Do You Need to Replace Roof Flashing? What to Know

What should you know about roof flashing?

Three things are good to understand about roof flashing. First, a quality roof replacement should include new flashing, since reusing old flashing is a common corner-cutting measure. Second, flashing needs regular checks to catch loose pieces or corrosion between replacements. Third, flashing quietly prevents leaks that protect your roof, attic, and home.

Key takeaways

• A quality roof replacement should include new flashing, not the old, aged flashing.
• A roofer who reuses your old flashing is often cutting corners, which is a red flag.
• Between replacements, loose or corroded flashing can be re-secured or patched.
• Flashing should be checked as part of your regular roof inspections.
• Wind storms can tear flashing loose, and the damage may be covered by insurance.

A roof replacement comes with plenty of unfamiliar terms, and flashing is one that leaves many homeowners guessing. Flashing is the metal that seals the vulnerable spots where your roof meets a wall or a penetration, and without it, leaks, water damage, and rot follow. We always walk homeowners through how their roof works, so they know what they are paying for. On Tops Roofing has cared for Raleigh-area roofs since 1991.

• What roof flashing is
• Flashing should be replaced with your roof
• Flashing needs regular maintenance
• Flashing protects your whole home
• Storm damage and your flashing
• FAQ

What Roof Flashing Is

Roof flashing is thin metal laid under the shingles to keep water out of openings, cracks, and other weak spots, redirecting it away from trouble areas. Flashing goes anywhere the roof meets a wall or chimney, along valleys, around vents and skylights, and at the eaves and rakes. For a fuller look at the types and metals, see our guide to roof flashing. Below are three things to keep in mind about your own flashing.

1. Flashing Should Be Replaced With Your Roof

When you replace a roof, the flashing should be replaced along with it. A roof due for replacement is almost always old enough that its flashing has aged right alongside the shingles, so reusing it invites leaks down the road. A quality contractor installs fresh flashing as part of the job, and doing so is standard practice for a lasting, watertight roof. In fact, a roofer who plans to leave your old flashing in place is a warning sign, since skipping new flashing is a common way to cut corners and shave the price. One rare exception is flashing that is genuinely newer and still in sound shape, but for the vast majority of replacements, new flashing is what you should expect and ask for.

2. Flashing Needs Regular Maintenance

Whatever metal it is made of, flashing should outlast your shingles, but only with upkeep. Checking it during your regular roof inspections keeps small problems from turning into leaks. Two fixes come up regularly, and both are straightforward. Loose flashing, from pulled screws or worn metal around the holes, can be re-secured to the decking and sealed with roofing cement. Corrosion holes do not always mean full replacement either, since a roofer can patch them by cutting a larger piece of flashing, placing it over the hole, and sealing it with cement. Staying ahead of these with routine inspections saves you from bigger repairs later.

3. Flashing Protects Your Whole Home

A roof leak is a common and costly problem, and it does not stop at the roof, since water can spread into the attic, walls, and ceilings. Because flashing is built to prevent those leaks, it protects your home in a few ways. Flashing extends your roof's life by keeping moisture out of the sheathing and framing, helps prevent the mold that damp attics invite, and shields your attic insulation from water damage.

Storm Damage and Your Flashing

Here in North Carolina, storms are a common reason flashing fails early. High winds can lift or tear flashing right off, especially around chimneys and walls, leaving those seams open to water. After a strong storm, it is smart to have your flashing checked along with your shingles. When wind or storm damage is significant, your homeowner's insurance may cover the repair as part of a claim, so document what you find with photos.

Keeping Your Flashing in Shape

Flashing does quiet, essential work, and a little attention keeps it doing that job for the life of your roof. Regular maintenance and a look after big storms go a long way. On Tops Roofing has helped Raleigh-area homeowners care for their roofs since 1991, and you can request a free inspection or estimate whenever you are ready.

FAQ

Does a roof replacement include new flashing?

It should, since a roof due for replacement is usually old enough that the flashing has aged too, so a quality contractor installs new flashing as part of the job. A roofer who reuses your old flashing is often cutting corners, which is a red flag to watch for.

How do I know if my flashing needs to be replaced?

A roofer checks for rust, cracked or peeling caulk, loose or raised fasteners, warped metal, and pieces torn off by wind. Any of these can let water in and signal that the flashing needs repair or replacement.

Can flashing be repaired instead of replaced?

Often it can, since loose flashing can be re-secured to the decking and sealed with roofing cement, and small corrosion holes can be patched. Full replacement is reserved for flashing that is badly rusted, damaged, or missing.

How often should flashing be checked?

As part of your regular roof inspections, and again after any major storm. Catching a loose or corroded piece early is far cheaper than repairing the water damage a failed seal can cause.

Does insurance cover storm-damaged flashing?

Often, when the damage comes from a covered event like high winds. Flashing torn loose in a storm is usually part of a broader roof claim, so photograph the damage and have a roofer assess it.