Today, when customers complain about possible roof leaks, experienced roofers pay close attention to the condition of the flashing. Water sometimes begins seeping into commercial buildings and homes around loose flashing. This brief article explores this maintenance topic. It also mentions one important advantage offered by spray on polyurethane foam roofing systems.

About Flashing

Most asphalt shingle and metal roofing systems employ aluminum or galvanized steel flashing. Our Phoenix, AZ Roofers attach these strips of metal around skylights, chimneys, vents, and other objects which poke through the roof. They also use it to protect seams. The flashing helps create a (hopefully) watertight seal.(1) Ideally, these metal strips prevent rain from penetrating through minute crevices between the roofing system and adjoining structures.

Metal flashing sometimes succumbs to harsh weather long before other materials. Wildlife searching for nesting sites in chimneys or vents may disrupt the flashing. High winds also pose a threat to the integrity of pieces of flashing; if these metal strips loosen or bend, they clatter against other materials and sustain further damage. Homeowners who notice rooftop “rattling” during harsh weather usually own properties with insecure roof flashing. Unless they obtain roof repair services, leaks eventually develop around sites of missing or bent flashing.

Self-Flashing: A Big Advantage of Polyurethane Foam Roofing Systems

One big advantage offered by spray on polyurethane foam roofing relates to its “self-flashing” properties.(2) This material dries in place very quickly. It forms a secure, waterproof wedge filling gaps between the roofing system and adjoining structures. When homeowners apply this product on top of an existing roof in Arizona for example, the foam coats locations which might otherwise eventually require additional flashing applications. It helps secure the flashing in a watertight condition.

For example, metal flashing coated with polyurethane foam typically proves less susceptible to the wind damage which so often afflicts properties relying upon asphalt shingle or metal roofing systems alone. The ease of maintenance offered by polyurethane foam roofing frequently makes these products attractive to homeowners who have sustained expensive, repetitive roof repairs due to flashing problems!

Sources:

1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flashing_(weatherproofing)
2. https://www.foamexpertsroofing.com/services/industrial/