Metal Roof Flashing

Protecting your home means paying attention to how your roof is built and installed. One important part that people often forget about is flashing. Metal roof flashing helps stop water from entering the places where your roof connects to walls, chimneys, vents, and skylights. Without good flashing, even a strong roof can start leaking and get damaged by water.

In this blog, we’ll explain what metal roof flashing is, the different types you can use, and why choosing the right material is important.

What is Metal Roof Flashing?

Metal flashing is a thin, waterproof metal sheet placed on important areas of your roof—such as where the roof touches walls, around chimneys, or in roof valleys. Its main job is to guide water away from joints and seams so it doesn’t leak into your home.

Good flashing is designed to handle natural changes in temperature, which cause the metal to expand and shrink. This means it needs to be strong but also flexible.

Flashing can be made from different materials. The most common ones are:

Galvanized steel: Strong, long-lasting, affordable, and very resistant to rust.

Aluminum: Lightweight and easy to bend, but it can rust faster if not properly coated.

Copper: A premium material that lasts a long time and naturally resists corrosion.

Roofing cement is often used along with flashing to create a tighter seal, especially in tricky spots. No matter which material you choose, flashing is essential for protecting your roof and keeping your home dry.

Varieties of Metal Roof Flashing

Roof flashing is available in several types, each designed for specific areas of your roof. Let's examine the most common types you'll find with metal roofing.

Step Flashing

Step flashing is made up of small, overlapping metal rectangles. It's utilized where a roof's edge meets a vertical wall, such as around chimneys or dormers.

Each "step" overlaps the one below it, directing water to flow safely down and off the roof without seeping behind the wall. It's one of the most effective ways to prevent leaks in these tricky transition areas.

Counter Flashing

Counter flashing is installed over the top edge of other flashing types, such as step flashing, to offer an extra layer of protection.

It is typically embedded directly into a brick or stone wall (like around chimneys) to create a watertight seal. By overlapping the underlying flashing, it ensures that water cannot seep behind the wall, even during heavy rain or strong winds.

Base Flashing

Base flashing is used around vertical structures like chimneys or skylights, where two pieces of flashing are necessary to accommodate expansion and contraction.

Because the structure and the roof expand and contract at different rates, using two pieces allows for flexibility while maintaining the seal. This is essential for keeping these vulnerable joints dry.

Continuous Flashing

Continuous flashing, also referred to as "apron flashing," is a long, single metal piece positioned where the roof meets a vertical wall.

Its function is to direct water down the roof and away from the seam. However, since it is a single solid piece, it must be precisely installed to allow for expansion and contraction without cracking or detaching over time.

Kickout Flashing

Kickout flashing is an essential element placed where a roof edge meets a vertical wall.

Its role is to guide rainwater away from the wall and into the gutters, preventing it from running down the siding, which could cause rot or mold. In the absence of kickout flashing, hidden moisture damage can build up over time, leading to expensive repairs.

Valley Flashing

Valley flashing is placed in the valleys formed where two roof slopes meet. These valleys collect a large volume of water, making their protection crucial.

A sturdy, properly installed piece of valley flashing guides water safely down the valley and off the roof, preventing it from entering the structure.

Vent Pipe Flashing

Any pipe extending through your roof, like a plumbing vent, needs vent pipe flashing. This flashing generally looks like a cone-shaped piece made of metal or rubber that fits snugly around the pipe.

It stops water from leaking down the sides of the pipe and getting into your attic or walls. Flashing around pipes must stay flexible to adapt to movement caused by wind, heat, and settling.

Skylight Flashing

Skylight flashing is specifically crafted for skylight windows. Due to the large openings skylights create in the roof, they need particular care to avoid leaks.

The majority of skylight manufacturers provide tailored flashing kits that fit their windows perfectly, typically featuring a mix of step flashing, continuous flashing, and occasionally roofing cement for extra protection.

Top Materials for Metal Roof Flashing

Choosing the right material for your metal roof flashing is just as important as the type itself. Here’s a quick look at the best options:

Galvanized Steel

Galvanized steel is favored for its affordability, strength, and excellent corrosion resistance due to its zinc coating. It’s suitable for most metal roofing systems.

Aluminum Flashing

Aluminum flashing is lightweight and easy to work with, making it perfect for intricate roof designs or areas that need flexibility. However, unless it’s coated, aluminum may corrode faster than steel, particularly in salty coastal areas.

Copper

Copper is expensive but highly durable. It naturally resists corrosion without additional coatings. Over time, it develops an appealing greenish patina that many homeowners find attractive.

When choosing flashing, it’s essential to match the flashing material with your roofing materials to avoid galvanic corrosion. For example, don't combine copper flashing with a galvanized steel roof unless appropriate barriers are used.

When Should You Contact a Professional Roofer?

Hiring a skilled professional helps make sure your roof flashing is installed correctly. Contact experienced roofers if you need maintenance or an inspection. If you’re worried about any issues, a roofing expert can check the flashing, explain the problem, and suggest the best fix. This keeps your roof in good shape and prevents future damage.

Complex Installations

Experienced roofers check whether your current flashing can be reused based on its condition and the needs of your new roof. If the flashing is damaged, they will recommend repairing or replacing it.

Safety Concerns

Hiring a professional may cost more at first, but doing flashing work yourself can lead to mistakes and expensive repairs later. Roofers know the right techniques and follow safety rules, which saves time and reduces the risk of accidents or future damage.

Warranty Considerations

Most roofing materials require installation and maintenance by a certified roofer to keep the warranty valid. If you install or fix flashing yourself, you might void the warranty, which can result in higher repair costs later. Hiring a licensed roofer helps you avoid these issues.

Roof Flashing Elements with Metal Formers

Choosing premium materials and expert installation can safeguard your home from leaks and structural issues. Remember, effective roof flashing not only boosts your roof's durability but also enhances the safety and value of your property.

At Metal Formers in Nashville, TN, we offer a variety of metal panels, trims, and flashings to ensure your metal roof stands out. With our custom metal pieces and hidden fastening systems, your clients will benefit from a top-quality roof that offers peace of mind.

Explore our metal fabrication services online and view examples of our residential roofing projects. For more information about Metal Formers and our services, feel free to contact us online. To place orders online, please visit our order form page to download the required order form for your selected products.

The team at Metal Formers is excited to assist you with any home improvement needs to protect your roof from water damage and prolong its life. We look forward to hearing from you.

FAQs About Metal Roof Flashing

What is the purpose of metal roof flashing?

Metal roof flashing directs water away from vulnerable areas on your roof, such as intersections of surfaces or where objects like vents or chimneys protrude. It helps prevent leaks and protects your home's structure.

Can aluminum flashing be used with metal roofs?

Aluminum flashing can indeed be used with metal roofs, but it needs to be coated or protected to avoid corrosion. Additionally, ensure compatibility with your specific metal roofing to prevent galvanic reactions.

What is the lifespan of galvanized steel flashing?

When properly installed and maintained, galvanized steel flashing can last 20 to 30 years or more. Its corrosion resistance makes it a durable choice for most climates.

Is roofing cement necessary for metal roof flashing?

In some cases, such as around chimneys or complex penetrations, roofing cement may be used with flashing for an additional seal. However, flashing should generally work effectively without the need for cement.

Which flashing is most important for a metal roof?

It's hard to single out one! Valley flashing, step flashing, and vent pipe flashing are among the most important, but each type is crucial for preventing leaks and extending the roof's lifespan.

Safeguard Your Home with Expert Metal Roof Flashing Installation

Installing metal roof flashing requires more than simply laying down some metal and hoping it will be effective. It necessitates skill, accuracy, and the right materials to guarantee that your roof stays leak-proof for years.

Looking to secure your metal roof for the long term? Reach out to us for a complimentary quote. Our experienced team is adept at installing flashing properly, giving you peace of mind regardless of the weather!