Don’t Overlook Your Roof Flashing
How to Prepare Your Roof for Fall in Western New York?
Small metal pieces. Big responsibility. Roof flashing helps direct water away from the vulnerable areas of your roof. Make sure yours is ready for the seasons ahead.
INTRODUCTION
September is a transition month in Western New York. The days may still feel like summer, but cooler temperatures, heavier rain, stronger winds, and changing weather are just around the corner.
When homeowners think about preparing their roof for fall, they often focus on shingles. But shingles aren’t the only part of the roofing system responsible for keeping water out.
Roof flashing is one of the most important- and often overlooked- parts of your roof.
WHAT IS ROOF FLASHING?
Roof flashing consists of materials installed around areas where water could otherwise find a path into your home
- Chimneys
- Roof-to-Wall Connections
- Skylights
- Valleys
- Vents & Roof Penetrations
- Where Roof Sections Meet
WHY FLASHING PROBLEMS CAN BE EASY TO MISS
A Flashing problem doesn’t always create an immediate, obvious leak.
Water can enter through a small opening and travel underneath roofing materials before eventually appearing inside your home.
By the time you notice a water stain on a ceiling or wall, the underlying problem may have been developing for some time.
WHAT CAN DAMAGE ROOF FLASHING?
Western New York weather can be tough on exterior roofing materials.
Heavy Rain
Heavy Rain
Freeze-Thaw Cycles
Snow & Ice
Temperature Changes
AREAS HOMEOWNERS SHOULD PAY ATTENTION TO.
Check from the ground:
Look around chimneys, skylights, roof edges, and roof-to-wall interseptions
Check inside your home:
watch for signs such as water stains on ceilings, discoloration, damp, or musty areas, peeling paint, or moisture in the attic
WHY SEPTEMBER IS A GOOD TIME TO ADDRESS FLASHING.
Waiting until winter weather arrives can make roofing problems more difficult to address.
Taking care of flashing concerns in September gives homeowners an opportunity to identify and repair vulnerable areas before the weather becomes colder and less predictable.
FLASHING IS ONLY ONE PART OF A COMPLETE ROOFING SYSTEM
A roof works as a system. Shingles, Flashing, Ventilation, Soffits, and other components all play different roles in protecting your home.
When one component is damaged or improperly installed, it can affect the performance of the system as a whole.
