When it comes to keeping your home dry, shingles aren’t the only important part of your roof. The thin pieces of metal known as roof flashing are true heroes in preventing leaks. Flashing is installed at critical areas of your roof, like around chimneys, skylights, vents, and where roof planes meet walls, to seal out water. For Colorado homeowners, ensuring your flashing is in good shape is vital. Our weather can go from sunny to stormy quickly, and melting snow can sneak into any gap. In this primer on roof flashing, we’ll explain what flashing is, why it’s so important for leak prevention, and how to maintain it so your Colorado home stays dry and damage-free.
What is Roof Flashing?
Roof flashing is typically made of thin metal, such as galvanized steel or aluminum, that roofers install wherever two surfaces meet on the roof. You’ll find flashing along the base of chimneys, wrapping around plumbing vents, along dormers, and in the valleys where two roof slopes intersect. The purpose of flashing is to create a water-resistant barrier at these joints and transitions. For example, without proper flashing around your chimney, rainwater or snowmelt could easily seep into the gap between the chimney and your roof structure. Flashing overlaps the adjoining materials (shingles, brick, etc.) and is often sealed with roofing cement or caulking to keep water from running over the seams and off the roof.
Why Flashing Is Critical in Colorado
Colorado’s climate puts your roof to the test year-round. In spring and summer, sudden downpours can dump a lot of water on your roof in a short time. In the winter, snow accumulation on your roof will eventually melt, sending trickles of water down to your eaves and flashing points. If any flashing is loose or improperly sealed, water will find its way in. Because we also experience high winds, flashing can get pried up or bent, creating a gap. Over time, sun exposure can dry and crack the sealants used on flashing as well. All of these factors mean that in Colorado, a piece of flashing that isn’t doing its job can quickly lead to a leak inside your home. Often, the first sign of flashing failure is a water stain on an interior ceiling or wall adjacent to where the flashing is located (for instance, a stain on the ceiling next to the chimney).
Signs of Flashing Problems
How do you know if your roof’s flashing needs attention? Some signs are visible during an exterior inspection, while others you might notice inside your home:
- Visible Damage or Rust: From the ground, look at areas like chimney bases or roof valleys. If you see flashing that is visibly warped, bent upward, or rusted, it may not be sealing as it should. Flashing that is pulling away from surfaces is a clear sign of trouble.
- Water Stains Indoors: Brownish water marks on your ceiling or upper walls can indicate a leak. If these appear after heavy rain or snow, the leak might be coming from faulty flashing above that spot. Common culprits are chimney flashing or flashing around vent pipes.
- Drip Edges with Gaps: The drip edge is a type of flashing at the roof’s edge that guides water into the gutters. If sections are missing or installed improperly, you might see gaps where daylight is visible between the roof deck and fascia – a potential entry point for water.
- Mold or Rot in the Attic: If you can access your attic, check around skylight openings, chimney framing, or vent penetrations. Damp wood, mold growth, or a musty smell can hint that water is sneaking in around flashing areas.
Maintaining and Repairing Roof Flashing
The good news is that roof flashing can often be repaired or resealed without needing a full roof replacement. As part of regular roof maintenance, it’s wise to have your flashing inspected periodically (many homeowners do this annually or after severe storms). A professional Colorado roofer will check that the flashing is lying flat and firmly secured, and that any sealant or caulk is intact. If the sealant has cracked due to age or UV exposure, they’ll remove the old caulk and apply fresh roofing sealant to ensure a watertight bond.
For minor flashing issues – like a small loose section around a vent pipe – re-securing it with new fasteners and sealant might be all that’s needed. However, if flashing is extensively rusted or damaged, replacing that segment is the best solution. For example, chimney flashing often involves step flashing (L-shaped pieces along the sides) and counterflashing (embedded in the chimney mortar). If these are failing, a roofer can carefully install new flashing and tie it into the existing roof covering to restore a leak-proof seal.
One thing to note: whenever you get a roof repair or a new roof installation, make sure flashing is addressed. Reputable contractors will include new flashing around key areas or refurbish the existing ones as part of the job. At Colorado Preferred Roofing, we always evaluate the flashing on every repair call. If you had some shingles replaced after a windstorm, for instance, we’ll also check that the nearby flashing (such as along your ridge or chimney) is secure, so you don’t experience a leak later on.
Keeping Your Colorado Home Dry and Secure
Roof flashing may not be the first thing you think about when it comes to your roof, but it’s one of the most critical components for leak prevention. By staying alert to the signs of flashing problems and addressing them promptly, you can avoid costly interior water damage. Remember, even a small gap in flashing can let in a surprising amount of water over time.
Don’t Wait for a Leak: If it’s been a while since your last roof inspection, or if you’ve noticed any of the warning signs mentioned, consider scheduling a professional check-up. A quick inspection and minor fix today could save you the headache of ceiling repairs tomorrow. Our team at Colorado Preferred Roofing is here to help with all aspects of roof maintenance and repair in the Denver and Littleton area. We’ll make sure your flashing, shingles, and gutters are all working together to shield your home from the elements. Feel free to contact us for an inspection or with any questions about keeping your Colorado roof in top shape.
