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Denver Roofing Company Explains What You Need to Know About Flashing


May 17, 2017

Most homeowners know what shingles are, but there are many other parts of the roof that you should know about. For example, flashing plays an important role in keeping your roof free from leaks. What is it? What exactly does it do? Big Creek Roofing, a top Denver roofing company, explains what you need to know:

What is flashing?

Flashing, which is typically either galvanized steel or aluminum, is used on the joints, edges, and valleys of a roof to prevent water from making its way into your home. Flashing can be used on both residential and commercial buildings for this purpose. If you have a fireplace in your home, flashing material will also be used around the chimney on your roof. Basically, flashing is used in any spot where there could be a gap that allows water to seep into your home. Learn about roof flashing.

What are the different types of flashing?

Galvanized steel and aluminum are two of the most popular types of flashing, but they are not the only options. Homeowners can also choose copper flashing, which is highly resistant to environmental elements. Many homeowners also prefer the look of copper over aluminum and steel, but this comes down to personal preference.

Lead is another material that is often used as flashing. Even though it is recommended that homeowners do not use a large amount of lead because it can be hazardous, lead flashing is frequently used in small areas that are hard to reach on the roof.

Soft materials can be used as flashing, too. For example, rubber is often used as flashing around air ducts or vents. However, softer materials do not tend to hold up as well when exposed to extreme environmental elements such as rain, hail, or temperature changes.

To determine what type of material is right for your flashing, it’s important to consult with your roofing professional. The roofing company will be able to tell you which type will work best based on what type of roof you have and what climate you live in.

How can you spot flashing problems?

If your flashing is not installed properly, it will not do its job in preventing water from coming inside your home. Leaks can also occur when the flashing material begins to corrode or deteriorate, which is typically caused by normal wear and tear. If you notice any water spots on your ceiling or leaks in your home, it could be due to damaged flashing material, especially if the damage is around a skylight or chimney. If you believe you have a flashing issue, it’s important to contact a roofing professional right away before the problem gets worse.

Big Creek Roofing is the premier Denver roofing company, with a staff that specializes in every aspect of roof maintenance, repair, and replacement for commercial and residential properties. When you hire our team to tackle your roofing project, you can expect on-time and high quality service at a reasonable price. Contact us today to discuss your roofing needs!