Our roof isn’t just made up of shingles. It’s an intricate system of parts that work together to keep your home safe from the elements and structurally sound.
One of the most important parts of your roof is the metal flashing. It’s a thin material that’s mostly metal tasked with directing water away from specific parts of your roof.
Flashing is an integral part of any roof whether you’re planning on installing a metal roof, tiles, shingles, or any type of roofing material.
Most Popular Types of Metal Flashing for Residential Roofs
Here are the most popular types of metal flashing you can find. This section covers the flashing material, size, shape, and a quick rundown of the roof installation procedure.
Barge Flashing
Barge flashing, also known as gable flashing, is your roof’s first line of defense against wind-driven rain on triangular end walls (the gables). Shapes vary but the most popular include L-shaped, J-shaped, or complex flashing designs.
It’s secured along the sloping edges of the gable, shielding exposed edges of your roofing material from water penetration. Most barge flashings are made from galvanized steel or aluminum, sometimes with matching colors to blend in with your roof.
Ridge Flashing
Ridge flashing keeps your roof’s peak watertight. These types of flashing often come with a simple angled piece. But, you can get complex designs to match your home’s aesthetics. Some even come with vents.
It’s installed along the peak of your roof, overlapping the roofing material on both sides to create a watertight seal. Ridge flashing not only prevents leaks at the roof’s highest point but also helps ventilate the roof space and adds a touch of visual appeal.
Eaves Flashing
Eaves flashing is usually made of galvanized steel or aluminum, and its L-shape lets one leg extend over the fascia board while the other overlaps the roofing material.
It’s installed along the lower edge of your roof to stop water from going into the roofing and causing water damage to the fascia and soffit. When your fascia and soffit are damaged, it can lead to you thinking about roofing renovations vs replacements. Both are expensive options.
Step Flashing
Water can reach behind your walls without the proper flashing material. That’s where step flashing comes in. Like most flashing, it’s L-shaped, with one leg longer than the other.
The longer leg rests against the wall, while the shorter one overlaps the shingle below it. Roofers install step flashing in a stepwise fashion, each piece overlapping the one below to create a solid barrier against water penetration.
Counter Flashing
Counter flashing is usually made from the same material as the base flashing, but its size and shape can vary depending on where it’s needed. You might see it in an L-shape, a Z-shape, or even a custom design.
It’s installed right on top of the base flashing, with its top edge tucked into a groove in the wall or chimney. This design shields the top edge of the base flashing, making sure water doesn’t get through.
Base Flashing
Base flashing protects the areas where your roof meets something else, like a chimney or a vent. It’s usually made of tough stuff like galvanized steel, aluminum, or copper, and its shape can change depending on where it needs to be installed.
This is usually around the base with the bottom edge overlapping the roof and the top edge tucked under the siding or counter flashing. This creates a watertight seal, keeping your roofing insulation, underlayment, and overall structure safe from leaks.
Valley Flashing
Valley flashing guides water away from the inside of your home. It’s made of metal like galvanized steel or aluminum and shaped like a “W” or “V” to fit perfectly in the valleys of your roof.
Apron Flashing
Apron flashing protects against leaks around chimneys or skylights. It’s custom-fit to each opening, shaped in a rectangle or trapezoid with a downward slope to channel water away from vulnerable areas.
It’s installed under the areas where water can penetrate. An apron flashing’s top edge tucks under the siding or counter flashing, while the bottom extends over the roofing material.
How to Know Which Metal Roof Flashing To Choose?
Choosing the right roof metal flashing material depends on several factors. Here are the most important ones to consider:
Location and Function
Where is it being installed? Different areas of the roof require specific types of flashing:
- Roof Penetrations: Chimneys, skylights, and vents need base flashing and counter-flashing for a watertight seal.
- Roof Edges: Barge flashing for gable ends, ridge flashing for the peak, and eaves flashing for the lower edge.
- Walls and Vertical Surfaces: Step flashing and counter-flashing where the roof meets a wall or other vertical structure.
- Valleys: Valley flashing where two roof planes intersect, directing water flow.
What is your flashing for?:
- Waterproofing: The primary function of most flashing is to prevent water intrusion
- Aesthetics: Flashing, like barge flashing, contributes to the finished look of the roof
- Ventilation: Ridge flashing can incorporate vents for air circulation in the attic
Roof Type and Material
The type of roof and its material play a big role in choosing the right flashing. A steeper roof might need special flashing or extra sealant to keep water out. The roofing material itself, whether it’s shingles, metal panels, or tiles, also affects the flashing design and installation.
Climate and Weather Conditions
If you get a lot of rain or snow, you’ll need tougher flashing and careful installation to prevent leaks. The flashing should also handle temperature changes without warping or cracking. And if it’s windy, make sure the flashing is securely attached and designed to resist those gusts.
Metal Type and Finish
Common choices for flashing material include galvanized steel, aluminum, copper, and stainless steel. Each has its pros and cons when it comes to durability, resisting rust, and cost. Think about adding a finish like paint or galvanization to make it last longer and look better.
Budget
Finally, keep your budget in mind. Different metals and finishes have different price tags. It’s all about finding the right balance between how long you want it to last, how you want it to look, and what you can afford, especially when you’re getting a new roof installed.
Roof Replacements and Repairs
How often to replace your roof is a common question most homeowners have. Metal roofs tend to last the longest but that doesn’t mean flashing will survive for as long.
The lifespan of your flashing is directly tied to the material you choose. Galvanized steel, a common option, lasts 20 to 30 years, while copper, a premium choice, can last for 50 years.
Metal roof flashing is one of the most essential roofing materials that you shouldn’t skip out on. There are several types to choose from, each with its specific purpose. To recap, here are the 8 most popular metal roof flashing types you should know about:
- Roof edge flashings: Go for barge, ridge, or eave flashing
- Wall and penetration flashing: Step, counter, base, and apron flashing work best
- Valley flashing: Use none other than Valley flashing
If you need help with any type of flashing installation, repair, or maintenance, look no further than Trenton Roofing. Get a free quote today.
Alex Valentino – Vice President
Leading the way for the company’s second generation of family and employee ownership, Alex’s mission is to create lasting relationships built on trust and respect by providing uncompromising workmanship and unparalleled customer service. With a focus on safety and consumer education, Trenton Roofing strives to set the bar for the advancement of the roofing industry and the betterment of our local communities. When he is not working, Alex can be found traveling with his fiancée, watching football or playing a relaxing round of golf with his friends.
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