Roof Flashing Installation Tips for Asphalt Shingle Roofs
Installing your own roof, as well as completing your own roof flashing installation, is one of the easiest ways to save money when it comes to home repairs. Professionals will line up to do the task, but the reality is that installing your own roof can be accomplished by anyone with a little knowledge and some basic tools.
Tip 1: Vent Flashing
The easiest way to install vent flashing is to buy pre-made flashing that simply slips over the top, and usually seals around the vent with a rubber boot. Always remember that when you are putting the asphalt shingles down on the roof, the flashing that is on the upside of the pitch goes under the shingles, will the flashing on the down side goes over them. This allows any water and snow to run off the roof, without having access to back up under the roofing materials. It is also a good practice, to help prevent leaks, to use waterproof caulking and cover the seams around the inside of the flashing and boot.
Tip 2: Step Flashing
If your roof has any walls that protrude above the roof line, such as an add-on or a garage, step flashing has to be installed, in order to prevent moisture from backing up under the asphalt shingles. This is accomplished by folding 8 inch wide pieces of flashing in half, so that each surface has 4 inches of flashing covering the sheeting material. Begin at the bottom of the pitch, if there is any, and place the next piece on top of the previous one. The section that goes down on the roof needs to be secured with roofing nails on top of the shingles, and the sections that go up the wall should be nailed down under the existing siding. Run these flashing pieces all the way up the wall, and if the wall does not go from end to end, you need to overlap 4 inches, so that it can be folded over, from which you will continue up the wall until the entire run is covered with flashing.
Tip 3: Edge Flashing
The edge flashing is the main barrier for the eaves, and is formed to prevent water from backing up under the roofing shingles. These pieces are bought pre-formed for any roof, in varying lengths. Start installing these from the edge of the eave, lining the end of the flashing up with the end of the sheathing. The section that lies on the roof needs to be secured down with roofing nails, while the section that goes over the eaves simply hangs down. Lay the next piece of flashing over the top of the previous one, making sure to overlap by at least 4 inches, and secure it down in the same manner. Repeat this as many times as it takes to cover all of the eaves on the house.
Taking the time to install your own asphalt roof flashing can be accomplished easily, and will save you a large amount of money. Any homeowner can complete this project if they are willing to spent some time and energy to accomplish it.
