Overview

One of the most common causes of leaks Ragsdale Roofing And Innovations LLC sees is compromised flashing. Despite its renowned durability, it can unfortunately still fail if it isn’t installed or maintained properly. We’ve worked on countless flashing repairs, and this blog shares what works best in each situation.

You’ll learn what weakens flashing over time, how to spot early signs of trouble, and when it’s time to call in an expert to keep leaks from spreading.

Highlights

Introduction

When was the last time you even thought about the flashing on your roof? It’s one of those details that’s easy to forget about, but it plays a huge role in keeping your roofline sealed where shingles can’t.

When you know how flashing works and what puts it at risk, you can plan repairs on your terms instead of dealing with surprise damage. The first step is knowing what to watch for.

Signs You Need Roof Flashing Repair

Roof flashing doesn’t spontaneously disintegrate, and it won’t always fail in obvious ways. Small gaps or cracks can stay hidden until water finds a path inside, and by then, the damage beneath can be worse than what’s visible. That’s why you need to look for subtle warning signs before they spread.

One sign to take seriously is dark staining near your chimney or along a roof valley. Discoloration usually means water is seeping in around compromised flashing and soaking into nearby materials.

Here are a few others:

  • Water spots forming on interior ceilings
  • Rust streaks on flashing edges
  • Loose or lifted shingles around flashing areas
  • Visible gaps where flashing meets brick or siding
  • Drips or damp spots in the attic near joints

Correcting Poor Roof Flashing Installation

If you hire licensed, reputable roofers, poor roof flashing installation shouldn’t be a problem. It happens when work is rushed or corners get cut, leaving seams exposed and flashing out of line. It’s a big deal because even a small gap can send water straight into your roof deck, and where it’s hardest to dry out.

You’ll know if the installation was poorly done when you spot leaks near joints or see flashing pulling away. To fix it, the old pieces usually need to come out so new flashing can be sealed, secured, and tucked back in the right way.

How a Missing Drip Edge Increases Flashing Leaks

A drip edge is a thin strip of metal installed along the edges of a roof to guide water into the gutters and away from the fascia and roof deck. When it’s missing, water can slip under the shingles and behind the flashing instead of flowing off the edge like it should.

When a drip edge is missing or damaged, new metal has to be added along the eaves and rake edges. Roofers lift the bottom row of shingles, slide the drip edge underneath, and secure it so water stays moving away from the roof. If necessary, any shingles that were lifted or cracked are replaced so the edge stays fully covered and sealed.

Responding to Wind Damage That Has Lifted Roof Edge Flashing

Strong winds can get under the edges of roof flashing and pry it away from the roofline, especially if nails or sealant have loosened. It’s not a super common issue, but once flashing lifts even a little, water can sneak underneath and spread damage fast. Compared to other flashing problems, wind damage is usually easier to spot because the metal is visibly pulled away or rattling in strong gusts.

To fix this, roofers remove any bent sections and install new flashing if needed. They refasten everything firmly and reseal the edges so gusts can’t get under it again.

Does Poor Roof Nail Placement Weaken Flashing?

Nails that aren’t set where they should be can cause flashing to fail sooner than it should. If nails are too close to the edge or driven in crooked, they can pull out or leave tiny gaps that water will find sooner or later. This makes it easier for wind and rain to work flashing loose.

Fixing bad nail placement involves pulling out the old nails and taking up the damaged flashing. Roofers fit new metal, drive nails into the right spots so they hold firm, and seal over each nail to block any chance of leaks forming around them again. Like other repairs, this requires careful sealing and proper overlap, but in this case, getting the fasteners right is what keeps the whole repair from failing again.

How Do Different Roof Flashing Types Fail?

There are actually different roof flashing types, each with its own purpose. They can also fail differently because of how they’re shaped to fit specific roof lines and direct water flow.

Here are the different types and how they can fail:

  • Step flashing: Can loosen or shift out of place where shingles overlap. It usually needs to be reseated or replaced if bent or rusted.
  • Valley flashing: May corrode or crack under heavy debris and ice buildup. Clearing blockages and sealing joints helps stop leaks.
  • Chimney flashing: Often separates where it meets brickwork due to settling or bad sealant. Resealing or adding new counter flashing closes the gap.
  • Vent pipe flashing: Rubber boots can crack and split over time. Replacing the boot or adding a new collar solves the problem.
  • Drip edge flashing: Can lift or rust along roof edges, letting water behind gutters. Securing it firmly and swapping out damaged pieces keeps water flowing off the roofline.

When Is Roof Flashing Replacement Needed?

Deciding when to replace flashing isn’t always cut and dry. Some damage can be sealed or patched, but if there’s too much wear or the area around it is falling apart, new flashing is usually the better call. It comes down to whether a fix will actually last or just buy time.

One clear sign it’s time for new flashing is when the metal has simply aged out. If it’s rusted through or starting to crumble, repairs won’t hold up for long, and replacement is the only real fix.

Here’s a list of a few factors roofers use to decide:

  • How much of the flashing is damaged compared to the whole section
  • The condition of the shingles around it
  • Signs of repeated leaks in the same spot
  • The cost difference between patching and full replacement
  • How easy it is to access the area without tearing up too much of the roof

How Does New Flashing Installation Work?

If your roofers find that there’s no practical way to repair and salvage your current system, they’ll have it replaced. This process will depend on the type of flashing you need, where it’s installed, and how the surrounding shingles or roofing material tie in. These details are duly considered because flashing only works when it’s fitted snugly into valleys, edges, or joints without gaps.

The first step is carefully removing any damaged flashing along with nearby shingles or sealant. This clears the area so the new flashing can be anchored properly and sealed tightly against leaks.

Here are the steps that follow:

  • Remove old nails and leftover debris to prepare a clean surface.
  • Cut new flashing sections to match the exact length and shape needed.
  • Position the new flashing and secure it with roofing nails or screws.
  • Seal edges and joints with roofing cement or appropriate sealant.
  • Replace or reinstall shingles to cover and protect the flashing.
  • Inspect the finished area to ensure a watertight seal and proper overlap.

What’s the Best Flashing Material for Replacements?

The right flashing material for your replacement depends on your roof’s design and what’s already in place. Most residential roofs use galvanized steel or aluminum because they’re durable and cost-effective, but some areas may benefit from copper for extra longevity.

If your existing flashing held up well for decades, it’s usually smart to stick with the same material. When you’re choosing between options, your roofer will consider weather conditions, roof slope, and budget to help you pick the right fit.

How Long Should Roof Flashing Last?

On average, well-installed flashing can hold up for 20 to 30 years, and sometimes longer if conditions stay mild and the rest of the roof is in good shape. Unlike shingles, which often have a clear replacement cycle, flashing usually doesn’t get replaced on a schedule. It’s swapped out when it shows damage or when a section of the roof is fully redone.

Flashing is made from metals that resist corrosion and withstand temperature shifts without breaking down easily, which is why it lasts for so long. Galvanized steel is coated to block rust, while aluminum doesn’t corrode like untreated steel would. The shape and thickness help it handle expansion and contraction as temperatures swing, and when joints are sealed and fasteners stay tight, there’s very little for weather to get a grip on.

Talk to a Local Roofer About Flashing Maintenance

If you have questions or concerns about your flashing, talk to a local roofer from Ragsdale Roofing And Innovations LLC. With a comprehensive assessment, we can provide clear answers and practical solutions that keep your flashing secure and your roof protected season after season.

Call (912) 346-8250 and get your flashing looked at by a pro.