Over time, your roof may have issues due to normal wear and tear, improper maintenance, or natural occurrences like typhoons. Aside from the roof itself, other components that make up your roof may also have some issues. One of these components is the roof flashing. What are roof flashings and the common issues affecting them? How can you prevent roof flashing problems? Continue reading to find out.
What is roof flashing?
Before discussing issues affecting roof flashing, here’s a quick overview about roof flashing. A roof flashing is composed of pieces of metal that prevent water leaks on roofs. Roof flashing is installed in parts of roofs that are prone to leaks. When properly installed, roof flashing will direct water to the ground instead of inside your property.
Read more about Roof Flashing in this blog: Your Essential Guide to Buying Roof Flashing for Your Home
What are common roof flashing issues?
After knowing the functions of roof flashing, you also need to familiarize yourself with the common roof flashing issues. Through this, you’ll be able to mitigate damage or plan your maintenance. Here’s a list of the most common roof flashing issues:
Corrosion
The most common one is corrosion. Because of their function of preventing water leaks, roof flashings are often subject to water that can make flashings develop rust. When this happens, water may penetrate your home as the rust lowers the protection that flashings provide. When this happens, you need to clean or put sealant on the flashing. If cleaning or sealing is not enough, you may need to replace your roof flashing with a new one.
For more tips on Fixing a Leaky Roof, read this blog.
Holes
Roof flashing is also prone to holes. These holes may be caused by rust or small animals. Holes don’t have to be big to cause issues. Even tiny holes can allow water to sip through and affect your roofing system’s integrity. Check roof flashings for holes regularly so you can immediately seal them before things get worse.
Cracks
You may also see dings or cracks on roof flashings. These are signs that your flashing’s integrity may no longer be as good as before. On the average, roof flashings could last up to 25 years. However, this duration may be subject to the weather condition and maintenance. So, there are times when holes and cracks appear on roof flashings. When ignored, these dings and cracks may lead to corrosion.
Lost Parts
Another common roof flashing issue is the loss of some parts, normally due to intense winds and faulty installation. Immediately repair or replace missing parts when you notice them. Also, having a consistent roof maintenance schedule could help prevent serious roof flashing damage.
Molds
You may also see mold or stains on the roof flashing. Molds may grow and attract insects and pests, and when left untreated for a long time may damage your roof flashing. Always check your roof and clear away moist leaves and branches that can promote mold growth.
What causes these roof flashing issues?
We have already mentioned that strong winds cause roof flashing problems. Aside from that, there are other reasons. One is normal wear and tear. Eventually, as they are exposed to natural elements, roof flashings can change form—they may warp, expand, shrink, or wrinkle. When their form changes from their original design, they become prone to issues such as water leakage.
Not all roof flashing issues are caused by nature. Sometimes, humans play a huge part. One reason for flashing issues is improper installation. If you have no experience installing roof flashing, avoid the urge to DIY just so you can save a few bucks. In the end, you may be spending more on repairs.
How can you prevent roof flashing issues?
Now that you know the common roof flashing issues and what causes them, preventing these issues is easier.
Tip #1: Ask for roofing professional’s help
It is important that roof flashings are installed by professionals to ensure safety and integrity. A skilled contractor would know the right type of flashing for your roofing and the proper way to install it. In case of repairs, depending on the severity, ask professionals for help instead of fixing problems yourself.
Tip #2: Schedule roofing maintenance
Proper maintenance is also crucial. Have a regular period for your roof and its components to be inspected regularly. Some of the things that you must check when inspecting are holes, cracks, broken sealants, and loose nails.
Tip #3: Use quality roofing materials
Last but not the least; ensure that you use only quality materials. Not all roofing materials are the same. You must source your materials only from trusted distributors or manufacturers of roof flashing in the Philippines.
Aside from the roof flashing itself, you also must get only the best roofing accessories such as bended accessories from Union Galvasteel Corporation. These accessories have ducts that collect rainwater from the roof and divert them into a drain. Some of these accessories are ridge roll, box gutter, valley gutter, and Spanish gutter.
What’s great about these accessories is that they are pre-painted, saving you more time and resources during the installation process. These pre-painted accessories come in different colors such as red, green, beige, blue, orange, white, brown, and other special colors upon request. They are even available in multicolor and woodgrain variants.
Speaking of installation, UGC also offers installation of roofing systems and accessories. If you already have a roofing system installed that you think requires repair or replacement, we are happy to say that we have a partnership with accredited contractors and installers who can do it for you.
If you are looking for roof flashing or need a quote of roof flashing price in the Philippines, UGC is here to help. UGC is the market leader in the manufacturing and distribution of pre-painted and other galvanized roofing and galvanized steel building products in the Philippines. If you need any of our products, we are easy to find, as we have the largest and most diversified distribution network in the industry. We have warehouses and sales offices in strategic locations throughout the country. Get in touch with us via our website or call these numbers for assistance: (02) 8520-8822-23; 8520-8831; (049) 545-0084 to 86 or 09175033965 (Globe) and 09190032303 (Smart).
