Hiring a fully qualified roofing contractor in Canton Michigan to take care of any roofing problems or installing a new roof on your home is crucial to ensure it’s done properly. There are many online videos and even television shows that teach about doing your own roofing work. While this may be possible the dangers of doing so along with the many problems that can arise will vastly outweigh any benefits you may get. With that being said, it’s important to understand some of the components that are located on your roof. One of those components that is often overlooked is the flashing on your roof. We’ll take a closer look at flashing and some common mistakes that some roofers make.
Ways to Avoid Common Roof Flashing Mistakes in Canton Michigan
Roofs are an absolutely crucial part of your home and its defense against the elements. But while homeowners look at shingles and gutters, the flashings are often overlooked. Flashings are a strip of material that covers the area where the roof ends and the gutter begin. Flashing are parallel to gutters, and work to keep any moisture out that may overflow from the gutters. Without flashings, it is easy for moisture to get into your home and wreak havoc on its structural integrity. It can also cause water leaks and mold, which can lead to health problems.
To give your home the best chance of fending off moisture, it is important to make sure you get the flashings right. A good way to do this is to avoid some of the most common mistakes homeowners make when getting a new roof installed on their homes. This can also apply to any type of addition you may be doing to the home which requires building a new roof.
Picking the Wrong Material
Flashings need to be made from metal to prevent water absorption. Porous materials will just take in moisture, causing rot, warping and mold. But you need to make sure that the metal is also durable enough to handle exposure to moisture without easily corroding.
Not Having A Drip Edge
In addition to the flashings, you also need to have a drip edge. A drip edge is another piece of metal that is in the shape of an “L” and covers both the top edge and side of the roof. This helps to guarantee that no moisture is able to get through where the roof and flashings meet. Otherwise, even the smallest of spaces can be a way for moisture to get into your home.
Skipping the Valley Flashing
Valley flashings are a must for roofs that have several slopes and angles to them. They serve as an additional layer of protection so moisture doesn’t collect and get in to these valleys in your roof. Without flashing, these become perfect spots for moisture damage and leaks.
Not Covering Everything
In addition to the valleys, you also need to cover areas in your roof where there are openings. Common examples of this include around chimneys and skylights where the roof has been cut. These areas need flashings to avoid any possible gaps where moisture can get in.
Not Having Them Properly Installed
Flashings are a major line of defense for your roof to help prevent moisture from getting in. Without them your roof is incredibly susceptible to leaks, water damage and mold. But your roof’s flashings need to be installed properly for them to do their job. In order to do that it should be installed by a qualified roofing contractor such as Twelve Oaks Roofing. Be sure to give them a call today at 248-525-6950 to learn more about their roofing services and get a free quote on your roofing project. They offer roof repairs and can install your new roof as well.
If flashings are too loose, crooked, or in any other way defective, they can create enough room for moisture to get in. This is why it is important to have your flashings professionally installed and checked regularly. Some contractors will cut corners and skip over flashings to save time and money, so it is important to make sure you are clear that they need to be done in your contract. You should also avoid trying to install or repair them yourself.
