Roof flashing may not be a hot topic of conversation. But it is a crucial element on your roof that keeps water from entering your home.
Roof flashing seals joints and transitions on your roof, protecting your home from pervasive water damage in these vulnerable areas. And while it’s not necessary to replace your roof flashing with every roof replacement, it’s important to know the signs that indicate there may be a problem with your roof flashing. As a homeowner in the greater Myrtle Beach area, you’re no stranger to random storms and heavy rain. Which is why it’s so important to maintain the integrity of your roof flashing in order to protect your home.
So while it may not be the most exciting information you learn today, we’re going to look at what roof flashing does and the 6 roof flashing issues that show it might be time to have your roof flashing replaced.
What is Roof Flashing?
Typically made out of durable materials like galvanized steel, aluminum, or copper, roof flashing is designed to protect vulnerable areas of your roof from water intrusion. Roof flashing is installed in areas where the roof meets vertical structures like chimneys, walls, skylights. Its primary purpose is to create a watertight seal that helps direct water away from the joints and seams on your roof. Ultimately preventing leaks and structural damage.
Because roof flashing is normally covered up by other roofing materials like shingles, it is well protected from corrosion as long as it is installed properly. Typically roof flashing is only exposed on brick homes. So, there may not be a need to charge an extra $500+ to replace roof flashing that was installed correctly and not causing an issue for your home.
Roof Flashing Installation
If your roof flashing was not installed properly, there may be a chance of a material like aluminum getting mangled during the tear off process of a roof replacement. In this circumstance, it would be necessary to replace your roof flashing.
To avoid roof flashing failure, your best bet is to hire an experienced and trustworthy roofer for every roof replacement or repair needed on your home. Not only that, but an experienced roofer will be able to inspect your roof flashing, document its current state with photos, and provide honest advice about whether or not it would benefit you to have your roof flashing replaced.
Detecting roof flashing failure early can save you from bigger headaches down the road. It's crucial to stay informed to avoid falling victim to roofers who might prioritize profit over quality.
And while we never recommend climbing onto your roof yourself, you might notice signs of flashing issues from the ground. In this article, we’ll walk you through the 6 key indicators that your roof flashing may need to be replaced.
6 Signs that Your Roof Flashing Needs to be Replaced
Roof flashing typically fails due to:
- Improper Installation: Flashing failure can be caused by a roofing contractor that is not following best practices. This is especially true for step flashing or improperly cut reglets on brick homes.
- Wear and Tear: Roof flashing is designed to weather the elements, but many years of harsh weather on an aging roof can cause cracks, corrosion, and deterioration over time.
You’ll know it’s time to replace your roof flashing if you notice any of these 6 signs or if a roofing contractor informs you of these issues:
- Visible Damage or Rust:
Cracks, bends, or rust on flashing indicate that it’s no longer sealing your roof effectively. Rust is especially common with older steel flashing and should be addressed immediately to prevent costly water damage to the interior of your home. - Leaks or Water Stains: Flashing is installed on and around areas that are prone to leaks, if you notice signs of a roof leak like water intrusion or stains on your ceiling, it could be an issue with your roof flashing.
- Loose or Missing Flashing: Due to strong winds or improper installation, roof flashing can become loose or missing entirely.
- Deteriorating Caulking or Sealant: Flashing is often sealed with caulk to make it watertight. If the sealant is deteriorated or peeling water can seep through. This requires a more involved inspection that should be completed by a trustworthy roofing contractor.
- Signs of Corrosion: Metal flashing can corrode over time, especially in coastal or high-humidity areas like the Myrtle Beach area. This is most common on older homes with steel flashing.
- Improper Installation:
A roof that is under 10 years old should not have any major issues like roof leaks. If your roof was replaced within the last 10 years and you notice leaking, this may be due to improper installation of your roof flashing.
Knowing what to look for can help you understand what might be causing the roof issues you’re experiencing. But what should your next step be?
When Should Roof Flashing be Replaced?
Roof flashing should not need to be replaced frequently. For homes with aluminum flashing in good condition, replacing it during a roof replacement may not be necessary. Contractors will charge extra to replace flashing, but unless it’s damaged or mangled, this extra cost might not be justified. But depending on the material, your roof flashing may be due for replacement.
| Copper Roof Flashing | Can last up to 100 years if installed properly |
| Aluminum Roof Flashing | Lasts up to 15-20 years if maintained properly |
| Galvanized Steel Roof Flashing |
May last up to 20-25 years |
You should always contact a trustworthy roofing company to inspect your roof flashing to best understand the condition of your roof flashing. If you find that it is time for your roof flashing to be replaced, you may be wondering “how much will new roof flashing cost? ”
How Much Does a Roof Flashing Replacement Cost?
If you spot a leak near a dormer, skylight, or where your roof meets your siding, chances are you need a flashing repair. For small areas, flashing repairs typically cost around $600. However, for larger sections or if your siding is difficult to remove the cost can climb to $2,000 or more, especially when done alongside a roof replacement.
Replacing your flashing during a roof replacement is more cost-effective. If done separately, costs increase due to the added time required to remove and reinstall shingles around the flashing.
The cost of flashing installation includes specialized materials, the labor involved in fitting it around complex roof features, and ensuring it’s properly sealed for long-term durability. Prices can also vary based on the type of metal used. Given the investment, hiring a skilled roofing contractor is essential to ensure the job is done right and built to last!
Why You Should Contact a Roofing Expert for Roof Flashing Issues
It’s rare for roof flashing to come up in conversation with friends, family, and neighbors. But it’s important to discuss seeing as roof flashing can be a source of serious interior damage if it is not kept up with.
The repair costs can be avoided when you contact a roofing company you trust to replace your roof and/or roof flashing. If you’ve noticed any of the signs mentioned in this article, you may want to contact a roofer right away.
As always, we at Linta Roofing are to help! If you believe your roof flashing is failing, we’ll be happy to come out for an inspection and get to the root of the problem right away.
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