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How to Repair Roof Flashing

Roofer repairing flashing around chimney

“April showers bring May flowers!” Spring is a beautiful time of year, but it’s also a time that your roof can face some real weather-related challenges. Even if everything appears to be in place, issues with your roof flashing can bring a risk of leaks and other water damage. Knowing how to repair roof flashing will help you avoid these problems.

How to Repair Roof Flashing

What Is Roof Flashing?

Roof flashing is a roll of thin moisture-resistant metal used as needed during roof construction to redirect water away from areas where it could gather and cause damage. It closes joints between walls and roofs, and it adds additional protection to the tiny gaps caused by chimney and vent installation. Any time two pieces of construction are connected on your roof, roof flashing is used to ensure they are watertight and not vulnerable to wind or other weather-related damage.

How Do I Know If My Roof Flashing Needs Repairs?

If you notice a leak around your chimney or joints in your roof, odds are good that the roof flashing is experiencing some issues. However, it isn’t a good idea to wait until you notice something is wrong, because the damage that a roof flashing failure creates can be difficult and expensive to fix. Roofing professionals recommend having your roof flashing checked once a year.

Can I Repair My Own Roof Flashing?

Some of these repairs might sound simple enough to do on your own, but we strongly recommend you think twice. Roof flashing is complicated to install, and repairing it correctly requires a great deal of knowledge about how roofing works. If you repair roof flashing incorrectly, you leave your roof at risk for wind and water damage. It’s always a good idea to educate yourself about home repair so you know what you’re getting into, but roof flashing repairs are not a good amateur project. These repairs should only be done by a trained and experienced roofer.

How Does a Roof Flashing Repair Work?

Roof flashing repairs vary depending on what the issue is, and what the extent of the damage entails. Here are some basic repair steps you can expect a roofer to follow:

Step 1: Remove Shingles Around Roof Flashing

In order to access the roof flashing, the shingles surrounding it must be completely removed. It is not possible to work around the shingles and still reach the flashing base. It is also easy to accidentally damage shingles when trying to remove them, which is one of the reasons this job is best left to a professional roofer.

Step 2: Address Minor Repairs

Sometimes roof flashing becomes corroded, which can leave small holes in the material. To fix these holes, a roofer will roughen the edges around the holes so a patch can adhere to it easily. Then, the roofer will place a flashing material patch over the hole, and secure it with roofing cement. Finally, additional cement will be added to the top and edges to ensure waterproofing.

However, if the flashing is extremely corroded, it will need to be replaced. In that case, the following additional steps must be taken.

Step 3: Remove Any Fastening Materials

First, the roofing mortar or caulk that secured the roof flashing in place must be removed. This is delicate work, and it’s easy to inadvertently damage the roof if you aren’t careful. A roofer will chip this material away carefully to avoid damaging the roof. Once the mortar is removed, the flashing can be pried off of the roof and disposed of.

Step 4: Install New Roof Flashing and Reinstall Shingles

New roof flashing can now be installed. It should be nailed down securely, and carefully sealed at every edge to ensure it is waterproof. Nails should be capped with roofing cement to avoid inadvertent leaks. Once the roof flashing is in place and sealed, shingles can also be reinstalled.

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Now that you know how to repair roof flashing, you can make sure your roof is in shape for spring and beyond. Call some experienced roofers and set up an appointment to have your roof flashing checked. You’ll be glad you did.

If you’re looking for a company with roof flashing maintenance experience, contact Taylor-Made Roofing. With over 20 years of experience in residential and commercial roofing, Taylor-Made Roofing is a company that you can trust. Our family-owned business offers quality services, a reassuring warranty, and free estimates. For more information regarding roofing options, ice dam prevention, and more, please give us a call at 417-326-8778 or contact us online. We look forward to hearing from you!

Fully licensed and insured, Taylor-Made Roofing is ready to take care of your roof.
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