What Is the Purpose and Types of Commercial Roof Flashing?

Dec 11, 2019Commercial Roofing, Insider

What Is the Purpose and Types of Commercial Roof Flashing?

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE AND TYPES OF COMMERCIAL ROOF FLASHING?

When rainwater penetrates your home through your roof, it tends to make ugly, wet spots on the walls and ceilings. The house will look unsightly and this may reduce its value. This situation can lead to the failure of the entire roofing structure of the house.

The good thing is that roof flashing exist to prevent this from happening in the first place. Flashing serves as a moisture barrier by sealing off all the joints and seams of a roof with water-proof materials. This often goes a long way to prevent water leakage.

Some parts of the roof are more susceptible to damage than the rest when it snows or rains. Such areas include skylights, edges, chimneys, along the walls, vent stacks, and valleys. These parts need extra attention so that your roof can remain watertight.

Flashing comes in different materials like zinc alloy, aluminum, roofing felt, stainless steel, rubber, and copper.

While galvanized flashing is currently the most common type, copper flashing is used for copper roofs. Aluminum flashing is mostly installed by homeowners who want to delve into DIY roof repair and maintenance.

 

WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF COMMERCIAL ROOF FLASHING?

There are several types of commercial roof flashing out there. Your roofing system will determine the type you need.

  • Bargeboard: This type of roof flashing is done along the sloped edges of roofs.
  • Wall Abutment: The best area to do this is where the walls meet the roof edges.
  • Cap Flashing: It’s mostly carried out to protect the uppermost edges of the base flashing.
  • Exhaust/Vent Flashing: It’s meant for areas where a vent or pipe is protruding from the roof. This will ensure that the exhaust pipe or vent is water-tight.
  • Step Flashing: This is the type of flashing you need when roofing and flashing materials are layered alternately in a downward pattern.
  • Drip Edge Flashing: It’s carefully carried out to ensure that water doesn’t get into the roofing structure but flows off it. This is mostly done around the perimeter of the roof.
  • Eaves Flashing: It’s done if your roofing system has flat edges. The flashing will be installed along the length.
  • Valley Flashing: This is often done at the meeting point of two downward slopes.
  • Drip Cill Flashing (DCF): It’s carried out at the foundation of the roof.
  • Corner Flashing: Corner flashing is done from the roof to the floor. It will reach the point where the walls meet.
  • Inverted Corner Flashing: Corner flashing wraps around the corners where the roof meets a wall. In this type of flashing, the corner of the structure must meet the wall. It’s applied between the structure and the wall, running from the floor towards the roof.

 

 

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF COMMERCIAL ROOF FLASHING?

Many homeowners usually wonder why roof flashing is important when they can apply sealants. The truth is that sealants may later crack and lose their adhesive properties. Let’s briefly take a look at some of the top benefits of commercial roof flashing.

 

  • Enhances the value of your property

 

A home should be warm and comfortable throughout the seasons. Now if water constantly finds its way into the roof, it will not only affect the structure but pose serious hazards to the occupants of the home.

There is hardly any buyer that will want to buy such homes and you may have to spend a lot of money to fix the issue. Even if you’re not planning to sell your home right away, there is nothing wrong with thinking long term.

Using the right roof flashing will bring a better return on your investment over time.

 

  • Makes your roof aesthetically pleasing

 

Another benefit of flashing is that it will give your roof a polished look. It’s a cost-effective way to beautify your home.

 

  • An effective way to weather-proof your roof

 

Commercial roof flashing is important. It’s a proactive means of keeping water, wind, insects and other elements in check which will guarantee the comfort your home provides. It’s unarguably a smart way to weather-proof your roof.

Installing the wrong type can lead to leaking and eventually roof failure if left unchecked. Commercial roof flashing should be installed by expert roofing contractors. They will use the type that is compatible with other roofing materials that they are working with.

Your roof may only require minor repairs like resealing the flashing or fastening loose nails at times. Without mincing words, only reputable roofing contractors will inform you so that you can save extra money.

They always focus on offering personalized services based on the customers’ needs and budgets.