Is it time to check the flashing on your residential roof? Flashing is a crucial component of your roofing system. Inspecting it from time to time can help you know it’s doing its job to protect your home from leaks and water damage.

Knowing how to inspect the roof flashing for issues can save you time and money. Inspecting can also help to prevent minor problems from becoming costly roofing repairs or premature replacement. Read on to learn the steps to check the roof flashing, why it matters, and how to get the best roofing services when you need them.

What Is Roof Flashing?

Flashing is a thin, flat metal piece that waterproofs the protrusions and perimeter of your roof. It works by directing water away from the roof joints and seams and into gutters, preventing moisture from entering openings or cracks in the roof. It’s vital for your roof flashing to be in optimal condition to avoid roof leaks and water or mold damage to your property.

There are four primary types of flashing:

• Valley (the most common type): Metal strips that look like an upside-down “T,” this flashing is in the roof valley where two roofing planes join.
• Step or continuous: Flashing where the roofing plane meets the wall or dormer.
• Drip Edges: Flashing with an upside-down “L” shape that is on the roofing edges to catch drips or excess rainwater
• Rubber boots or vent pipe: Cone-shaped rubber at the base of the vent pipes

How to Check the Flashing on a Roof

While it is not safe or recommended to get up on your roof or perform repairs, assessing the roof with binoculars can help you identify areas of concern.

Here are the steps to check your roof flashing to detect potential problems:

1. Choose a clear day with no precipitation.
2. Use a pair of binoculars to inspect the roof visually.
3. Pay special attention to the areas where the flashing is located (listed above).
4. Look for damaged, missing, or dislodged flashing.
5. Assess the rubber boots for worn-out or cracked areas.

Using a remote-controlled camera drone is an even easier way to check out the flashing on your roof. You can record a video to review with your roofer. Either way, any signs of flashing damage you notice indicate you should contact a qualified roofing company right away for professional repair services.

Schedule a Professional Roofing Inspection from Enduring Roofing & Gutters

If you suspect you may have roof flashing damage or another roofing problem, reach out to the trusted team of roofers at Enduring Roofing & Gutters. We provide free roof inspections and bring more than 15 years of experience to your Atlanta area roofing project. Let our local roofers check the roof flashing and return it to an optimal condition in no time.