When people think about their roofs, what immediately pops up in their heads are the shingles or tiles. They never really think about the flashing, which is absolutely vital if you want a leak-free roof. It is what protects vulnerable areas of your roof, such as around skylights, vents and corners.
For the average homeowner, repairing or installing flashing yourself may seem like a pretty simple task. But in reality, flashing work requires the help of a professional if you want it done properly. To illustrate our point, here are three common flashing mistakes DIYers make.
1. Installing the Wrong Flashing Size
Improper measurement of valley flashing is something that could put your whole roof at risk. Valley flashing should be wide enough to ensure that rainwater does not reach the inner layers of your system. The width of the flashing should be determined by the roofing material as well as the slope of the roof. Amateurs with no roofing experience commonly install the wrong flashing size, which results in leaks.
2. Ignoring Repairs
As mentioned before, flashings are an integral part of any roofing system. While they may not seem like much to look at since they are just thin metal strips, ignoring their repair and maintenance is one sure way to invite costly roof damage.
3. Incorrect Repairs
Just as some homeowners ignore flashing repairs completely, some also repair flashing incorrectly. Essential components of your roof that require flashing can be easily overlooked by an untrained eye. Hiring a certified professional that will pay attention even to the smallest details is key if you want a healthy and reliable roof.
Whether you’re dealing with flashing problems or are missing a few shingles, turn to the experts at Goodrich Roofing, and we’ll have your roof back to its pre-damaged condition in no time. Give us a call at (505) 219-4450 to set up a free consultation, or fill out our contact form to request a quick quote today.