#Metal roof around skylight how to
#Metal roof around skylight professional

It sits over the base flashing to ensure water doesn’t slip behind the base flashing. The second piece, the counter-flashing, is embedded into the masonry of the chimney. The first, base flashing, sits around the bottom of the chimney. Counter-flashing : Counter-flashing is often used to flash chimneys.It’s installed in steps, with layers of shingles between, so that the water pours down each step and down the roof. Step flashing ensures that water is directed away from the wall and ends up in the gutter. In this spot, it’s possible that water could flow down the wall and slip past the shingles into the building below. Step flashing : Step flashing is best for where the roof face meets a wall, for example, where a dormer projects out of the roof.You’ll find that some types of flashing correspond to a specific technique.

#Metal roof around skylight how to

The specific tape you use will have to be approved by your building code and of a certain width.īefore you learn how to install roof flashing, you need to understand that there are three primary techniques, each suitable for different areas on the roof. When made into a tape, it can be used to aid roof flashing. Modified bitumen roofing tape : Modified bitumen is a watertight, tough material.In fact, if you live in Florida, you may find that your building codes call for a special flashing material, modified bitumen roofing tape: You should always check your local codes to be sure you’re following them. Most building codes require 26-gauge galvanized steel as a minimum.

#Metal roof around skylight professional

It’s malleable, has aesthetic value and, when galvanized, is corrosion-resistant.īuilding codes may demand your roofing professional use a specific material for flashing.

Steel : Steel is usually the material of choice for flashing.

You will still routinely find copper flashing around chimneys. On the other hand, it does discolor into a patina, which some homeowners dislike, but others favor. It’s also highly durable and has a long life.

Copper : Copper roof flashing is also malleable and takes soldering well.

In coastal areas, aluminum flashing should be coated even if it does not contact concrete or masonry, to prevent corrosion. However, aluminum must be coated if it is to be used with concrete and masonry, as plain aluminum reacts and degrades when it touches alkaline surfaces.

Aluminum : Aluminum flashing is easy for roofing professionals to form and is lightweight.

However, roofing professionals in North America now prefer other materials: In the past, roofing professionals would use lead, or lead-coated materials, as flashing.

Multiple pieces of the flashing will be installed in layers with shingles to ensure the water flows away from the wall. Step flashing : Step flashing is a rectangular piece of flashing bent 90 degrees in the center.

Counter -flashing: Placed opposite to base flashing, or above base flashing, counter-flashing completes the two-part team.

The base flashing (or apron flashing) is the bottom piece. There is another benefit to two-part flashing: When the roof materials naturally expand and contract with weather changes, the two pieces can move, so the whole system stays secure. Plus, it is notoriously tough to install flashing around a chimney. This ensures that rain always meets a flashing surface that directs it downwards.

Base flashing : Some roof features, such as chimneys, require two pieces of flashing.

Therefore, long pieces have built-in expansion joints so they can move with the home. If left as is, it could break or warp and fail to keep water out. Long pieces of continuous flashing will have trouble flexing as the home expands and contracts in the changing seasons. It’s a long, single piece of metal that carries water down to the shingles below.

Continuous flashing : Continuous flashing is also called “apron flashing” because it acts a lot like an apron.

These are the key types of roof flashing you need to understand: There are almost as many types of roof flashing as there are parts of the roof! After all, each roof feature needs protection. What is roof flashing? How do you install roof flashing? What about repairing roof flashing? You can find out here. So, chances are, if you’ve been looking into your roof and its flashing, you have questions. Improper roof flashing could lead to wood rot and even deck collapse. If there were no flashing against these walls, water could slowly drip into the crevice between the wall and the roof, and potentially into the home.ĭamaged or improperly installed roof flashing, especially around the chimney, roof cricket or dormer, is one of the most common causes of roof leaks.