant roofing component is usually made from galvanized steel, copper or aluminum. The reason why these metals are used is that they are easy to shape. In most cases, construction professionals will opt for galvanized steel because it is less expensive than the other two materials mentioned and corrosion-resistant.
A piece of metal flashing helps to close the joint between a vertical protrusion and a roof. With proper flashing installation, property owners can protect themselves against problems involving leaks and erosion. If the flashing on a roof is improperly installed, it is only a matter of time before problems like shingle damage and wood rot start to surface.
Metal flashing can be installed with either nails or a specially designed sealant. In most cases, you should opt for installing the flashing with a sealant because nailing it can create unnecessary holes in the roof. Many roofing professionals choose to use roofing cement because it helps to create a waterproof seal between the flashing and the roof.
While metal flashing is extremely durable, it will eventually need to be replaced due to age and wear. As soon as problems are noticed with the existing flashing a roof has, the property owner should replace it before extensive damage is done. Luckily, there are many warning signs that will indicate metal flashing needs to be replaced. These warning signs include things like:
You may also notice moisture marks on the inside of the property if the flashing is damaged. With the addition of new flashing, you can address these problems properly.
Are you looking for quality metal flashing for your roof? If so, the team at Eastwood & Co. has just what you need. We carry a variety of construction products that are guaranteed to make your property more appealing and functional.
