When it comes to protecting your home, your roof is your first line of defense. But even the best roofing system depends on small, often overlooked components to do the heavy lifting – and one of the most important is roof flashing.
At MUNZ Roofing, we often find that flashing is either misunderstood or ignored until there’s a leak. Whether you’re getting a new roof, dealing with water damage, or just trying to learn more about your home, here’s what you need to know about roof flashing and why it matters.
What Is Roof Flashing?
Roof flashing is a thin layer of metal – usually aluminum, galvanized steel, or copper – that’s installed around roof joints and penetrations to direct water away from vulnerable areas.
Flashing is used to prevent leaks in places where shingles or roofing materials alone can’t create a watertight seal. These include areas where your roof meets walls, chimneys, skylights, vents, dormers, or other changes in surface or elevation.
Without properly installed and maintained flashing, your roof is far more likely to leak, even if the shingles themselves are in perfect shape.
Where You’ll Find Roof Flashing
Flashing is installed in multiple areas around the roof, including:
- Chimneys: Step flashing and counter flashing help seal the base and sides
- Roof valleys: Where two roof slopes meet and water naturally collects
- Skylights and roof windows: Flashing creates a waterproof seal around the frames
- Vent pipes and exhaust fans: Flashing surrounds the base to block water intrusion
- Sidewalls and dormers: Any place where vertical walls meet a sloped roof
Each type of flashing is custom-shaped and installed to guide water away from seams and joints, directing it safely into the gutters and off the roof.
What Happens When Flashing Fails?
Flashing may be metal, but it’s not indestructible. Over time, flashing can:
- Rust or corrode (especially if improperly sealed)
- Pull away from the roof due to age, expansion, or poor installation
- Crack or bend under stress from debris, storms, or heavy snow
- Break down at sealant points, especially around chimneys and vents
Once flashing is compromised, water can slip underneath and the damage begins. Leaks caused by bad flashing are often slow and hidden, which means by the time you see water inside, the damage is already widespread.
How to Know If Your Flashing Needs Help
You may not be climbing up on your roof, but there are still signs to look for:
- Water stains on ceilings or walls, especially near chimneys or skylights
- Visible rust streaks or corrosion around roof edges
- Drips during or after heavy rain, even if they seem minor
- Loose or missing shingles near joints or valleys
If you’re seeing any of these, it’s worth having a roofer inspect your flashing. In some cases, repairs can be made without a full roof replacement.
Can Flashing Be Repaired or Replaced?
Yes, and it should be as part of routine roof maintenance. A skilled roofing team can:
- Re-seal or re-nail loose flashing
- Replace sections that are cracked or rusted
- Install new flashing during a re-roof or renovation
At MUNZ, we always inspect flashing during any repair or new roof install to ensure it’s protecting your home the way it should.
Protect the Details, Protect Your Home
It’s easy to overlook flashing, but it plays a critical role in protecting your home from water damage. Whether you’re seeing signs of a leak or it’s just time for an inspection, MUNZ Roofing is here to help.
Serving Bristol, PA and surrounding areas, our team provides detailed inspections, honest answers, and repairs that last. If your flashing is failing, or you’re not sure, let us take a look before the next storm does.