Installing Roof Flashing

Having professionals who understand safety standards and adhere to the building code carry out roof flashing installation is always best. Installing roof flashing can be a long and tricky process, so unless roof restoration sunshine coast you have experience, we advise getting a roofer in.

The installation process varies depending upon the type of flashing materials you’re working with, but the basics remain the same for the most part. Three flashing techniques are suitable for different areas on the roof; some techniques work better with specific types of flashing. Let’s take a look at flashing techniques:

Step flashing: Step flashing is where your sheet metal is layered from the bottom up, overlapping to form ‘steps’ that rainwater will run down. Use this method where the roof meets a vertical surface, like a dormer or a skylight. Water can leak through the shingles into the property; step flashing redirects any water into a gutter to drain correctly.


Counter-flashing: Counter-flashing consists of two pieces of flashing material – base flashing and counter-flashing – and is most commonly used for chimneys. The base flashing is installed first and sits around the bottom of the chimney. The counter-flashing sits over the base flashing to ensure water doesn’t run through.


Vent boot flashing: Sometimes just called a ‘boot’, vent flashing matches the cylindrical shape of the vent it fits around. Shingles installed over the base force rainwater to flow around the vent and away from the roof surface.
roof-flash

Importance of Sealant
Sheet metal alone isn’t enough to waterproof those roof penetrations, so you need to use an adhesive sealant when installing roof flashing. Roofing professionals sometimes use nails to secure flashing, deciding whether to attach flashing to the roof surface or the vertical wall; nailing to both risks warping the flashing under the pressure of shifting materials. When fixed only to the roof or the wall, the flashing remains in place even while the other building materials expand and contract.

Roof Flashing In A Nutshell
An incredibly versatile flashing material option is Polyisobutylene, which our Wakaflex comprises. It requires no specialist tools and is compatible with most roof materials, making it quick and easy to install using the techniques above.

Though flashing isn’t the most exciting part of roofing, it is undoubtedly one of the most vital elements in making your roof safe, secure and watertight. Check out the range of roof flashings we offer, using the most durable and flexible materials.

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