Experts estimate that about 70% of homes in the US have some kind of mold growing behind their walls. This growth is often caused by water leaking into the home and creating moist areas that cultivate mold. Mold can have a terrible impact on our health, and even more so for small children. Those with asthma are particularly vulnerable since mold in the home has been shown to occasionally cause severe reactions, including asthma attacks. Health risks aside, water can also cause costly damage to ceilings and walls, resulting in further expenses down the line. That is why it is so important to do your roofing right the first time around. Make sure that your contractor seals every possible crevice in the roof, and does every bit of due diligence to ensure that your home is sealed against water. In regions, like here in Tennessee, that are particularly known for heavy rain, it is especially important to set your home up for success. Today, we’re going to address a very important concept in roofing called flashing. Although your contractor should be able to do all of the flashing installation during the roofing process, it’s still important to know the basics. That way, you’re well informed and able to choose a good flashing material for your home when starting the project. Furthermore, it ensures that should some of the flashing become damaged, you’re able to recognize the problem immediately, and call an expert.
Please note that roof flashing should always be installed by a licensed expert and that this is not a DIY guide. The Austermiller Roofing team in Tennessee can help!
What Is Roof Flashing?
Roof flashing are thin metal sheets that are installed to protect key parts of your roof that are particularly vulnerable to water penetration. The flashing diverts water away from these spots and protects the area.
Why Is It Important?
Roof flashing is an additional layer of protection that keeps pesky leaks from invading your home. More specifically, roof flashing is designed for the small cracks and crevices that your roof may not be able to cover. For example, the small crack between your chimney and the surrounding roofing is a common location. Without proper flashing, water might be able to slip between the cracks and create puddles in your home. The moisture, in turn, can eventually cause ceilings to collapse or mold to grow.
Keep in mind that although roof flashing is typically installed during the roofing process, it can also be replaced on it’s own. Since it is typically made of metal or plastic, flashing can still corrode, rust, come loose, or otherwise be damaged. In these cases, it is best to call an expert in Tennessee to replace it as soon as possible.
Where Should You Consider Installing Roof Flashing?
As mentioned earlier, we want to make sure that the roof flashing protects areas of the roof that are particularly vulnerable to water damage. It may also be a good idea to consider installing flashing around areas that would be very expensive to repair, or are likely to lead to other damage if compromised.
For example, common focus points for flashing are:
- Side Walls
- Front Walls
- Chimneys
- Vents
- Valleys
As well as anything else that protrudes from your roof and is therefore likely to allow water to slip into cracks.
During installation, your roofing contractor will most likely assess your roof and select areas that require flashing. Remember that it is always okay to ask questions about the construction process. If you have areas that you’re particularly concerned about, just ask whether the contractor has made sure to address these spots.
What Kind Of Material Can Be Used For Roof Flashing?
Flashing is typically made from metals such as aluminum, copper, stainless steel, lead, or galvanized steel. Having said that, occasionally, you’ll find flashing made of an alternative material such as plastic or rubber, but this is a lot less common.
When deciding on which type of flashing to use for your roofing needs, it’s important to consider all of the factors.
Durability – Since flashing itself can corrode or become damaged over time, durability is a vital consideration (especially for commercial buildings that need something that can last many years). Stainless steel, aluminum, and lead are all considered very durable materials for flashing purposes.
Price – Lead, galvanized steel, and plastic are some of the cheapest roof flashing materials. Please keep in mind, however, that this often comes with a lower durability and level of overall quality. Aluminum is a popular middle-of-the-road option that provides good value.
Malleability – For roofs that are particularly intricate or unusually shaped, it’s best to pick a material that can easily be bent and shaped. Aluminum is a popular choice for these kinds of roofing jobs, since it’s well known for being particularly pliable.
Hiring A Roofing Contractor
It’s important that your roof is installed or repaired properly and that everything is at the highest quality of work possible. Keep in mind that your roof should ideally last for many years, and that a poorly installed roof can lead to erosion and damage (or even personal injury), further down the road.
That’s why it’s so important to choose a quality roofing contractor that knows their business.
Consider things such as:
Licenses – Are they a licensed roofing contractor? It’s always best to go with someone that is already licensed. This guarantees that the contractor has met all the required qualifications and tests to be considered a qualified roofing contractor. Additionally, licensed contractors are required to carry liability insurance for their work. This means that in case of an oopsy from the contractor’s side, your property, as well as anyone injured in the process, should be covered.
Experience – How long have they been in the business? Oftentimes, the contractor’s website or reviews might give you a good idea of what their work is like and whether the roofers are knowledgeable in their field of expertise. For example, Austermiller Roofing is proud to say that we’ve been in the business for over 25 years! More experience means that we’ve seen it all. No matter the challenge, we’re up for it.
Cost – Every roofing contractor prices their services differently. Get a free estimate before moving forward with any work. It might also be a good idea to ask whether or not they take home insurance, or if there’s any kind of warranty that comes with the roofing service. For example, Austermiller Roofing offers a 10-year transferable warranty with any full roof replacement.
Service Area – Most importantly, and the easiest one, will they come to where you are? There’s no point in hiring a roofing contractor that’s located in another state and doesn’t even service your area. Always search by location, and call to verify that you’re not too far away. It might also be a good idea to ask if they charge any additional fees for traveling to your area.
Looking For A Roofing Expert In Tennessee?
Here at Austermiller Roofing, we treat our clients like family. This means that we go above and beyond to do a quality job that will last you many years. Our contractors are fully licensed, and have therefore gone through rigorous examinations and work evaluations, including referral checks. In fact, we’re so confident in our work, that we even offer some of the best roof warranties in the business. All of our full roof replacements come with a transferable 10-year warranty. Additionally, our metal roofs even include a lifetime warranty. So rain or shine, the Austermiller warranty has you covered.
We also offer a number of financing options, so that you never have to shell out the full cost of your roof in one go. Austermiller will also make sure to work with your home insurance provider (if you have one), to get as much of the cost covered as possible.
Call or go online to request your FREE roofing estimate today. Austermiller Roofing is proud to have serviced the Tennessee area for over 25 years, and we hope that you’ll let us service your home as well.