HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO REPLACE ROOF FLASHING
Roof flashing is non-negotiable when discussing modern property construction. It’s like a vacuum seal that protects your property from the outside elements getting in–whether it’s weather or pests.
It’s not as simple as lining the seams of your roof and its components. Good flashing helps direct traffic away from pooling and off of your roof. There are a few things you should know when looking to replace your roof flashing.
In this article, we’ll go into more depth about what flashing is and its role; how to know if your flashing needs to be replaced; and how much you’ll be looking to spend when you do so.
What is Roof Flashing?
Roof flashing is a thin metal material that is installed on your roof. Specifically, exposed areas like vents, edges, valleys, and seams. It’s a valuable part of your roof’s drainage system. It works to create a watertight seal between the roofing materials and these other components.
Typically, the most common flashing materials you’ll find are galvanized steel and aluminium.
How to Install Roof Flashing?
Installing your own roof flashing can be a relatively simple home construction task. However, if you’re at all doubtful–in skill or safety–please do not try completing this project yourself. Instead, reach out to a professional roof contractor. They’re insured and highly skilled in roof flashing repair and installation.
The actual roof flashing installation depends on the shape of the angles, pitches, or valleys you’re working with. How you would properly flash the valley created by your roof and chimney is different from how you would handle the seam created by the end of your roof and wall (you would need “kick-out” flashing).
Through a combination of step flashing, base flashing, corner flashing, kick-out flashing, house wrap sealing tape, or even custom made and fitted pre-cut flashing you would work–using nails–to secure flashing in all the necessary areas of your property’s roof. All of this might require cutting, soldering, and generally manipulating the flashing into place.
Again, it should go without saying, that if you’re not at all experienced, you should strongly consider hiring a professional trained in roof flashing installation and roof flashing repair. They’ll be properly trained in the equipment, tools, safety measures, as well as be fully insured for the work.
If you have found your roof to be suffering from a roof leak, the culprit might be your roof flashing. Let’s take a look at when you should consider repairing or outright replacing your roof flashing
How Do I Know If I Need to Replace My Roof Flashing?
Over time, roof flashing can become rusted, deteriorated, loose, and worn. Generally, the cause of a lot of roof leaks will be from deteriorating or misplaced roof flashing.
When roof flashing becomes damaged, it means that water can penetrate the most vulnerable places of your roof. Replacing and repairing your property’s flashing is critical.
The most typical indicators of failing roof flashing are signs of water damage. Water stains, paint bubbling, and mould growth on the siding or exterior walls due to water infiltrations can all strongly suggest a roof leak. Whether or not it’s a flashing problem requires further inspection.
The best way to determine whether or not you need roof flashing replacement or repairs is to hire an experienced roofing contractor to inspect your property.
What’s Involved in Roof Flashing Replacement?
Repairing roof flashing or flashing replacement is a task that is best handled and conducted by a professional roofing contractor. While roof flashing replacement is a reasonably minor repair job, achieving a 100% waterproof seal is something you can be confident a professional will do.
Roof flashing replacement is a relatively simple process. Your contractor will start by inspecting your roof for any damage caused by damaged or worn flashing. After they’ve determined the problem, any old or worn flashing will be removed then new flashing installed resecuring the vulnerable areas of your roof.
Roof flashing is your first line of defence against water and by hiring a professional, you’ll get the added benefit of an overall roof inspection. If any other roof problems can be identified and remedied, you’ll end up saving much more money in the future.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace Roof Flashing?
How much it costs to replace roof flashing really depends on several factors. There are cost-effective solutions to roof flashing replacements, but roof flashing replacement costs will generally come down to your specific situation.To determine the cost to replace or repair roof flashing, a professional roofing contractor should inspect your property.
Generally, the factors your contractor will be considering are:
Scope of Project
Your roof contractors will consider the overall scope of the project when giving you an estimate. This includes how much labour is involved, the time it takes to complete the job, and any unforeseen complications along the way.
The entire project may not be as simple as repairing or replacing your flashing. The scope might expand to include repairing or replacing other roof components like your gutters, vents, chimneys, or roofing material (shingles, tiles, metals). If it’s determined that work needs to be done on other roofing components before your flashing can be fixed, the overall cost estimate will increase.
Accessibility and Safety of Roof
How accessible your flashing is will influence the overall replacement or repair costs. If it’s difficult for the contractors to get their equipment into the worksite or simply navigate your roof’s design, the added labour will increase the final bill. Complex roof designs can make it precarious for roofing contractors to easily get around, whereas simpler roofs make the flashing easily accessible.
If the roof is in a relatively poor condition and thus more hazardous, this can increase repair or replacement bills for your roof flashing.
Roof Flashing Types
Though relatively cheap compared to other roofing components, the type of roof flashing material needed for the job will influence the final bill.
Some examples of flashing types include:
- Galvanised Steel – the most cost-effective and long-lasting flashing solution, galvanised steel requires little maintenance and is resistant to rust.
- Aluminium – easily bendable, aluminium is ideal for roofs with oddly shaped features as it can be bent and manoeuvred to seal awkward areas.
- Roofing Felt – one of the lesser durable flashing materials, roof felt is sometimes used in conjunction with other types of flashing. It does not provide waterproofing; however, roofing felt can prevent water from seeping into specific areas.
- Copper – for custom made copper roofing materials, copper flashing can be used. Malleable, sturdy, and resistant to the elements, cooper flashing is a very expensive material.
- Rubber – rubber is flammable, so it is not the best option for houses at risk of bushfires. Not nearly as durable as other flashing materials, rubber does not provide a strong waterproof seal compared to other materials.
- Plastic – PVC or plastic flashing is durable, long-lasting, and cost-effective. However, it can’t be used with asphalt roofing.
Final Verdict
There are a few considerations you have to make when determining the cost of replacing your roof flashing.
The number one being are you going to do the job yourself or hire a professional contractor. We absolutely recommend you hire a professional. Any errors in sealing your flashing properly can lead to water leaks which can lead to mould, rot, electrical fires, or complete structural damage to your property.
It pays to let professionals handle your roofing tasks. Next, you’re going to want to consider the type of flashing materials that are available for your roof type. Typically you’ll be choosing between steel and aluminium.
Ultimately, we can’t make the decision for you. What we can do is help guide you through the process. Always seek professional advice from multiple roof contractors before settling on a plan of action.
We are the best providers of roofing and gutter cleaning services throughout New South Wales so please don’t hesitate to call our trusted team of roof and gutter experts. We’re here to help.