The Importance of Roof Flashings
Roof flashing is an important component of a roof that needs to be installed correctly to ensure a long-lasting and watertight structure.
Flashing plays a huge role in the protection of your roof and has a host of benefits that you might not be aware of, which is why we’ve put together this run down of the necessity of good quality flashing in the construction of any roof system.
What is flashing?
Flashing is used to protect any potential weak points of flat and sloped roofs from becoming damaged, which can make the roof vulnerable to flooding.
It is generally applied along any edges, walls, valleys or protrusions such as chimneys. Flashing can be made from a variety of materials including aluminium, copper, steel, rubber or roofing felt.
What does flashing do?
Flashings provide an impervious water membrane to the roof that collects any water seeping through and redirects it back out of the roof.
Not only does this reduce the risks of leaks in the home, it also prevents moisture related problems from occurring, such as a weakened roof structure and the development of mould or damp.
The membrane also prevents insects finding their way into the roof and causing damage to the structure.
As well as the benefits to the structure of the roof, flashing offers an aesthetic quality, acting as a border to the roof that looks sleek, neat and polished.
Flashings on flat roofs
Flashing is of the utmost importance on flat roofs as the potential for water pooling on the surface of the roof and seeping through the membrane is much greater, so proper defences are required to protect the roof materials.
Flashings also shield a flat roof from storm damage, as strong winds could otherwise drive rain under tiles or through gaps, as well as make the structure vulnerable to the wind damage.
One way to combat water seepage on a flat roof is to use two flashings, one made of metal and one of rubber, to provide double the protection.
A benefit of using a rubber flashing as well as metal is that rubber is less susceptible to become damaged through thermal expansion, so if the metal flashing was to become damaged, the membrane of your roof would still have the rubber flashing to protect the roof material until you can get the roof repaired.
If you need more advice on the right flashings for your building, contact a professional roofer who will be able to assist you with installing the best defence for your home.
Here at Abbey Roofing, we have a dedicated and skilled team of roofers with more than 20 years’ experience working in both the domestic and commercial roofing sectors.
We work hard all year round, carrying out emergency repairs and re-roofing, and take great pride in the reliable and quality service we deliver.
We offer a range of roofing services including; lead roofing, slate roofing, flat roofing, felt roofing, sheet metal roofing, emergency roof repairs, commercial roofing, new roof installations, gutter cleaning.
To customers in Hemel Hempstead, Watford, St Albans, Bedford, Slough, Milton Keynes, Watford, Barnet, Harpenden and beyond.
Why not contact Abbey Roofing for a free quote today, quality skilled tradesmen at great prices!