Roof Anatomy
What is Flashing?
Roofing Glossary · Roof Anatomy
Definition
Thin strips of impervious metal — typically galvanized steel, aluminum, or lead — installed at joints and transitions in the roof to prevent water from entering. Flashing is used wherever the roof meets a vertical surface like a wall, chimney, skylight, or pipe, and at valleys and hips. Flashing failure is the leading cause of roof leaks.
Related Roofing Terms
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Step FlashingIndividual rectangular pieces of metal flashing installed in an alternating staircase pattern at the...
→Counter FlashingMetal flashing embedded in the mortar joints or surface of a chimney or wall that overlaps the step ...
→Valley FlashingA sheet metal or membrane lining installed in the valley of a roof to create a watertight channel fo...
→Pipe BootA prefabricated rubber or metal flashing collar that seals around plumbing vent pipes where they pen...
→ChimneyA vertical masonry or metal structure projecting above the roofline that creates the draft for a fir...
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