Types of Roof Flashing [And What You Need to Know About It]

At Elite Exteriors, we believe in the importance of educating our customers when it comes to their roof. Being an informed consumer allows for educated decisions when it comes to your roofing needs, and creates peace of mind through the buying process. Learning about the many parts and materials that make up your roofing system is a great way to understand the cost of your new roof and maximize its lifespan.  

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Your roof is such a large and important investment, which is why we wanted to elaborate on some of its key components. One crucial part of any roofing system is roof flashing. In this article, we will discuss the different types of roof flashing, why it’s important, how to properly maintain it, and more!

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Table of Contents

- Types of Roof Flashing

    - Step Flashing

    - Counter Flashing

    - Apron Flashing

- What You Need to Know About Roof Flashing

    - Types of Roof Flashing Metals

    - Roof Flashing Maintenance

    - Roof Flashing Replacement

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Types of Roof Flashing

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Before we get into the different types of roof flashing, let’s discuss what roof flashing is. Roof flashing is essentially a thin, flat piece of metal that is used to waterproof the perimeter of your roof, as well as any protrusions your roofing system may have. It works to direct water away from certain areas of your roof like chimneys, walls, and roof valleys.

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Whether it’s for a residential roofing project or a commercial one, roof flashing is vital for the health and longevity of your roof. It’s what prevents water from entering any seams and joints in your roof, as well as entering any openings or cracks in a roof. Every roof needs flashing, and the most common types of roof flashing we will go over are step flashing, counter flashing, and apron flashing.

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Step Flashing

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Step flashing is one of the types of roof flashing that’s used around chimneys, dormers, walls, and other projections along a roof’s slope. This type of roof flashing is bent at a 90 degree angle, and is installed under every shingle that’s against the side of a vertical wall. It prevents water from getting under the shingles and damaging your roof by directing the water back to the shingles below and off of the roof. 

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Step flashing basically protects the structural integrity of your roof. It’s called “step flashing” because it is installed in a step-by-step process. Your roofer will install a shingle, then a piece of flashing, and repeat this process until the wall is completely protected. 

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Counter Flashing

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Counter flashing is a type of roof flashing, similar to step flashing, used on walls and chimneys. Unlike step flashing, the piece of flashing is sawed into a mortar joint, and the metal comes over the top of the brick. It sits over the base flashing to make sure that water doesn’t get behind the base flashing and damage your home.

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Apron Flashing

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Apron flashing is what you see at the base of a wall or any roof penetration like windows and skylights. This type of roof flashing has an “L” shape, and can be up to 15 feet in length in order to fit the base of what it’s protecting. The purpose of apron flashing is to prevent water from getting in your home by diverting the water from a vertical area into your gutter system.

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What You Need to Know About Roof Flashing

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Now that you know about the most common types of roof flashing, let’s discuss a few other need-to-know elements about flashing. Here we will go over the different types of metals used for roof flashing, how to properly maintain it, and how to know when it’s time for your roof flashing to be replaced. 

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Types of Roof Flashing Metals

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When it comes to flashing, there are different types of roof flashing metals to choose from. This is at the discretion of the homeowner, but the most common types of metals used in roof flashing are aluminum, copper, and steel. Steel is the most budget-friendly option, provides a clean-cut look, and is the most common metal used in roof flashing. 

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If you’re looking for something with aesthetic appeal, many homeowners choose to go with copper. Copper is a gorgeous addition to any roof, and can certainly add curb appeal to your home. Copper is also long lasting, but can cost you more money upfront. Your roofing contractor will be able to discuss the different types of roof flashing metals with you, and assist you in choosing the one that’s best for you, your style, and your budget.

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Roof Flashing Maintenance

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When speaking about the different types of roof flashing, it’s important to mention that no matter what type of flashing your roof has, your flashing should last longer than the original roof it was installed on. This means that you won’t always have to get new roof flashing when it’s time for a roof replacement. Since roof flashing can outlive your roof, it’s highly recommended to inspect your roof flashing during your annual roof maintenance routine. 

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When it comes to annual roof maintenance, having your roof inspected by a professional is crucial to maximizing your roof’s lifespan. This also allows the person inspecting your roof to ensure that your flashing is holding up, strong, and doing its job. This can also save you some stress and money in the long run, by catching any potential roof flashing problems before they become major and costly.

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Roof Flashing Replacement

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If you’re in the market for a roof replacement, you may be wondering if you need to replace your old roof flashing, as well. This will vary from roof to roof, depending on your particular situation and the types of roof flashing that were used. The best way to decipher this is to have a contractor come out and assess your roof flashing during a roof inspection.

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During a roof inspection, your contractor will check your roof flashing to see if it’s rusting and if the integrity of the metal is still strong and intact. If there is no rusting, and the metal is still strong, then your roof flashing won’t need to be changed out during your roof replacement. If it’s damaged, or if you’re upgrading your roof with a different type of shingle, then it will need to be replaced. 

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Whether or not your roof flashing needs to be replaced is up to your roofer and what they discover during the inspection. Either way, their findings will be reflected in your roof replacement estimate. With that being said, it’s important to be aware that when you get a roof replacement, there is a chance your flashing will need to be replaced, as well.

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Now that you know all about the different types of roof flashing, you can make an informed decision about your roof replacement or any roofing needs you may have. We highly recommend working with a vetted roofing contractor you can trust with this process, as they will take out all the guesswork when it comes to your roof flashing. An experienced roofer will know exactly what type of roof flashing is best for your situation, provide you with maintenance tips, and let you know if it needs to be replaced to ensure the longevity of your new roof.

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Elite Exteriors is the Southeast’s premier residential and commercial resource for unparalleled service, superior craftsmanship and incomparable quality; and it’s all backed by an unprecedented lifetime labor and materials warranty. We would be honored to help you with your roofing needs, and to answer any questions you may have when it comes to your roof. Elite Exteriors also offers FREE initial consultations and inspections, and for more information, give us a call today at 470-350-3024, or fill out our online form.

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