Ask a roofer where most leaks begin, and you will rarely hear “the middle of the roof.” You will hear “the flashing.” It is one of the smallest, least noticed parts of a roof, and one of the most important.
What flashing is
Flashing is the thin metal that seals the transitions and openings in your roof: around the chimney, along walls, at valleys where two roof planes meet, and around every vent, pipe, and skylight. Shingles shed water across the open field of the roof, but wherever the roof is interrupted, flashing is what keeps water out.
Why it fails
Flashing takes a beating, especially in North Texas. Constant heat expansion and contraction loosens it over time. Hail and wind can bend or lift it. Older sealant dries out and cracks. Sometimes flashing was simply installed poorly to begin with, a common find on roofs put up by storm chasers cutting corners. When any of that happens, water slips past the shingles, which is why failed flashing is a leading cause of roof leaks.
Where to pay attention
- Chimneys, where flashing wraps a large, weather-exposed structure
- Valleys, which funnel large volumes of water
- Skylights and roof penetrations, where multiple seams meet
- Roof-to-wall transitions, common on homes with multiple rooflines
The good news
Flashing problems are usually very fixable when caught early, and far cheaper than the water damage they cause when ignored. During a professional inspection, flashing is one of the first things a good roofer checks. If your home has a chimney, skylights, or complex rooflines, it deserves a closer look before winter, and if you have unusual roof features, our specialty roofing team knows exactly where to look.
Not sure what shape your flashing is in? Contact PROCO Roofing for an honest inspection. We will tell you what needs attention and what does not.