The Risks of Not Using Flat Roof Flashing
When managing a commercial property, the roofing system is one of the most critical components of protecting your building and its occupants.
Flat roof flashing is a small piece of your roofing system, so it often goes overlooked. But without it, you’re putting your property at risk.
What Is Flat Roof Flashing?
Commercial low-sloped roofs don’t drain as easily as sloped roofs. They’re designed to allow runoff to drain towards scuppers and gutters, but ponding water can be an issue. Flat roof flashing is designed to protect vulnerable areas of your roofing system against water intrusions.
Flashings are typically made from materials like rubber, galvanized steel, stainless steel, or galvalume. They are installed around fireplace chimney systems, skylights, HVAC units, and other roof penetrations like water heaters, boilers, or wood stove pipes.
There are several types, including step flashing, pipe flashing, counter flashing and drip edges, all of which address specific needs.
Vent Pipe Flashing
Vent flashing provides a waterproof seal where exhaust pipes, chimney pipes, or stove pipes penetrate the roof’s surface. After this flashing is installed, a storm collar is applied to make it water-tight.
Step Flashing
Applied when a single wall meets another or around skylights, step flashing is bent at a 90-degree angle and installed to direct water toward your drainage system.
Drip Edges
Drip edges are applied along the perimeter of your roof to keep water from entering your structure while directing it to your gutters.
Counter Flashing
Counter flashing is essential to preventing water intrusion in areas that meet vertical surfaces like walls or parapets.
Why Is Roof Flashing Used?
Flat roof flashing serves several purposes, most of which keep water from ruining your buildings and its important components.
1. Preventing Roof Leaks
Properly installed flashing ensures water is directed away from seams, gaps, and penetrations, reducing the risk of roof leaks.
2. Protecting the Roofing System
Flat roof flashing is critical to maintaining the structural integrity of your roof. Without it, water intrusion can lead to costly repairs and even structural damage (which could cause roofing failure).
3. Enhancing Durability
Flashing gives added durability to HVAC units and other roof components, reducing wear and tear caused by constant weather exposure.
4. Compliance
Local codes often require flashing to be installed and maintained in order for your roof to remain compliant with safety standards. You may also need metal flashing in order to meet a Class-A fire-resistance rating.
Benefits of Well-Maintained Flat Roof Flashing
1. Extend Your Roof’s Life Span
Proper flashing extends the life of your roof by protecting it from water damage, UV rays, and temperature changes. High-quality materials like stainless steel or galvanized steel ensure years of performance and are backed by warranties from reputable manufacturers.
2. Reduced Maintenance Costs
By directing water away from vulnerable areas, flashing minimizes the likelihood of frequent repairs caused by roof leaks.
3. Improved Energy Efficiency
Sealing gaps around penetrations prevents heat loss or air infiltration, improving your building’s energy efficiency and reducing utility bills.
4. Professional Appearance
Well-installed flashing gives a polished look to your roofing system, instilling confidence in your tenants or customers.
Drawbacks of Not Using Flashing
Failing to install flashing or skimping on its maintenance can lead to serious consequences.
Without flashing, water can seep into your roof, leading to extensive damage. Over time, this can damage your insulation, ceiling tiles, and even structural components.
Accelerated wear and tear on roof-mounted equipment like HVAC units can occur when water isn’t effectively redirected. This shortens the lifespan and increases maintenance costs. A leaking roof can also threaten equipment housed within your building.
Visible roof damage, water stains, and poorly managed installations are reflected in customer reviews and can deter potential business. It may also deter potential buyers if you put your property on the market.
FAQs About Roof Flashing
How to Choose the Right Roof Flashing?
Material
While there are PVC and rubber options for flashing, metal products are more fire-resistant and durable. Galvanized steel and stainless steel are popular due to their corrosion resistance. Galvalume is a reliable and cost-effective alternative.
Product Details
Before you make a final decision on any flashing, make sure to check for specifications such as size, type of installation, heat rating, and its compatibility with your roof. A reputable commercial roofing company will be able to educate you when it comes to the ins, outs, and must-haves.
What Is the Difference Between Single-Wall and Double-Wall Flashing?
Single-wall flashing is a single layer of metal used for waterproofing. It’s suitable for most basic installations.
Double-wall flashing consists of two strips of metal with an insulating layer between them. It’s more complex to install but offers superior protection against water intrusion and extreme temperatures.
Can I Install Flashing Myself?
Any work you do on a commercial roof is dangerous. It requires strict adherence to professional safety measures. While flashing installation may seem simple, it’s better that you work with a reliable roofing contractor in order to ensure everyone remains safe and that you don’t void any warranties.
How Often Should I Inspect My Flashing?
A roofing contractor should inspect your entire roofing system, including the flashing, at least twice a year. You should have it inspected once before any stormy season in order to ensure that the roof is able to stand up to any extreme weather, and then again after in order to determine if any damage was done.
The Importance of Commercial Roof Flashing
Flat roof flashing seems like such a small component of your system, but its role in protecting your property is significant. Without it, your property is subjected to the constant potential for leaks and weathering that can severely damage your machines (and even the structure of your roof).
In order to keep your commercial property safe, you need a professional to inspect your roofing system – including your flashing – regularly. Catching small issues early keeps them from becoming larger and more expensive later.
