Roof Flashing Failure: What You Need to Know
Your roofing system is composed of a complex array of components that work together to keep your home secure and free of damage from the elements. Some of these components, like the deck and underlayment, are not visible from the outside, but they are just as crucial as the more obvious shingles and fascia board. Then there’s the roof flashing, which is somewhere in the middle. It’s right there, but unless you look closely, you won’t notice it.
As a result, the roof flashing is frequently disregarded. If it has been damaged, you will only know because water is dripping from the ceiling. Broken roof flashing will eventually disintegrate, leaving your roof and home more vulnerable to water damage unless addressed soon. Here is what Fast Roofing NW wants you to know about roof flashing failure.
Extreme Water Damage
The flashing is a waterproofing material (often sheet metal or galvanized steel) that is installed at the leak-prone sections of your roof. Typically, they are the connections between your roof and its protrusions, such as the chimney, dormers, valleys, skylights, and vent pipes. The flashing reduces the likelihood of roof leaks by directing rainwater away from these sensitive locations and toward the gutters. At least, until it breaks. Water penetration will soon follow where the roof flashing has collapsed, allowing for home problems that extend far beyond your roof.
The most serious consequences of roof flashing failure are mold and rot. Mold and rot are unavoidable when your rafters are regularly exposed to water or moisture as a result of a leak. They will eat away at your roof structure over time, reducing its integrity. Rot will spread to your ceiling and internal walls if the problem is ignored. Nevertheless, structural degeneration is not the only issue you’ll have to deal with if it collapses. Mold growth from roof leaks can also pose a number of health problems. Water stains, moisture, discoloration in wood materials, and a musty stench are just a few signs that your home has a major mold problem.
Weather and Installation
Your residential roofing system protects your home from severe weather and extreme temperatures. Unfortunately, it will suffer damage as a result of being exposed to the same harsh elements that it protects your property from. Temperature swings between freezing and scorching, for example, may cause dimensional changes in your roof structure. The cycle will eventually peel the flashing away from the surface, leaving the roof vulnerable to leaks. This problem is especially prevalent near flashing in vertical dormers, parapet walls, and other vertical surfaces on your roof.
Poor flashing installation is another major cause. The shadier sorts of roofers will cut corners, either by utilizing defective or low-quality materials or by putting in the bare minimum of effort in order to move on to the next project. The flashing will be inadequate because it is put over the shingles rather than under them. As a result, the seals become broken very fast, allowing for gaps that allow water to leak into and through the roofing system.
Roof Maintenance
Make sure the flashing on your roof is robust and intact to keep leaks at bay. This is a straightforward task. Simply schedule a thorough roof check at least twice a year, or after a big weather event. This enables your chosen roofing contractor to identify any flashing issues and offer the best approach to addressing them. You should be proactive in your roof repair and upkeep. Given that your roofing system is one of your largest investments, it pays to take precautions to extend its life and effectiveness.
The Best Choice
Roofing work, whether flashing repair or replacement, is not something a homeowner should attempt on their own. For one reason, a single mistake can unwittingly cause severe damage to your roof, resulting in significant costs. Furthermore, an untrained homeowner is always at risk of an accident; all it takes is one tiny slip to cause a severe accident. The best choice is to use a reputable company like Fast Roofing NW. We have the knowledge and competence to repair your roof quickly and efficiently while taking all necessary safety procedures.
Fast Roofing NW is not only your go-to roofing installation company; we are also the area’s premier provider of high-quality residential roofing solutions. When you choose us for your roofing needs, you can expect a seamless and worry-free experience.