Roof flashing, a vital aspect of both the roof construction and maintenance operations, is often the most overlooked feature of the house by most homeowners. The flashing system guarantees that the roof is sealed from air and water. These components also preserve the roof from harsh weather effects and prolong the lifespan of the roof and its support system.

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Roof flashings are material required in places like in between seams of two roof segments, joints along the chimneys and roof, and around skylights, etc. They help prevent leaks.

Also, changes with temperature and relative humidity rates can often allow the exterior surface of the roof and boundaries to shift separately. Flashing can support this shift without losing its waterproofing capabilities.

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The overlapping sections along planes of roofs are the two most fragile parts of the roofing structure. Such breaks involve the valleys, the places where pipes reach the roof and the sections where walls and chimneys approach the ceiling. If gaps are present in these areas, the intrusion of water from rain can lead to leaks. Such leaks occur in the absence of adequate protection.

That is where the flashing comes into play. These metal strips are placed between the exterior roofing and waterproofing layer, commonly called an underlay or felt. The flashing helps seal off these regions, much as caulking and sealant do in places all across windows and gutter outlines.

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When it comes to roofing systems, there is a broad variety of substances that are appropriate for flashing. Primarily there are three varieties of flashing products commonly used, namely: copper, aluminum and plastic composite materials.

Among these products, copper is far more ideal for roof-to-wall flashing because of copper’s durability, heat and corrosion resistance, and flexibility during temperature shifts. However, because of copper flashing’s reputation, the demand for copper flashing is considerably high, which makes it a costly option.

Aside from copper, plastics are also prominent because of its reasonable cost. Even so, plastic flashing may not function as well as other variants of roof flashing materials.