Key Things to Know About Commercial Roof Flashings

If you’re an owner of a commercial property, roof flashings are something that may not cross your mind often. However, they play an essential role in the roof and building’s overall structure and safety. There are many types of roof flashings and flashing materials on the market today for various applications. Here are some key things every commercial building owner should know about roof flashing in detail.

What is Flashing on a Roof?

Flashing is a technique used to redirect water flowing from the roof cavity, gutters, and downpipes away from vulnerable areas of the building. Roof flashings are a critical component of your commercial roofing system. They seal connecting points where exhausts, vents, and appliances meet the shingles to prevent water from seeping in. These minor leaks can add up over time, so ensure you know what type of flashing each section. Flashings are most commonly located at roof penetrations such as windows and vents. They are also used when there is a difference in heights or levels or a change in direction.

What is commercial roof flashing made of?

Commercial roof flashing can be made of plastic, rubber, PVC, TPO, aluminum, copper, lead, or galvanized steel materials.

Plastic and rubber roof flashings are great for repelling water. PVC offers the benefit of durability, making it a good fit in industrial settings where other materials may not last as long due to their high pH environments like on ships or chemical plants.

Aluminum roof flashings are cost-effective and easiest to install. They also provide great durability, but if you place them in contact with alkaline materials like processed lumber or concrete, they will rust over time due to how basic their composition is.

Galvanized steel flashings are the least expensive, but they’re not durable. Copper roofing flashing with lead coating can be used in tandem with solar panel components for an even more reliable setup!

Lead Roof flashings are the most preferred choice for commercial roof flashing due to their long years of durability and flexibility.

Types of Commercial Roof Flashings

Ridge Flashing

Ridge flashing is a type of roof flashing used to prevent water from running inside between the roof and the ceiling. It is typically found on dually sloped roofs where the roof has a steeper slope.

Corner Flashing

Corner flashing is put on the outside end of the roof, where it meets an outer wall. It keeps water from getting into the space between the roof and walls.

The flashing is made of sheet metal, bent at a 90 degrees angle, with one edge overlapping the other. The other edge is bent up to rest on the wall and prevent water from getting in.

Corner flashing can be made out of aluminum which is better than galvanized steel because they are lighter and last longer. To flash a corner that has wider walls, you have to overlap two pieces of corner flashing.

Inverted Corner Flashing

Inverted flashing is used at corners where a wall meets a roof. It’s used to seal the gap between the structure and the wall.

Eaves Roof Flashing

Eaves flashing is a type of metal flashing that creates a water seal and protects the framing of a roof from moisture.

There are several different types of eaves flashing available. Metal drip edge is a common form of eaves flashing that helps prevent water from dripping behind a commercial roofing system along with the fascia board of a wall. This type of flashing is often found on wood shake roofs.

Saddle Roof Flashing

Saddle flashing is installed for beams piercing external walls, railing attachment and cantilevered joists. Saddle flashing protects against water penetration from snowmelt and ice dams. Some saddle flashing designs also protect against wind-driven rain penetration. Saddle flashing can also prevent rainwater from pooling in a valley or venting into a roof structure, which can cause leaks.

Vent Pipe Flashing

Vent pipe flashing is a ring of metal with an opening to allow the vent pipe to pass through it. The flashing is placed around the vent pipe so that water cannot get between the pipe and the roof. It is made of metal, with a small sheet metal bent into a half-circle or “U” shape, then attached to the roof.

Why do you need flashing for your commercial building’s roof?

When sealants are available for waterproofing, many wonder why they need flashing for their commercial roof.

Here are different benefits of installing roof flashing on your commercial building.

Weather Protection

Flashing is an essential component that prevents damage to your roof from rain and wind. Without it, you’re putting yourself at risk for leaks during winter when the temperature drops below freezing point or summertime heat waves which can lead to further expenses.

Increased Property Value

Water damage can ruin any building, but it’s especially bad for structures that are used in commercial settings. The fear of having their business disrupted by water-soaked carpets or ceilings can take potential clients away. With roof flashing, you are adding protection to your roof against leaking. So you can price your property higher for a greater property value.

Appealing Roof

Flashing makes your commercial building’s roof look polished and aesthetically appealing. Adding flashing to the roofs of buildings is an effective, affordable way of making them more visually pleasing for clients and customers.

Get Commercial Roof Flashing Installed for Your Building

If you’re looking for a company to install commercial roof flashing, we can help. Our experts will be on-site and work quickly to ensure your project is completed as soon as possible without sacrificing quality. Contact us today at (423) 318 – 2196 if you need any more information!