Roof Leaks from Poor Flashing Installation

by Lisa Matthew Roofing Contractors Tennessee

Flashing is one of the most important components of a roofing system, ensuring that your roof lasts if possible. It directs rainwater to the gutters, so it doesn’t penetrate your home. If flashing is missing, damaged or not properly installed, even the best roofing material will be vulnerable to leaks. In this article, Republic Roofing, a top roofing company in Tennessee, highlights common mistakes made during flashing installation and repair that can affect the performance of your flashing.

Not Installing Flashing at All

Flashing is an essential part of a quality roofing system. It helps keep water out of your home by creating a barrier around vulnerable areas such as the valleys and edges of your roof. If you don’t install flashing on these areas, they’ll be vulnerable to leaks and other moisture-related problems.

Improper Fastening

Your roofing contractor should fasten flashings properly to ensure they won’t fail prematurely. Improper fastening can cause flashings to come loose and create openings that allow moisture into the roofing system. The right fasteners should be used as well; ask your contractor what type of fastener they plan to use before they begin working on your project.

Using Improper Materials for Flashing

For flashing to protect your home from water damage, it needs to be made from durable materials and must be suitable for the climate you live in. For instance, galvanized steel is recommended for dry climates because it doesn’t rust as fast as other materials. But if you live in a humid area, consider using stainless steel for your flashing materials; this will reduce corrosion and increase the service life of your roof.

Improper Roofing System Sealing

Flashing failures can occur when sealants are improperly applied. This is most common in areas where there’s a lot of vertical movement in your roofing system, like around pipes and chimneys. Otherwise, moisture will seep into the seams, creating a conducive environment for mold growth and wood rot. A reliable roofing contractor in Bartlett, TN will know exactly where to apply sealant to prevent leaks and water damage.

Incorrect Sizing

Flashing needs to be installed in a way that allows for contraction and expansion, which is why it should be cut with a little extra length on each end. If it’s too short or too long, it won’t fit properly in the space where it’s installed.

Not Hiring the Right Contractor

The best material in the world won’t be of any use if it’s not installed properly. If your roofing contractor doesn’t pay close attention to the components, it can lead to poor flashing installation. This is typically a result of improper fastening. For instance, if the nails are too far apart, the flashing won’t sit properly and will eventually loosen.

This issue can be hard to detect as it may not be visible from the ground. Your best bet is to hire a trusted roofer like Republic Roofing to conduct regular inspections on your roofing system. Flashing that isn’t installed properly is one of the signs of an inexperienced contractor, but with Republic Roofing, you have nothing to worry about as we only work with expertly trained professionals in our team.

Republic Roofing has been installing and replacing roof flashing on Tennessee homes for decades. We can help you identify potential problems before they become larger issues. Call us today to schedule your FREE estimate at 901-437-5278! We service areas in Lakeland, Germantown, Bartlett, Memphis, and Collierville, TN.