What is Roof Flashing and Why is it Important?

Roof Flashing

Roof flashing is a crucial part of the roof installation and maintenance process. Flashing installation ensures that your roof seals out air and water. It also protects your roof from severe weather conditions and prolongs the lifespan of your roof and its support structure.

As Pittsburgh roofing contractors, we know a thing or two about flashing! Let’s look at flashing, the best materials to use for flashing, and how you should go about installing flashing correctly.

What is Roof Flashing?

Flashing is necessary at the seam between two roof sections, at the joints between the chimney and the roofing material, and round skylights. Since continuous layers of roofing materials do not cover these areas, they are susceptible to leaks.

Changes in temperature and humidity levels can also cause the roofing’s outer envelope and intersections to move independently from each other. Flashing should accommodate this movement without compromising its waterproofing abilities.

Common Flashing Materials

There is a wide range of materials that are suitable for use in flashing. There are primarily three types of flashing materials, namely:

  • Metal roof flashing like stainless steel, copper, aluminum, and lead
  • Plastic
  • Composite materials

Of all the materials, copper is the most suitable for roof to wall flashing as it is durable, resistant to corrosion, and adjustable during temperature changes. Since the demand for copper flashing is high, it is also an expensive material.

Plastic is also popular because of its low cost. Plastic flashing does not, however, perform as well as metal sheet flashing.

Where Should You Install Flashing?

Proper installation is crucial for optimal roof protection and also to prolong the lifespan of the flashing. Replacing old or poorly installed flashing can be a time and cost-intensive endeavor, so you want to choose high-quality flashing and have it installed correctly from the get-go.

If you think you have a roof leak due to damaged or malfunctioning flashing, call GCC today, (724) 581- 8147.

Be sure to have flashing installed in all the necessary places.


Both hood and pipe vents require flashing to ensure that the joints are waterproof. With vent flashing installation, overlapping between the shingles and flashing is necessary. To provide proper flashing installation around vents, use professional roofing services.


To waterproof the area around a chimney, the roof edge flashing strips slide underneath the shingles and cover the lower section of the chimney.


A single strip of flashing is necessary to prevent water from entering underneath and around a skylight. It is crucial to install flashing correctly around these areas as the home’s interior is directly susceptible to water damage.

Dormer Windows

Flashing around dormer windows is necessary between every row of shingles. Like other areas, flashing installation around dormers should be conducted correctly to prevent water damage to the roof structure and the property’s interior.

Our Flashing Services

Gotcha Covered Contracting can help you with all your roof valley flashing installations and roof flashing repair needs. Our team goes the extra mile to ensure that we conduct our flashing services in a professional, efficient, and cost-effective manner.

Gotcha Covered Contracting also provides a wide range of quality roof maintenance, repair, and installation services. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation quote.