Flashing has a huge role to play in preventing water intrusion. Flashing protects the integrity of both the roof as well as the infrastructure of the property. When builders (or the roofing contractors working for them) cut corners on flashing, the money saved today will be greatly exceeded by the money spent to repair the resulting damage down the line.
In this post, we’ll take a look at how such a small piece of material can lead to huge problems for homebuilders and developers.
What Does Flashing Do?
Roof flashing is made of metal.
Flashing gets installed not only on roofs, but on other areas of a building that need protection, like windows and doorways. Its main job? To prevent water and moisture from entering the building or infrastructure.
On a roof, flashing is placed around spots that are vulnerable to extreme weather conditions and are more likely to accumulate water. Flashing seals chimneys, walls, valleys that run into walls, vents, and skylights.
What Happens When Roof Flashing Fails
Flashing can end up being one of the weakest spots on a roof. It most commonly fails for three reasons:
- Cheap flashing material breaks easily and makes a roof more susceptible to damage.
- Poorly installed flashing may allow water to pool and leak.
- Generic flashing is more likely to fail when custom flashing is required.
- Flashing is not taped, or counterflashed properly.
If roof flashing isn’t well-chosen or well-installed, it’s going to start creating problems for the property you built (and the people who live or work in it). Here’s what will happen:
Water Damage
Once that seal is broken, there’s no stopping water from getting through. As water seeps into the property, it will start to eat away at the roof, insulation, walls, and other bits of the building’s structure. The cost to repair and rebuild the roof will be far more expensive than the cost to install the correct flashing to start with.
If the water leaks deep enough into the infrastructure, you could be looking at even more serious damage. We’re talking about rotting wood, rusted steel, buckled floor, and degraded drywall.
Mold and Mildew Growth
This is one of the more insidious side effects of leaks. The people who live and work within the property might not see any water dripping inside (yet). Howver, they can still be negatively impacted when flashing fails.
As moisture builds, mold and mildew grow. And while they definitely have a smell to them, that’s not what residents need to be worried about. Mold and mildew can degrade the quality of air and, consequently, the health of the people inhaling them on a regular basis.
Disruption
Failed flashing affects the lives of everyone involved. For homeowners, major leaks and damage can disrupt their lives in various ways. For starters, water and moisture accumulation can ruin their belongings and furnishings. Significant enough leaks and the ensuing repairs could even drive them from their home until everything is fixed.
Property owners will experience similar disruptions — but it won’t just be the owners impacted. Anyone doing business or working on site runs the same risks, not to mention the additional costs to either close up shop or relocate.
If it’s found that the flashing you or your contractors installed is to blame, can you afford to be liable for the ensuing disruption and losses?
Protect Your Buildings from Water
Flashing plays a very important role in maintaining the integrity and lengthening the lifespan of a roof. If it’s not well-chosen or well-installed, it could lead to leaks, structural damage, significant disruption, and more.
When planning the development of your properties, it’s a good idea to consult with a professional roofer. They’ll be able to help you choose the best flashings for the property and to properly fit and install them. Later on, they can handle your roof inspections to ensure that these critical components are properly maintained and replaced as needed.
Looking for a reliable roofing partner in Northwest Arkansas or the River Valley? Contact Foster Roofing now.