Why Roof Flashing Fails and How It Leads to Leaks
Key Takeaways/Summary:
- Roof flashing seals off the areas of your roof that are most vulnerable to leaks, such as around the chimney and where two slopes meet.
- Damaged roof flashing can allow water to get under your roof and cause leaks, water damage, mold, and more.
- Poorly installed roof flashing could lead to roof leaks, which is why it’s best to let a professional install and repair flashing.
When you think of your roof, you typically think of the big parts that cover your building. You don’t usually think about roof flashing. You might not even know what roof flashing is! The experts at Native Roofing can help explain roof flashing, what it does, and why it’s never a good idea to ignore signs of roof flashing problems. In fact, many roof leaks are caused by roof flashing failure, so it’s very helpful to know more about this important part of your roof.
Common Causes of Roof Flashing Failure
Roof flashing is a thin piece of metal that seals off areas of your roof where water would otherwise get in, such as around chimneys, vent pipes, skylights, and the places where two roof slopes meet. When roof flashing fails, water can leak under the roof and into the building.
What causes roof flashing failure?
- Poor installation. If the flashing is the wrong size or has not been secured properly, it can leak.
- Storm damage. Heavy rain, high winds, hail, and other extreme weather can take their toll on the flashing, weakening it.
- Corrosion. Over time, metal can rust and corrode.
- Shifts in your building. Sometimes, a building will settle in its foundation, moving just enough to break the flashing’s seal.
Whether it’s an inexperienced roof installer at fault or Mother Nature, gaps or holes in your roof flashing can lead to serious problems!
Warning Signs of Flashing Damage on Your Roof
It’s not always easy to see what’s happening on your roof. However, you may be able to notice some of these signs that your flashing is damaged:
- Rust on your flashing
- Missing shingles around the flashing
- Visible gaps in the flashing
- Musty odors or mold growth in your attic
- Water stains on your ceilings or walls
- Persistent leaks after rainstorms
If you have roof flashing leaks, it’s time to call in a professional roofer.
How Broken Flashing Escalates into Costly Roof Leaks
If there is flashing damage on your roof, there’s more at stake than you might think.
Roof flashing acts like a sealant on your roof, but if it’s broken or improperly installed, there are ways for water to get around the edges of your roofing system and into places where water shouldn’t be.
Flashing repairs on your roof are worth every penny because they can prevent future water leakage that could destroy the overall integrity of your structure. Water leaks will not fix themselves; they only get bigger and cause more problems as time goes on. Hire a professional roofer to inspect your roof for flashing damage and repair it using quality materials that will endure the unpredictable Oklahoma weather. You could save thousands of dollars by preventing leaks, structural damage, mold growth, and other issues.
Protect Your Home with Timely Flashing Inspections
If your roof leaks around the flashing, or you think you have a roof flashing problem, trust the experts at Native Roofing to repair the problem promptly.
Don’t take our word for it, take it from our satisfied customers:
“Native Roofing did a great job! They tore off and installed new roof and gutters all in ONE day! Would recommend them to everyone.” – M.G. Google Reviews
Contact us today, and we’ll come over to inspect your roof flashing and let you know if there are any vulnerabilities. We are here for all your roofing needs in the Tulsa, OK area!
Image credit: // Shutterstock // Chad Robertson Media
