Why Is Roof Flashing Important This California Winter?

Severe winter weather can wreak havoc on your roof, but one way of protecting it is with proper roof flashing.

Be prepared by ensuring that your roof and its associated components are in the best condition to withstand different weather climates like heavy rain, strong winds, and snow.

Your roof is more prone to water damage and leaks during winter. You may need to get a  qualified service provider on roof flashing to do some roof inspection and repairs.

It can be more costly to repair your roof during winter. Temperatures are low, and everyone wants to stay indoors more than ever.

But winter is the time your roof will take the biggest hit.

 

5 Common Winter Roof Problems

Be on the safe side by taking care of your roof now to reduce potential damages in the winter months.

Here are some common winter issues that occur, that could be avoided with proper flashing on your roof.

1. Condensation

This happens when cold air and warm air meet on a surface, like when the weather changes from the warm, summer season to the crisp, winter season.

Condensation can not only damage your roof, it can also affect the inside of your home.

To avoid it, make sure your attic ventilation is well-insulated to combat winter elements.

You can do this by having a regular roof maintenance inspection routine, either performed by yourself or a qualified professional.

2. Ice dams

Ice dams occur when water accumulates under the shingles on the roof, and that water freezes – forming an ice dam.

It can block the draining water as the snow melts off the roof and makes your roof susceptible to water leakage.

The accumulated water also might cause weight damage to the roof.

Get rid of ice dams by cleaning the gutter and downspouts after the fall season, and making sure the water flows well.

3. Leaky Flashing

Damaged flashing is the primary cause of roof leakage in many homes. Leaky flashing occurs mainly due to improper installation, although sometimes severe weather can damage the roof flashing as well.

(Tip – only choose a roof installation contractor after carefully vetting him or her first. Always select the best roof contractors who guarantee that their roofing work withstands all the elements of severe weather.) Perform roof inspections regularly to replace any damaged parts, thus avoiding further roof problems.

4. Strong winds

Violent winds associated with winter can blow weak and loose shingles off, making the roof vulnerable to leaking and damage.

Southern California suffers from the Santa Ana winds, which can be extremely strong and bring a lot of damage.

If you happen to notice falling shingles, contact a roofing contractor as soon as possible to replace them. Also, make sure to repair any damaged shingles to avoid roof problems during winter.

You can request a new roof installation if the damage is too severe.

A new and well-installed roof shouldn’t cause any issues during winter.

5. Overhanging tree branches

During wintertime, frozen or dead branches may fall off nearby trees, since they are defenseless against heavy snows and high winds.

This can cause significant damage to your roof. Protect your roof and home in advance by trimming tree branches that are very close to the roof to avoid costly repairs.

It’s evident that winter sometimes can be brutal to your roofing system.

That’s why you may need roof flashing to be well prepared for the winter season.

Proper installation will have you staying warm and cozy indoors, without worrying about any damage or leakage with your roof.

 

 

What Is Roof Flashing?

Flashing is a waterproofing system that helps to keep a roof airtight with no leakages.

How is this done?

A roofing contractor will place strips of waterproof material on open gaps in your roof to prevent water leaking or seepage.

The common flashing materials for these strips include:

• Aluminum
• Copper
• Rubber
• Plastic

The strips are fitted between felts (waterproofing film) and the exterior roofing layer.

Flashing helps in keeping moisture out of the roof, especially during the winter season.

 

Four Most Common Types of Roof Flashing

• Valley flashing

The valley is where two roof planes meet. It is protected by installing a W-shaped channel and topping it with the roof’s finishing material.

• Chimney flashing

It must be applied around the base of a chimney to prevent any water running downwards.

It works well by combining other types of flashing to make the chimney region intact and safe from winter elements.

• Drip edges flashing

This is done to prevent water seeping along the eaves and rakes of the roof. For over roofing felt, it’s applied along the rakes and under roofing felt along eaves.

• Vent pipe flashing

Vent pipe flashing is cone-shape and applied over flues and pipes. It acts as proper drainage of accumulated water on the roof, and so works best as a roof leak repair.

 

 

Importance of Roof Flashing

Your roof is the first defense for your home against the winter elements. It offers the following important extra protection your home needs to withstand the winter season:

• Proper flashing increases the roof’s lifespan, saving you money from costly winter damages.
• It prevents condensation, which can make your roof vulnerable to contraction and expansion leading to leakages.
• Flashing prevents dampness or mold development on the roof by reducing leakage chances during wet weather.
• It provides a waterproof system, preventing any water from getting into the house by diverting it back to appropriate places where it can drain off.
• It inhibits some animals or insects that can cause damage to the roof structure.
• Roof flashing increases your home’s value, giving the roof a sleek, neat, and polished appearance.

 

Conclusion

As winter approaches, you must keep an eye on your roof!

You can choose a new roof installation or flashing depending on the weather conditions in your area. Protect your roof with regular inspections, maintenance, and repair to avoid winter problems.

Hire the top roofing contractor in California, to have your roof in the best condition to survive extreme and harsh weather climates.