4 Common Benefits of Installing Tailored Roof Flashing
Leaking roofs can be very stressful to deal with. For starters, you have to clean the roof and gutters to locate the leak, and then try and repair the leak. After this, you will have to assess any potential damage to the inside of your roof and the interior of your home. This damage can be quite significant if you haven’t noticed the leak for a while.
Many homeowners prefer to avoid this hassle and simply enlist the gutter repairs Melbourne roofers recommend every season. In addition to cleaning and repairing any damage to the roof and the gutters, they also offer a custom flashing installation. This post takes a closer look at what flashings are and the common ways your home will benefit from them.
Roof Flashings Explained
For the most part, roof flashing can be described as the narrow material that is designed to guide water away from the roof. The material used is usually Colorbond steel or Zincalume and is installed in areas where the roof plane meets any vertical surface, such as skylights, walls, vents or even chimneys. The main purpose is to seal any open joints, which ensures that the water stays out of the structure.
While roof flashing isn’t regarded by many as all that necessary, our experts recommend installing it if you live in a high-rainfall area, have had a leaking roof, you’re upgrading your gutter system. Not only will you prevent leaks, but you will also reduce the likelihood of mould spores developing in damp areas. Since many gutters are also nesting grounds for pests, flashing is the ideal way to prevent this.
Increase Your Drainage System’s Effectiveness
Many homeowners are investing in custom-made, watertight flashing barriers for their roofs. We’ve compiled a practical list of the key reasons why you should consider this option as part of your seasonal roof maintenance.
1. Offers Excellent Protection for Your Roof
It doesn’t take very long for even the smallest water leak to cause significant damage to the inside of your home. Leaks and blockages cause water to pool up in your gutters and slowly spill over and damage your exterior walls and home structure.
This also happens when water leaking from a full gutter or downpipe starts pooling around your foundation. Parts of your roof are sometimes more prone to water accumulation. These are listed as:
- Skylights
- Roof valleys
- Door openings
- Walls
- Windows
- Chimneys
- Vent Pipes
Robust flashing helps to seal your roof material, which in turn prevents water and other debris from getting underneath it. This is essential for homes that are subjected to the severe and often unpredictable Australian weather.
Whatever your roof shape or size, flashing can be customised to fit the space precisely, ensuring there are no gaps. Quality flashing can last as long as the roof itself, or up to about 50 years. Flashing, whether custom or standard, can also be added to commercial roof types.
2. Designed to Meet Industry Standards and Local Regulations
If you don’t do many repairs to your home’s roof, then you may not know that certain regulations govern the types of materials that can be used to repair or improve the existing structure.
Outsourcing your flashing installation to a professional will ensure that all aspects, such as materials and installation, are in accordance with building codes and regulations. The materials used will also complement or enhance the existing component, adding to your roof’s efficiency and functionality. You can also ask your installer to check the flashing every year to ensure that there are no signs of corrosion.
3. Boasts Environmentally Friendly Options
Many homeowners are constantly looking for more sustainable ways to improve their homes. With so many older components found on older homes, it can be very costly to try and make these greener upgrades all at once. That said, repairing, replacing, or adding a component is the perfect opportunity to choose the most sustainable or eco-friendly alternative.
Fortunately, modern flashing is lead-free, which instantly reduces the impact it will have on your immediate environment. Whether you’re opting for Zincalume or Colorbond, you’ll be choosing a sustainable option. Keep in mind that potential buyers will also find this aspect very appealing, especially if they are looking for sustainable building practices.
4. Many Different Styles to Choose From
Your roofing team understands that not all roofs are the same. This is why a one-size-fits-all solution won’t create an effective flashing solution. Therefore, flashings are highly customizable so that they can fit any type of roof. Colorbond options ensure that your chosen flashing will either blend in with your existing roof or create a dramatic contrast. It all depends on your personal preference and design style.
Final Thoughts
Roof flashing is a simple and effective way to reduce and even eliminate any potential water damage to your home’s structure. Customising the flashing will ensure that all the necessary gaps are sealed. With so many different reasons to install this effective component, you should add it to your pre-summer maintenance list!
