Roof Flashing is commonly identified is metal sheeting around roof edges. This metal sheeting is what lines vulnerable areas of your roof, windows, and doorways. Around 90% of leaks seen by professional roofing contractors have flashing as an identified component of failure, resulting in a leak.
Starts with a Lack of Information
When a Bryan roofer is called out to inspect a roof, a big problem that roofers have is that they do not have any access to the original build plans. Those build plans, usually prepared by licensed builders and architects, have important details on the materials used when the home was built.
If a roofer knows the original material and construction information then the roofer will be able to design a repair or roofing system that better protects the roof and home. The roofing system or repair can work with existing material during a repair or replace existing materials, accommodating older construction methods, or retrofitting old roofing systems.
Wrinkled Flashing
If you have ever seen a piece of flashing that has wrinkles in it, then you have witnessed the results of the local climate on that flashing. The extreme ends of the temperature in the local area can cause extreme warping through contraction and expansion of roofing materials.
The constant back and forth warps the metal and creates a wrinkled effect. As the metal begins to wrinkle, its length is shortened, exposing parts of the roof that would otherwise be covered. Once this exposure occurs, water will enter the roofing system and home during the next rain storm.
Loose Flashing
Another commons sore spot for flashing is around structures attached to foundations. Many homeowners incorrectly believe that when they see flashing separating from their home, that the flashing was not installed properly. With inexperienced roofers, that can certainly be the case, however, experienced roofing contractors will take a look at the house’s foundation for additional clues.
When a home has foundation problems, visible cracks are not always readily seen. Instead of noticing cracks at the base of the foundation, homeowners will instead see them around door frames or near the roof itself. These cracks are tiny stress fractures in the home’s foundation as a result from settling.
The settling of the home’s foundation is what causes the flashing to become loose. A big spot to see this effect is around the fireplace or chimney on a home. If you notice flashing pulling away or separation of the chimney from the house, there is a good chance that the home might need a foundation specialists help.
Why Experience Matters
An experienced roofer will understand the complexities of the job at hand. More experience also provides a better chance of handling odd scenarios where building plans and architectural blueprints are not readily available. Flashing attachments, on average, are secured in more places by experienced roofers and the warranty on the materials and labor on the work is backed by a secure guarantee. For more information about flashing failures, contact Schulte Roofing, your local Bryan roofer.