Repairing Flashing

Many people feel that when their roof leaks it is a clear indication that they need a new roof. In fact, many times leaks are caused by deteriorating metal roof flashing and not the result of a bad roof.

Flashing is used to protect areas of the roof where there is an intersection between two or more planes, such as valleys, hips, ridges, and where the roof meet dormers, skylights, and chimneys, in addition to the roofs' edges such as eaves and rakes. Over time, flashing whether it has been fashioned from sheet metal or plastic, can rust or deteriorate, even loosen, thus providing places were water can seep in and eventually cause damage. This is due to the fact that flashing is used on areas of the roof where there is often heavy flow of water. It is always wise to check the condition of your flashing every time you clean or have your gutters cleaned this is also a good time to check the condition of your roof shingles. You want to carefully check for any loose nails, holes, rust, and wear. You also need to check the condition of the seals around the edges of the flashing, as roofing cement and caulking will dry over time becoming dry and cracked. Repairing and resealing your flashing sealant is much easier than having to repair water damage to your walls and ceilings.

You need to remove any flaking paint, rust, dirt, and corrosion from the flashing. To do this, use a stiff brush and solvent but you must ensure that you do not get any of the solvent on or near asphalt shingles as the solvent will dissolve them. Once you have removed all dirt, rust, and corrosion from your flashing, you then want to apply a coat of zinc-based primer to the flashing, allow this to dry, then apply at least two or more thin coats of a rust-preventative metal paint. Make sure that you select a color that will blend with your roof. You should coat even galvanized metal flashing as this too can corrode when it has been exposed to the elements for an extended period of time.

Any loose nails should be re-nailed, then a thin cover of roofing cement. You need to use roofing cement to plug all pinholes and patch holes which are smaller than in diameter. Holes that are larger will need to be patched using the same material as the flashing. To do this, you first need to use a wire brush or sandpaper and roughen up the area around the hole, then clean the area. Next, you want to cut a patch from the flashing material larger than the hole, then using roofing cement affix the patch over the hole and cover the patch using more roofing cement.

If the flashing is so badly corroded that you must replaced a large section, then you will have to remove several rows of shingles in order to replace the flashing. Unless you have experience in roofing, you may want to consider hiring a roofing contractor.

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