What Are the Best Materials Used for Roof Flashing?

While you may be familiar with other roofing materials, you might not be with flashing. It is crucial to the integrity of your roof since it reinforces joints, valleys, walls, chimney areas and edges to prevent leaks. Flashing installs in an overlapping fashion that guarantees water cannot be trapped. Various materials are available for use as flashing. The one that is right for your house depends upon your budget, durability needed, how visible it will be and the other materials that the flashing will come in contact with on your roof. We discuss some of the best materials for flashing in the following.

Aluminium

Aluminium is a durable, versatile material and is suitable for numerous flashing locations, including in the valleys, around the chimney and at the walls or step-up areas. It comes in pre-formed shapes, sheets and rolls, so it can be customised when necessary. One advantage of aluminium is that it is a moderately priced material for flashing. Other benefits are that it is mouldable around corners or to conform to various angles and it holds its shape effectively. A downside to this material is that the uncoated version of it should not come into direct contact with mortar and cement since their alkalinity will corrode this material. In these situations, only coated aluminium should be used.

Copper

For a pricier, highly durable flashing option, turn to copper. It is resilient in all situations, including valley flashing with tile, chimney flashing, wall intersections, ridge areas and more. Copper can be fabricated into continuous, rigid custom shapes when needed. Flashing in this metal also comes in a lead-coated option as well, and this style is ideal for marine areas. With correct installation, it will last for years. Installation is easy due to the fact that it is a moderately pliant metal.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is an extremely resilient flashing material and is suitable for the harshest of environments. The price of it is comparable to copper flashing, placing it in the premium category of materials for this use. Typically, it is installed for base flashing, counter flashing and valley flashing. It comes in sheet form in both 18 and 24 gauges. One major advantage of stainless steel is that it is the flashing material that is least affected by salt spray, acid rain or other environmental corrosives. Also, it can be placed right against mortar and concrete since the alkalinity of these elements will not negatively affect it. A disadvantage of this material for flashing is that it is labour-intensive to install, which increases its already expensive cost.

To learn additional facts about what the best materials are for flashing, turn to Johnson Roofing. We are specialists for the installation, repair and maintenance of roofs.