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All about flashing repair
One of the major problems with roofs and chimneys are when the flashing begins to deteriorate. To the untrained eye, flashing (that is the bit that covers the seams) can look like a bit of bodge work, or an afterthought adjoined to two surfaces to keep the rain and cold out just for good measure.
What is flashing?
Flashing is an integral part of any sound roofing and chimney construction. It is essential to protect your home or property from the ravages of rain and the wiles of the wind. Flashing on roofs in particular, protects vulnerable joints and seams around mounted structures such as chimneys, dormers and skylights.
When flashing deteriorates
There are a number of different things that can cause damage to your roof flashing. Apart from general weathering over the years, thermal distress and debris from trees all take their toll. Along with the flashing, the fasteners used to affix the flashing may also wear eventually causing leakage.
Flashing repair
In the worst case scenario, parts of your roof may have to be taken up and re-laid afterwards in order to undertake flashing repair. Especially if your flashing is concealed.
Patching
In some cases, patches placed over the holes in the flashing are good enough for flashing repair work. If so, then the patch must be at least 3in bigger than the hole as a rule of thumb. In order to secure the patch, careful use of cement is sufficient. It can be painted to match the rest of the flashing. Though as this is only really a temporary measure, it is recommended that you have your flashing checked twice a year to ensure that it hasn’t begun to leak again.
Copper flashing
If you have copper flashing on your roof, it will be necessary to solder a ‘hot patch’ of copper on in the case of temporary flashing repair being at all possible. This is because copper, unlike some other metals, is non-compatible with other types of metals and will galvanize, causing a chemical breakdown when mixed with other metals.
Aluminum flashing
Due to the properties of aluminium, it cannot be soldered. There are a variety of sealing products on the market designed to ‘cold patch’ and fix your roof and chimney flashing.
Warning: Avoid Roofing Compound!
If you find yourself in the unfortunate position of finding leaks in your flashing, please don’t use roofing compound. It is not a flashing repair solution that we would recommend as a permanent measure at Nottingham Roof Repairs. It can cause more harm to your flashing longer term and is only meant to be used as a very quick fix. Just one year after using roofing compound, it will corrode.
Why not call us on 07535 399 655 or contact us for a no obligation, free quote?