
Roof Flashing Techniques
- Step flashing: Step flashing is best for where the roof face meets a wall, for example, where a dormer projects out of the roof. ...
- Counter-flashing: Counter-flashing is often used to flash chimneys. It involves two pieces of flashing. ...
- Plumbing vent boot flashing: Vent flashing is a cylindrical piece of flashing that fits right around the vent. ...
How to install flashing on a roof?
Dec 23, 2021 · Counter flashing in roofing is a thin strip of material that ensures that there are no gaps between materials that come into contact with each other when it rains or snows. counter flashing also prevents leakage by adding a protective layer over open joints. counter flashing on roofs can be made of metal or plastic sheeting and should be installed under all types of roofs …
What is roof flashing, and what does it do?
Apr 16, 2021 · What is Counter Flashing. As mentioned above, it is most often used on chimneys or where the wall meets a roofline. There are two layers: The first one is the base and is at the bottom of the chimney and the second one is inserted into the brickwork of the chimney. The purpose of the counter flashing is to sit on top of the base flashing to make sure water doesn’t …
What is the best material for roof flashing?
May 13, 2021 · Counter flashing. is the second type of flashing used with base flashing. It is typically applied to chimneys during new construction projects or complete roof replacements. For all chimney re-flashing projects, counter flashing is applied after the base flashing and step flashing have already been installed.
How to make roof flashing?
Jun 08, 2020 · What is counter flashing on a roof? Counterflashing, also referred to as “cap” flashing, is the first line of defense against water infiltrating your building. Counterflashing is the piece of metal that is applied to the masonry wall designed to shed water off of the wall and down onto the roof surface. Click to see full answer.

What's the difference between flashing and counter flashing?
What is the purpose of counter flashing?
Where does counter flashing go on a roof?
What is a counter on roof?
What are the different types of roof flashing?
- Drip Edge. Along your roof's edges (eaves), drip edge flashing is necessary to prevent water from an overfilled gutter from pushing its way up the edge of the roof underneath the shingles. ...
- Valley Flashing. ...
- Vent Pipe Flashing. ...
- Step Flashing.
Do you need flashing on a flat roof?
What is counter flashing on a chimney?
How much does it cost to flash a roof?
Does counter flashing overlap step flashing?
What is apron counter flashing?
Is step flashing required?
What is roof flashing?
Roof flashing is typically a thin metal material fabricated from rust-resistant metal, such as G-90 galvanized steel, a frequently used flashing material, copper, or aluminum. Depending on the company, flashing may even be available in lead or zinc alloy.
Why do we need flashing on the roof?
Flashing closes the joints between the roof and the roof features in order to protect the house from erosion and leaking. A lack of flashing or poor flashing installation can also lead to wood rot, potential shingle damage, or deck collapse, among other issues.
What is the metal that protects the joint between a wall and a sloped roof?
(also referred to as apron flashing) is a long, single piece of metal that protects the joint between a wall and a sloped roof, guiding the run-off down the shingles.
Is galvanized steel better than copper?
Galvanized steel is less costly than aluminum and copper, and is well resistant to corrosion. It is for these reasons that steel is most often chosen for flashing. Copper is quite durable, but it discolors into a patina over time. Some homeowners appreciate the classic appearance of copper with patina.
Is copper roofing durable?
Copper is quite durable, but it discolors into a patina over time. Some homeowners appreciate the classic appearance of copper with patina. Aluminum is easier for roofing professionals to shape and lighter in weight. Aluminum must be coated to be preserved.
Can aluminum be used on concrete?
Bare aluminum breaks down when touching alkaline surfaces, such as mortar used to secure bricks. As long as the aluminum is coated, it can be used on concrete or stonework.
Where is flashing needed?
Flashing is shaped into various designs depending on where it is needed along the roof.
What is roof flashing?
Roof flashing is a thin material, usually galvanized steel, that professional roofers use to direct water away from critical areas of the roof, where ver the roof plane meets a vertical surface like a wall or a dormer . Flashing is installed to surround roof features, such as vents, chimneys and skylights.
What type of flashing is used on a roof?
Types of roof flashing. Skylight flashing: While some skylight manufacturers include flashing in their products, sometimes roofing professionals have to create it or purchase it separately. Valley flashing: Open valleys have metal flashing to protect this critical area of the roof.
What causes a roof to leak?
Damaged or improperly installed roof flashing, especially around the chimney, roof cricket or dormer, is one of the most common causes of roof leaks. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, FEMA, improper roof flashing could lead to wood rot and even deck collapse.
Do you need to use a sealant when flashing a roof?
While roofing professionals occasionally use nails when flashing, they must choose whether to nail to the roof plane or the vertical wall. If nailed to both, the flashing may deform under the pressure from shifting brick or wood.
Can you reuse flashing on a new roof?
Some types of flashing, like step flashing, may be more challenging to reuse because it is harder to separate from the old shingles without denting or otherwise damaging it. Typically, a roofer will replace step flashing on a new roof. Also, your roofer should not layer new flashing on top of the old flashing.
What is continuous flashing?
These are the key types of roof flashing you need to understand: Continuous flashing: Continuous flashing is also called “apron flashing” because it acts a lot like an apron. It’s a long, single piece of metal that carries water down to the shingles below.
What is the best material for flashing?
Steel: Steel is usually the material of choice for flashing. It’s malleable, has aesthetic value and, when galvanized, is corrosion-resistant. Building codes may demand your roofing professional use a specific material for flashing. They may also list a minimum thickness.
What is flashing on a roof?
Flashing refers to the metal barrier installed where the roof meets any vertical wall, including chimneys and dormers. Flashing directs rainwater away from these junctions, preventing subsequent leaks and water damage. Three types of flashing are typically used on each roof: base flashing, step flashing and counter flashing.
What are the different types of flashing?
Three types of flashing are typically used on each roof: base flashing, step flashing and counter flashing. All three layers work together to provide a critical barrier and should not be used alone. Advertisement. Difference Between Counter Flashing & Step Flashing. Image Credit: Douglas Sacha/Moment/GettyImages.
What is reglet flashing?
Reglet flashing represents a compromise between through-wall and surface-mount flashing. A cut is made into the exterior masonry at a 90-degree angle.
Is caulk waterproof?
It is the least expensive installation method but also the least likely to be fully watertight. Caulk forms the seal at the top of surface-mount flashing, and this may need to be monitored and repaired or replaced over time because the caulk will inevitably break down.
