In layman’s terms, roof flashing is a thin metal (can be aluminum, copper, or steel) that roofers in Lake Charles, LA install to direct water away from certain areas on your roof where water can pool.  Flashing is installed around chimneys, in valleys of the roof, and near walls and doors.  Flashing is crucial in protecting the longevity of your roof, and proper installation can mean a leak-free structure for the duration of the life of the flashing.  When replacing a roof in Lake Charles, LA, it is not always necessary to replace the flashing.  Your roofing contractor in Lake Charles, LA will check the flashing for rust and determine if the integrity of the metal is still viable.  If it is, the flashing can remain in place when installing your new roof.

Along with regular roof maintenance and inspection, your flashing also needs to be looked at annually to determine if it's still functioning as it should.   Catching an issue early prevents costly repairs to the roof and home due to leaks that can wreak havoc on the health and wellbeing of the structure. 

There are five common types of flashing roofers use to create a leak-proof roof for your home or business. 

Continuous flashing, also known as apron flashing, is a long, single piece of metal that carries water down to the shingles of the roof.  It is installed where vertical walls meet the sloped roof.  With weather and temperature changes, buildings expand and contract, and long pieces of metal could be subject to damage if they do not expand and contract with the structure.  Because of this, the long pieces of metal are made with expansion joints that allow it to expand and contract as it should. 

Drip edge flashing is exactly how it sounds.  It is installed at the edge of the roof under the roof felt to help the water drip off the roof without damaging the home. 

Step flashing is flashing bent at a 90-degree angle in the center and installed in an overlapping manner to prevent water from getting behind the rectangular piece of metal.

Valley flashing is installed where two valleys of a roof plane join.  It comes in a W shape and is installed on top of the roof felt. 

Vent-pipe flashing is a conical-shaped piece of metal that creates a seal around your roofing vents in Lake Charles, LA.  It is installed into the shingles to cover the pipes and seal them off from weather. 

There are more specialized types of roof flashing for special structures or needs, and your roofing contractor in Lake Charles will be able to install the flashing that suits your roof’s needs.