When installing residential roofs, it is essential to plan for flashing and penetrations. We provide residential roofing services with the expertise to strategize around these elements. In this blog, we’ll take you through the best approaches used to plan flashing and penetrations of residential roofs.
What is the flashing of a residential roof and its techniques involved?
Flashing refers to thin sheets of material installed around various parts of the roof. It is designed to create watertight barriers and prevent leaks in critical areas on the roof.
The materials used for flashing are galvanized steel or aluminum due to their resistance to rust, conformity to different roof shapes, and durability.
The techniques of flashing include:
- Wall flashing is applied where the vertical wall meets the roof to prevent water infiltration behind the siding.
- Valley flashing is installed where two roof planes intersect to allow water to flow to toward the gutters.
- Pipe flashing is used around roof pipes, vents, and other penetrations to ensure a watertight seal.
- Chimney flashing is applied around chimneys to prevent leaks at the point where the chimney cuts through the roof plane.
Applying the Penetration Strategy
Penetration refers to any element that breaks through the surface of a roof mainly for ventilation aesthetics, or functionality. While the penetration strategy is required, it is also essential to know that penetration presents the flipside of creating potential weak points for resultant leaks. So, to make sure that penetration points are properly planned, it is essential to hire professional residential roofing services.
The penetration strategy involves:
- Minimizing potential leak points by introducing alternative solutions such as vent stacks with a low-profile design.
- Using high-quality materials to properly seal the critical points of penetration where leaks may occur. Sealing materials like elastomeric flashing or butyl rubber can be used.
- Boot flashing can be done around vents and pipes to create a watertight sleeve, conforming to the pipe’s diameter and integrating with the surrounding roof deck.
Review the roof design and regulations
Your roof contractor must review the design of the roof during the initial consultation. This can help the contractor identify any potential flashing points that allow the homeowner to make informed decisions regarding flashing materials and techniques.
Also, when it comes to residential roofing services, the contractor will make sure to ensure that all flashing installations are adhered to with relevant building codes. The manufacturer’s recommendations are also considered while selecting the specific flashing materials that should be used.
Roofing contractors may also advise upon installing an ice and water shield underlayment around specific areas prone to ice dam formation. This type of underlayment can further improve the protection against water infiltration. It is also recommended to do regular roof inspections to identify any potential issues with flashing or penetrations. This way, underlying and visible problems can be addressed and rectified to prevent further damage that may prove costly to the homeowner.
Reach out to us for our expert residential roofing services for competitive pricing and hire a team of qualified professionals.
