Protecting Chimneys and Walls
The most common place for roof flashing in Central Michigan is around the chimney. This requires “step flashing” and “counter flashing” to create a watertight seal between the vertical brick and the horizontal roof. If this metal is bent or the sealant has dried out, water will run directly down the chimney and into your living room ceiling.
Properly installed flashing acts like a series of shingles for your vertical surfaces, directing water back onto the roof where it can drain safely.
The Importance of Valley Flashing
Valleys are where two roof slopes meet, creating a “highway” for water. High-quality roof flashing in Central Michigan is essential here. While some contractors use a “closed valley” (shingles only), a “metal valley” is often superior. A pre-bent metal channel allows water and debris to flow much faster, reducing the risk of water backing up under the shingles.
For homes in Mt. Pleasant, Alma, Midland, and Clare, metal valleys are especially helpful for shedding heavy snow and ice more efficiently.
Drip Edge: Flashing for Your Eaves
Drip edge is a specialized type of roof flashing in Central Michigan installed along the very edge of your roof. Its job is to direct water away from your wood fascia and into the gutter. Without a drip edge, water can “wick” backward under the shingles, rotting the edge of your roof deck and causing your fascia boards to crumble.
It is a small piece of metal that prevents a very expensive structural repair.
Why Flashing Fails
Most roof leaks are actually flashing leaks. In the roof flashing Central Michigan market, failure is usually caused by the natural expansion and contraction of the home. Over time, the metal can pull away or the caulking can crack.
During a professional roof inspection, checking the condition of the flashing is the top priority, as these are the “weak points” of every roofing system.
Call Energy Plus Home Improvements
Have a mystery leak? Energy Plus Home Improvements specializes in precision flashing work to ensure your roof is watertight in every corner.
