Do you know what flashing is? No, not that kind – roof flashing refers to the patchwork of metal or rubber sheets that bridge the gaps in your roof and keep water out, preventing leaks into your home. Here are some common types of flashing you can get for your roof:
Step Flashing
In this particular type of flashing, small rectangles of metal are folded 90 degrees so that one side weaves into the shingles and the other lies against the wall. The steps that overlap will shed water. The nailed-in fold on the wall side will be covered by siding, while the roof side is held between the shingles without nails. You can buy these small pieces already cut and folded, or make your own.
Vent-pipe Flashing
Older homes may have pipes that come up through the roof; these are generally flashed with a metal collar. Many of these installations will leak at some point and require being sealed and re-sealed with tar again and again. Today, there is an easier and longer-lasting vent-pipe flashing. Like standard flashing, it has an aluminum base sheet that is set in tar on the high side of the pipe under the shingles, and on top of the shingles on the low side of the pipe.
Window and Door Flashing
While you can seal the sides of windows and doors with caulk, you will need flashing across the top. If you are building a new home, it is easy to apply flashing to the wall and cover its edges with siding, but if you are replacing old windows it can be more difficult. You will have to pry up shakes or clapboards being careful not to break them, and slip the flashing underneath. In some cases, you might even have to remove a piece of siding in order to access the space underneath, then replace it without causing damage to the flashing. The flashing should extend across the top of the window or door trim and tuck over the front edge.
Deck Flashing
Generally, decks connect to a home with ledger, a long wooden board. Beams on the deck attach to the ledger, transferring through it about half of the deck load to the foundation of the home. If this connection is not done correctly, the deck can detach from the house and collapse. Flashing protects the wood by preventing water from soaking between the ledger and the house, which causes the wood to rot. This flashing should tuck under the siding and fold down over the top of the ledger.
If you need assistance with flashing or protecting your roof against the elements, call Showalter Roofing Service before the winter weather hits!
Courtesy of the Chicago Tribune
https://articles.chicagotribune.com/2013-10-30/classified/sc-home-1028-diy-flashing-20131030_1_shingles-edge-metal
