March 26, 2025
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A solid, well-built roof is your home's first line of defense against the elements. But even the toughest roofing materials can't keep water out on their own.
That job falls to the roof flashing.
Flashing prevents water from infiltrating the weak parts of your roof. You'll see it installed around chimneys, skylights, vents, and spots where two roof sections connect. Without flashing, rain and snow would quietly seep into your home and cause costly problems before you even know something's wrong.
But what is roof flashing, how does it protect your home, and what should you do if it fails? Our roofers in Reno explain everything so you know exactly what to look for and how to respond.
Roof flashing is a thin, weatherproof material—usually metal—that directs water away from vulnerable areas on your roof system.
Water naturally follows the path of least resistance, and without proper flashing, it can slip into small gaps between roofing materials. This is especially risky in areas where the roof meets walls, skylights, chimneys, or vents. Flashing works by sealing these gaps and redirecting water to safer drainage points, such as gutters.
When flashing is missing, damaged, or installed incorrectly, you may start noticing:
Not all roofing flashing types are the same. Different areas of your roof need different protection. Here are the most common types of roofing flashing and where they're used:
Used where the roof meets a vertical wall, step flashing consists of multiple small pieces of metal that overlap in a "step" pattern. Their design allows water to flow down safely without seeping in behind the siding.
Roof valleys- where two slopes meet- are major weak points when it comes to water. Valley flashing is a long piece of metal installed in these areas to channel rainwater down toward the gutters instead of letting it pool.
Installed along your roof edges, drip edge flashing pushes water away from the fascia and into gutters. It keeps moisture from seeping beneath shingles and damaging wooden roof components.
Continuous flashing covers long, straight areas where your roof joins a wall. Unlike step flashing, it provides coverage in a single piece of metal.
Chimneys, masonry walls, and other roof penetrations require additional layers of protection. Counter flashing is installed above step flashing to seal the top of vertical surfaces and create a watertight barrier.
Vents, exhaust pipes, and other rooftop penetrations need flashing that forms a tight, waterproof seal. Vent pipe flashing is typically made of metal or rubber collars that fit snugly around the pipe and extend under the surrounding shingles.
Kickout roof flashing is placed at roof-to-wall intersections where water runoff could otherwise seep behind exterior walls. It helps redirect rainwater into the gutters.
The roof flashing materials you choose can impact how well your roof holds up against the weather. Let's look at the most common options, their benefits, and where they're typically used.
Metal is the go-to choice for roofing and flashing because it's strong, long-lasting, and weather-resistant. Among metal options, aluminum is one of the most popular. It's lightweight, rust-resistant, and easy to work with, which makes it a favorite among roofers and homeowners alike.
Steel flashing, especially galvanized steel, is another widely used option. The galvanization process coats the steel with a protective, rust-resistant layer. It's also incredibly cost-effective.
Copper is pricier but very durable and naturally resistant to corrosion. It also develops an attractive patina over time.
Rubber and plastic flashing are budget-friendly options, ideal for sealing vents, pipes, and skylights. They're flexible, easy to install, and tightly sealed around tricky shapes. However, rubber and plastic tend to degrade quicker than metal, especially in harsh climates or under strong sunlight.
Lead flashing is traditional, durable, and highly waterproof. Historically common in older homes, it's now less popular due to concerns about lead exposure and environmental impact. Today, metal alternatives typically replace lead for safer and more eco-friendly roofing solutions.
Like any part of your roof, the flashing needs regular maintenance to stay effective. A bit of basic maintenance can help you spot problems early and keep your home dry and safe.
Over time, roof flashing can wear down due to weather exposure, age, or poor installation. Keep an eye out for:
Checking your roof system flashing at least twice a year—once in spring and once in fall—can help you spot early signs of damage before they turn into major problems. You should also inspect your flashing after severe storms, high winds, or heavy snowfall.
Regular inspections are key to catching and fixing flashing problems early. Here's how to do it effectively.
Walk around your home to visually inspect flashing from ground level. Look carefully around chimneys, skylights, roof edges, and vent pipes for obvious signs of rust, cracks, or loose flashing. Use binoculars to check hard-to-see areas without climbing onto your roof.
Keep your gutters clear to let water flow freely. Overflowing gutters allow water to back up onto the roof and behind the flashing.
If your roof is steep, high, or hard to access safely, hire a professional Reno roofing company at least once a year to inspect the flashing closely. Professionals know exactly what to look for and have the tools to perform safe, detailed checks.
Don't delay replacement if your roofing in Reno, NV, has extensive rust, corrosion, or structural damage. New flashing installation is relatively quick and affordable, especially compared to the damage caused by leaks.
Roof flashing might not be the most noticeable part of your home, but it plays a huge role in keeping your house damage-free. We hope this post has helped you understand why flashing is essential and how it protects your roof from leaks, mold, and structural issues.
If you're dealing with roof leaks, suspect flashing damage, or just want a professional inspection, Mountain Vista Roof Systems is here to help. Our experienced team specializes in flashing repair, replacement, and full roof inspections to keep your home safe from water damage.
Contact us today!
