There are a few different kinds of roof flashing available. Read on to learn more about Continuous, Chimney, Step, and Base flashing. You can also choose from other metals such as brass and copper. Here are the differences between these four types of flashing.
Continuous flashing
Continuous roof flashing, also known as base flashing, is a roofing component used to prevent water penetration. Its purpose is to form a continuous horizontal line where the sloped roof meets a vertical wall. In addition to preventing water from penetrating the roof, continuous flashing can also be used on dormer walls. It is also an effective water-proofing measure, especially if the home has a metal roof. Installation of continuous roof flashing requires the roofer to clean the masonry walls before installing the flashing.
The most common material used in continuous roof flashing is steel, which is corrosion-resistant and beautiful, and it acts like an apron to seal the edges of the roof. Klauer offers residential flashing products, and they will recommend the best one for you.
Chimney flashing
There are many different types of roof flashings, but you should know what chimney flashing is for your home. There are two basic types of flashing: base and counter. Base flashing is usually a single piece and extends from the roof to the bottom face of the chimney, then wraps around the sides of the chimney. Both types of chimney flashings must be installed properly to prevent leaks.
The two most common types of roof flashing are counter-flashing and base flashing. The base flashing is the piece on the bottom of the chimney, while the counter-flashing is the upper piece that sits above the base. The purpose of these two flashing pieces is to prevent water from seeping past the base flashing. These flashings are used on roofs for other purposes, too, and chimneys require them.
Metals used for flashing are typically steel, aluminum, copper, and lead. These materials are durable and will not rust easily, but they can be expensive.
Step flashing
Using step flashing on the sidewall of a home is an excellent way to prevent leaks and keep your roof protected against water damage. It is a metal strip that runs along the wall and overlaps with the roof. Another type of roof flashing is valley flashing. Valley flashing is a W-shaped metal piece that should be installed on the roofing felt and on top of vent pipe flashing.
Depending on your building’s design, step-flashing should be installed before the first course of shingles. In these cases, roofing cement is used to secure the flashing, and roofing caulk is used to seal the flanges.
Copper roof flashing
Copper roof flashing is an excellent choice for both residential and commercial buildings. Depending on the type of building, copper is a good choice for roofs exposed to extreme temperatures. It can cover the entire surface of the roof or just the top layer. Typically, copper roof flashing is made of 2 to 3 layers, and each layer should overlap the previous one by at least 4 inches (100 mm). Counter flashings should be attached to the base flashing in a snap-in or soldered arrangement. Alternatively, they can be fabricated with minimum four-inch overlap.
Copper is the most expensive roofing material, but it is durable and aesthetically appealing. It can maintain its integrity for more than 100 years with proper maintenance. Copper is easy to work with despite its high cost and does not tarnish like other metals. A broken flashing increases the likelihood of a roof leak. Other problems with copper roof flashing include deterioration over time and loosening from improper installation. Moreover, you should also repair any roof features that may cause flashing failure.
There are several types of flashing available. A single-inch piece of copper roofing flashing may cost as much as $50. Depending on the size of your project, this price will vary. You can even order a custom-sized strip. A double or triple-bend flashing is an option that can be custom-fitted to your roof. You can also order safety hems for the bottom edge to hide sharp edges and make cleaning easier. You should specify this when ordering your flashing to receive the best possible price.