Last week we briefly covered some of the most important components of every Richmond roof. This week I would like to take a closer look at flashing, why it’s important and how you can ensure it prolongs the life of your roof.

The roof of any residential home has one overall purpose: to protect against the elements. Of all those elements, rainfall is the hardest to control and can be the most damaging over time (think mold growth and wood rot). When properly installed, roof flashing acts as a last line of defense against water leaks. You may observe roof flashing around chimneys, fan vents, skylights and other items that project out of a roof, as well along valleys and high watershed areas. Should you experience a residential roof leak, chances are it’s due to a problem with the roof flashing.

Flashing materials include plastic, roofing felt and rubber, but galvanized metal is the smartest and most popular choice (steel, aluminum or copper). Any material used must be quite durable and able to accommodate movement from the constant expansion/contraction process of roofing materials. For example, hot sun beating on a roof will cause the surface materials to expand as the day progresses, while cooler night temperatures will result in contraction. Flashing must be able to withstand all of this and remain leakproof.

The flashing installation process requires careful attention and is vital to ensuring proper water management of the roof. Nails must be completely secure and edges sealed. When flashing is correctly installed, gravity and the flashing material will work together to shed water onto the regular roofing materials, where it is then directed harmlessly away from the home. Because flashings are the most technical aspect of a Richmond roof, and the protect the most vulnerable areas, the skills and knowledge of a quality British Columbia roofing contractor will prove invaluable.

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