Repairing Flashing and Guttering – What You Should Know
Your roof’s guttering and flashing are the first lines of defence against the rain, and proper installation and maintenance of your roof’s gutters and flashing are vital to their effectivity. Some homeowners tend to overlook them, but understanding the importance of it may save you from potential long-term damages and costly home repair bills in the future. In this blog post, we shed some light on why you should always keep them up to standard.
What are roof guttering and roof flashing, and why do I need them?
Roof flashing is a pivotal part of your roof. It prevents possible any leakages caused by strong rainfall, and is typically made from galvanised sheet metal, copper, or aluminium. The flashing acts as a seal between the joints of your roof, as this is where rain would otherwise enter your roofing system. Roof flashing is most commonly used in areas that are more susceptible to leaks and water damage, such as roof valleys, chimneys, or a dormer wall and its roof surface. It doesn’t collect the water; it just prevents it from entering the home.
On the other hand, the main purpose of roof gutters or rain gutters is to gather rain and snow runoff, diverting it away from your home’s foundations. Rain gutters are an important aspect in maintaining the integrity of your house, as they will carry any water that would otherwise puddle and leak through to the internal workings of your roofing system.
How do I maintain my roof gutters and roof flashing?
Naturally, your roof’s flashing will show some signs of wear and tear over time, as its purpose is to catch water that would damage the inside of your home. Though it’s designed to be sturdy enough to protect your homes from leakage, it’s not uncommon to be damaged from age and exposure. Damage can take the form of cracking, warping, or even complete displacement by wind. Your roof’s flashing can also become damaged due to human error. If a contractor installs or repairs your flashing poorly, you will quickly begin to notice leaks in vulnerable areas of your home.
The same principle applies to gutters. They are designed to take on the rain, however they are not made to withstand huge amounts of stress. Overflowing and clogged gutters have to endure heavier burdens, and can’t effectively divert the water away from your home. It’s wise to regularly check your gutters to make sure they’re free from debris such as leaves, tennis balls, and random things that may get stuck and cause them to clog.
The easiest solution to maintain your flashing and gutters is to check on them regularly. Have a professional roofer thoroughly inspect your roof after a long winter or significant rainstorm, and be prepared to do some DIY cleaning from time to time. Water damage tends to be invisible for a long time before a homeowner notices it, so if you leave a repair unfinished until you start to notice a leak or problem, there will most likely be a lot more damage than you expected hiding under the surface.
Hire a professional roofer to check your flashing and guttering
Investing in expert roof inspections and repair can go a long way. When it comes to replacing old or damaged gutters and flashing, let the experts handle it! Paul Milne Roofing can provide you with a quality roofing maintenance service to ensure your roof’s gutters and flashing last a very long time. Talk to us today to discover what material is going to work best for your home and your budget!