Where Do I Need a Metal Roof Flashing Installation?

One thing that a lot of homeowners – especially fairly newer ones – do not understand is just how much goes into a typical home project. Yes there is a tear down and a build back up, but there are also precautions that contractors take at every step of the way to ensure that the work is done right. There are a few things from nature that you don't want in your home and the big three are:

• Moisture
• Air Leaks
• Rodents

It's for these reasons that metal roof flashing installation is not just for the roof – but also a very critical part of that project. One of the best things about flashing is that it doesn't just serve a function – in the case of copper sheet metal the project can improve curb appeal as well. Here is what you mostly need to know about the where's and why's of metal flashing for your home:

Think of Metal Roof Flashing As a Transition

The best ways that flashing have ever been referred to as is a 'transitional material' or 'a bridge'. What this basically means is that flashing is installed when sections of a building transition into other parts. People are most familiar with metal roof flashing installation – where the roof transfers to the walls of the building. In this case the industry term for the flashing is soffit and fascia. These are metal pieces fastened to a house to provide 1) protection against moisture and other elements and 2) to provide decorative upgrades. That is the goal of flashing in a nutshell – here are other places you can find it:

All the Different Metal Roof Flashing Types

Since the roof is the first defense of your building against rain, it needs have flashing installation done in great detail. Flashing needs to be installed around a chimney, surrounding a skylight, around air vents and on the side of dormers.

Flashing Done On Siding

One version of flashing that should be installed is a metal piece where the concrete transitions into the first wood piece of the home. This is a huge access point for rodents and insects that can make short work by chewing through wood or vinyl but the metal creates a great barrier. Copper sheet metal can be installed as fascia or also around windows to provide a highly coveted rustic look. You want your siding to be completely waterproof which is why flashing installation on top of a window or door is a mandatory building step.

Flashing Installed At Other Transition Points

The main goal of flashing is to disperse water – or at least make sure it doesn't settle on wood. For this reason the product can be installed where your deck or patio meets your home. Think of flashing as the protector of wood – it's even been installed behind cedar siding to deter birds and other critters from attacking their favorite spot. In the case of using copper sheet metal for your flashing, the product can be installed anywhere you need an aesthetic upgrade – wrapping front porch columns for example.

Flashing is a great asset to your home or business for a variety of reasons. Failure to install a small piece of tin could have huge repercussions down the line so make sure your flashing is doing its job.