What Are Roof Flashings? A Guide for Hattiesburg, MS Residents

No matter if your roof contains asphalt shingles, tile, or another material, you trust that it will keep you safe from the outside elements. However, it's not just your main roofing material that works hard to keep out moisture. Roofing flashings also contribute to the strength and durability of your roof. 

But what are roof flashings? This guide from the most trusted roofers in Hattiesburg explains everything you need to know. 

Key Parts of Your Roof

Every roof system consists of multiple parts that all work together to keep you safe. If your home has an asphalt shingle roof, it will have an underlayment beneath the shingles to prevent water damage. Other important parts of the average residential roof include:

• Chimneys
• Vent pipes
• Soffits
• Fascia boards

Roof flashings play an equally important role as these other components, which is why it's crucial to maintain them. 

What Are Roof Flashings?

If you glance up at your chimney and notice a thin piece of metal at its base, you've found one of your roof flashings. Every roof should have pieces of metal along any seams or joints, not just the chimney. Flashing should appear along a roof's valley and its perimeter and around vent pipes, skylights, and other features. 

In any area where your shingles meet another object, you'll likely find one of the four common types of flashing:

• Step flashing
• Counter flashing
• Apron flashing
• Valley flashing

Why Is Roof Flashing Important? 

Your roof needs flashing because it diverts water away from any cracks or seams. Without this component, you may be susceptible to roof leaks, which can cause substantial water damage to your home. Hattiesburg experiences a range of severe weather conditions that could compromise your roof if you don't have the right materials installed. 

Say heavy rains settle into the area and your flashing has cracks or damage. It won't be able to keep moisture away from areas like a skylight or the base of your chimney. Not only will you incur water damage, but you'll also need roof repairs to resolve the underlying problem. 

How to Maintain Roof Flashings

By the time most Hattiesburg homeowners realize their roof flashings have damage, it's too late. You don't want to wait until your roof sustains a leak to inspect the flashings. Make sure to examine your rooftop and look for signs of damage that could lead to a leak, such as missing flashings or shingles. 

Schedule routine roof inspections with a professional to keep all these components in good condition. An expert will check the durability of the metal and recommend replacing the flashing if necessary. 

Improve Your Roof with Help from Jackson Brothers Roofing & Construction

After reading this information, you no longer have to wonder, "What are roof flashings, and why are they so important?" The specialists at Jackson Brothers Roofing & Construction can install flashing throughout your roof so you can avoid serious damage. Contact their team today to schedule a consultation for flashing installation and other forms of preventative roof maintenance.