Do you need a new roof? Are you getting different terms, like roof flashing, thrown at you?
A roof is a combination of different materials and components that come together to protect you and your family from the elements. And one of the most crucial pieces is the flashing.
Without roof flashing or the right type place in the proper place, you, your family, valuables, and yes, even your wallet are at risk due to roof leaks. Unfortunately, some bad roofing contractors leave it off, install the wrong type, or don't replace it when needed.
That's why it's important to understand what roof flashing is, the common types, and where it gets installed.
For over 35 years, Bill Ragan Roofing has help homeowners understand all parts of their roof, what they do, and why they're important. So, let's break down what you need to know about the different types of roof flashing.
By the end of this article, you'll learn the answers to:
Roof flashing is a thin metal material that roofers install to direct water away from certain areas (walls, chimneys, roof valleys) of your roof. While flashing is the general term, specific types are used based on the situation, roof area, and roofing material.
So, let's look at the following types of flashing used the most in residential roofing:
Step flashing is installed against the sides of walls and chimneys that are made of siding. It works by placing a piece of metal (flashing) under every shingle installed right up against the side of a wall to block the water from running down into it.
That’s why the term “step” is used in step flashing. You do it step by step by installing a shingle, then a piece of flashing, then another shingle, then a piece of flashing until the wall is completely protected.
Like step flashing, counter flashing is installed against walls and chimneys that are made out of brick or stone. The metal is actually sawed into an existing mortar joint when installed with the metal coming over the top of the brick.
Counter flashing is also sometimes installed in a step-by-step method like step flashing. But if you can see it over the top, it’s counter flashing.
Apron flashing is installed at the base of a wall or penetration that runs with the roof line. It’s a long L-shaped piece of metal that goes the full length of the penetration's base.
Apron flashing is also used on the bottom of dormers to prevent water from getting into the windows. If it's brick, the metal will be sawed into the mortar, like counter flashing.
However, apron flashing goes over the shingles instead of underneath them.
Roof valleys are one of the most leak prone roof areas because of the amount of water that flows through them. Because of this, they need the right type of material installed in them to prevent leaks.
For standard asphalt shingles, the valley is closed with shingles with ice and water shield installed underneath. However, certain roofing materials can’t bend to “close” a valley, leaving them open.
For open roof valleys specifically, they need metal valley flashing installed where the materials meet to "close" it. So, if you want certain luxury asphalt shingles (like Grand Manor or Carriage House), synthetic shingles, or cedar shakes, you’ll have roof flashing in the open valleys.
Drip edge is metal flashing installed at the roof’s edges (eaves and rakes) to prevent water from getting underneath the roofing material and underlayment. Technically drip edge is its own thing, but it's still a form of flashing that every roof must have.
Drip edge is actually required per building codes and must be installed correctly for your home to pass an inspection. Unfortunately, I see too many roofs without drip edge.
While it can be left off by laziness or lack of experience, bad roofers knowingly exclude it from their estimates to lower prices. If your roof estimate doesn’t have a line item for drip edge, I recommend finding another roofer altogether.
The most common types of metals used for roof flashing are prefinished aluminum and steel, with steel being the most popular. The reason they're the most common simply comes down to affordability.
Now, if you want an upgraded look, copper looks great aesthetically and lasts longer but will cost more upfront. However, copper is mainly used on roofs with premium materials, like luxury, synthetic, etc.
At the end of the day, completely up to you when choosing the type of metal for roof flashing. Just talk to your roofing contractor about the type of metal that will give you the look you want while staying within your budget.
When your roofing contractor comes out to give you a quote for your roof replacement, they inspect your roof flashing for rusting and if the integrity of the metal is still strong. It's always a good idea to plan on replacing your roof flashing during a roof replacement.
But if your contractor doesn’t see rusting and the metal’s integrity is still holding up, then your roof flashing may not have to be replaced. Now this is incredibly rare and most roof replacements require replacing the roof flashing.
But there's no question that if it’s questionable, damaged, rusted, or if you’re upgrading from a 3-tab to an architectural asphalt shingle, it will need to be replaced.
After reading this article, you know the common types of roof flashing, the types of metals used in roof flashing, and if flashing gets when replaced during a roof replacement. If it’s able to be reused, then great.
But a roofing contractor should always be upfront and tell you if they’ll reuse your old flashing or include new flashing in your roof estimate. However, roof flashing is just one piece of the roofing puzzle.
There are many different materials and components that come together to form a roof system. And every single one is important and must be included in a roof replacement.
That's why I wrote another article breaking down all the materials that must be included when getting a new roof.
Check out 9 Materials Included With Your Roof Replacement to learn every important component that goes into a roof and why they're important.