Last Updated on September, 2024
Have you been noticing roof leaks in your house? You might spot some water seeping from the walls, mould around the ceiling, and a pungent, musty smell. If so, it’s a clear sign that your old flashing desperately needs repairs.
Repairing roof flashing can be challenging due to how complicated it is to replace those slender metal strips. Nonetheless, strengthening your roof is essential in keeping water out effectively and directing it to the gutters.
In this article, we will break down the 5 methods of repairing roof flashing, the steps to replacing your roof flashing, the different types of roof flashing, whether this job can be done by yourself, and so much more!
Stick around as you learn everything you need to know about roof flashing.
Quick Summary
- Roof flashing is essential for keeping water out of your house and directing it to the gutters.
- Repairing roof flashing can be challenging and should be done by professionals if the damage is severe.
- There are 5 methods for repairing roof flashing, including cleaning and sealing, replacing damaged sections, and reattaching loose flashing.
Repairing Roof Flashing- The 5 Methods
The methods of repairing roof flashing depend on the extent of the damage, the area of the roof where the flashing has been damaged, and how the flashing has been damaged.
The 5 easiest methods for roof flashing repairs include:
- Clean And Seal
- Replace Damaged Sections
- Reattach Loose Flashing
- Use Flashing Tape
- Consult With A Professional Roofer
Clean and Seal
The clean and seal method is suitable for addressing minor repairs with roof flashing, such as localised damage causing water infiltration in specific spots, or as a temporary fix while waiting for proper roof repairs with professional assistance.
First, identify the affected area and thoroughly clean it to remove dirt, debris, and old sealant. Use a wire brush or scraper to eliminate any rust or corrosion.
Once clean, apply a new layer of roofing cement or use a silicone caulking gun to seal any gaps, vulnerable areas, or cracks in the flashing, creating a waterproof seal. Remember that this is only a short-term solution and may not permanently resolve the roof leaks.
Replace Damaged Sections
Another effective method for repairing damaged roof flashing involves replacing the entire affected section.
This approach is for severe cases where the roof has sustained extensive damage from extreme weather, significant rusting, or corrosion. Such instances need immediate action.
Entrusting this type of repair to qualified roofing professionals is crucial because attempting to replace roof flashing sections without the right tools, skills, or methods could cause further damage and increased repair costs.
If you’re experienced and confident in handling roof flashing repairs, carefully remove the damaged section, cut a new piece to fit, and securely install it using roofing nails or screws.
Ensure the new flashing overlaps properly with the existing flashing material to create a durable, watertight seal.
(More on how to replace roof flashing in a bit.)
Reattach Loose Flashing
If you discover that your roof flashing has some loose sections or is unstable, it’s essential to reattach it as soon as possible. Common causes of loose flashing include age-related deterioration or damage from severe weather changes and conditions like strong winds.
To reattach loose flashing, use roofing nails or screws to secure the affected sections firmly back into place. Apply roofing cement or sealant around the edges to strengthen the seal and protect against water infiltration.
This ensures that the flashing remains securely attached and is effective in preventing leaks.
Use Flashing Tape
Flashing tape offers a practical solution for minor repair cracks or small issues with roof flashing. It can also serve as a temporary emergency measure to weatherproof your home when you can’t seek professional help immediately.
For minor flashing damage or small gaps, begin by thoroughly cleaning the affected area. Then, apply the flashing tape over the damaged roof flashing, ensuring it creates a seal that can sustain direct water damage.
However, like the clean and seal method, remember that this is only a short-term solution. It’s crucial to seek professional help from a roofing contractor to assess and repair your roof for long-term security and durability. Which brings us to our next method.
Consult a Professional Roofing Contractor
Repairing damaged flashing without prior experience in roof repairs is not advisable. It risks causing further damage to your property and also poses serious health and safety hazards.
Therefore, if you lack the necessary expertise, entrusting this task to roofing professionals is wise. To find reputable roofing companies in your area, consider researching local options and reading reviews to gauge their reliability and quality of work.
Once you’ve identified potential contractors, schedule consultations to have a professional assess and swiftly begin the roof flashing repair process.
This approach ensures that the repairs are carried out effectively and safely by skilled professionals.
Useful guides:
How to Replace Roof Flashing?
As much as we’ve reiterated that you should not replace roof flashing by yourself without having prior experience, you might just not be able to afford to hire a contractor, in which case we won’t leave you hanging.
Here are the 10 steps to replacing your metal flashing and fixing roof flashing issues you may have.
1. Gather the Necessary Roof Flashing Materials and Conduct a Thorough Roof Inspection
Before starting with the roof flashing repair procedure, gather the essential roof flashing materials, such as roofing cement (preferably urethane roofing cement), galvanised steel, roofing nails, and a hammer.
Use a ladder with a roof hook to inspect the roof. Check the base flashing carefully, as well as the condition of the asphalt shingles or roof tiles, to ensure you have the appropriate step flashing for the repair.
2. Remove the Damaged or Old Flashing
Begin this step by carefully lifting the old shingles using the flat end of a hammer. Proceed to loosen and remove the old flashing. If your shingles are reusable, take care not to damage them during this process.
3. Trim the Roof Flashing to the Appropriate Dimensions
Use cutting snips or shears to trim the flashing to the necessary size. Ensure the cut aligns with the required dimensions for your repair.
It’s important not to cut the materials too small, as this may result in improper fitting. If the size appears too large, adjustments can be made to the material later in the process.
4. Create a 45-Degree Angle in the Roof Flashing
If your flashing isn’t explicitly designed for corners, you must create a 45-degree angle. Begin by cutting a line from one corner towards the centre of the flashing.
Then, cut downwards from the corner, removing the triangular piece from the material to form the desired angle. This adjustment ensures the roof flashing fits snugly when installing it.
5. Bend and Secure the Roof Flashing
Carefully bend the flashing to match the corner or desired shape, ensuring it fits properly. Use nails to install the new flashing base, positioning it with the top edge approximately 20 centimetres above the roof surface.
6. Install an Additional Layer of Flashing
Prepare a second piece of flashing by bending it to adequately overlap the first piece. Apply roofing cement along the contact area and secure the second piece of flashing onto the first for additional protection against extensive damage.
7. Install New Tiles if Necessary
Depending on the scope of your roof flashing repair, you might need to add a row of tiles as part of the process. This step is crucial when installing new flashing along with a new roof.
If you’re replacing the flashing only, you’ll need to carefully remove and replace tiles as required during the flashing repair.
8. Continue Installing Additional Sections of Roof Flashing
Proceed by cutting, bending, and overlapping each piece of new flashing to form the roof deck. Ensure that each new section of flashing overlaps the previous one by approximately 7.5 centimetres to maintain a proper seal and prevent corrosion and leaks.
9. Add the Tiles After You Install Flashing
After installing each segment of metal flashing, add the tiles accordingly, alternating between flashing and tiles, as you progress upward towards the peak of your roof.
10. Install Peak Flashing to Finish Fixing Roof
To secure peak flashing and complete the repair, mix roofing cement in a mixing tray and use nails to affix the flashing with a roof ridge for added stability and protection. This step ensures your roof’s peak is properly sealed and reinforced against potential leaks.
What is Roof Flashing?
Roof flashing is a thin sheet of water-resistant metal used in roof construction to divert water from potential pooling areas, preventing damage. It seals the intersections between walls and the roof, providing extra shielding against water penetration around the chimney and vents.
Whenever different parts of a roof are joined together, roof flashing is applied to ensure they are tightly sealed and resistant to weather elements like wind and rain.
Different Types of Roof Flashing
There are four types of roof flashing; valley, cap, continuous, and vent pipe flashing. Here’s what each of these flashings are used for:
Valley Flashing: Valley flashing is a specific type used when two roof pitches meet. It helps safeguard the area between these sections by directing water away from the centre of the roof.
Cap Flashing: Cap flashing is shaped like an “L” and is designed to prevent water from pooling in damaged or cracked areas of flashing. It can be installed horizontally on roofs or around windows to protect the structure of your home.
Continuous Flashing: Continuous flashing, often referred to as apron flashing, is a single continuous piece of flashing that directs water from the shingles. It’s particularly effective for waterproofing sloped roofs and is commonly used at the junctions between a roof and a wall.
Vent Pipe Flashing: Vent Pipe flashing is a type of flashing designed to cover vent pipes. It prevents water from entering vents or leaking into the roof.
How Do I Know if My Roof Flashing Needs Repairs?
If you detect water leaks near your chimney or roof joints, it likely indicates a problem with the roof flashing. However, waiting until issues arise is not advisable, as the results from damaged flashing can be challenging to deal with and costly to repair.
Roofing experts suggest scheduling an annual inspection of your roof flashing to catch potential problems early.
FAQs
Conclusion
Maintaining and repairing roof flashing is essential for preserving your roof and preventing water damage to your property. When damaged, it can lead to leaks that cause harm to your belongings, the roof structure, and your property overall.
While minor repairs can sometimes be managed, it’s crucial to understand your skill limitations and consider hiring a professional, especially for extensive damage or if you think you can’t undertake the repair process.
Prioritising safety and long-term health is important, so don’t hesitate to seek professional assistance when necessary to ensure a thorough and effective repair.
