Flashing & Metal Trim Solutions
Metal trim and flashing are a vital piece of the puzzle in shielding your roof from leaks. The right trim will protect your roof during severe weather and torrential downpour. This is why it’s important to hire a roofing contractor who can properly install the right flashing on your roof.
Drip Edge Flashing
Due to it’s flexibility and drip edge flashing can be used for almost any roofing application. It traditionally comes in a t-style that can be custom-fitted for your roof. Drip edge flashing seals the area where the roofline meets the fascia board. It supports the overhang shingle edge and channels rainwater toward the gutter.
T-style gives your roof a finished, professional look and sense of completeness. It's simple to install, low cost, and holds up well over time. Flashing can be ordered in various colors and textures in order to match your home’s overall design.
Water and Chimney Flashing
Flashing and metal trim are also an effective means to make the base of your chimney watertight. It is a nice decorative feature that keeps leaks from occurring around the chimney where they generally happen the most. Different types of chimney flashing are available. The most important thing to remember when choosing flashing is how well it will fit up against the chimney surface.
Implementing The Flashing Against The Chimney
What type of flashing you use and how it’s attached depends on the both the surface of the chimney and the type of roof you have. Some chimney surfaces are need easy to seal and require different installation techniques. Below are a few examples of chimneys and what type of flashing is recommended
Stucco
Step flashings are tucked behind the stucco or even constructed within the layers. This makes it difficult to replace when the time comes to get a new roof. It is important to make sure the stucco is in excellent shape, and that step flashings are intact.
Brick
Requires step flashings that are woven through the shingles and a counter flashing for aesthetic purposes, which prevents water from getting behind the step flashings.
Stone
When installing wall flashings, it is recommended that you grout into the wall to create a smooth transition from flashing to the chimney surface. Copper and lead are more flexible metals that make working with the irregularities of stone easier. Step flashings are required to ensure correct shingle transition.
Siding
Typically step flashings are woven through the shingles and then tucked behind the siding so they cannot be seen. Counter flashings are not required along walls that are sided. If step flashings are missing, they should be added at the time of roof replacement.
Step flashings are tucked behind the stucco or even constructed within the layers. This makes it difficult to replace when the time comes to get a new roof. It is important to make sure the stucco is in excellent shape, and that step flashings are intact.
Brick
Requires step flashings that are woven through the shingles and a counter flashing for aesthetic purposes, which prevents water from getting behind the step flashings.
Stone
When installing wall flashings, it is recommended that you grout into the wall to create a smooth transition from flashing to the chimney surface. Copper and lead are more flexible metals that make working with the irregularities of stone easier. Step flashings are required to ensure correct shingle transition.
Siding
Typically step flashings are woven through the shingles and then tucked behind the siding so they cannot be seen. Counter flashings are not required along walls that are sided. If step flashings are missing, they should be added at the time of roof replacement.
A Professional Finish
Where many contractors fall short in installing flashing is actually making it look professional. While this does require additional labor it is worth it. Nothing looks worse than metal trim that has been attached to your chimney with no thought for aesthetics or creativity.
Grouting
Grouting is a bit time consuming and may cost you a little more in labor. But the results are simply amazing. It meshes the flashing right into the chimney surface with a smooth, almost-seamless transition. It’s a great method for waterproofing the base.
Sealing
Caulking is not an ideal option for sealing your chimney due to faster deterioration and ongoing maintenance. It is a simple method and far more affordable. It does lack curb-appeal and doesn’t look very professional.
Grouting is a bit time consuming and may cost you a little more in labor. But the results are simply amazing. It meshes the flashing right into the chimney surface with a smooth, almost-seamless transition. It’s a great method for waterproofing the base.
Sealing
Caulking is not an ideal option for sealing your chimney due to faster deterioration and ongoing maintenance. It is a simple method and far more affordable. It does lack curb-appeal and doesn’t look very professional.