Roof Repair 101: Why Flashing Matters: The Hidden Roof Repair That Protects Your Home
When most homeowners think about roof repair, they focus on shingles, cracks, curling, granule loss, and storm damage. But one of the most common sources of roof leaks isn’t the shingles at all… it’s your flashing.
Flashing is one of the most overlooked components of any roofing system, yet it’s responsible for sealing some of the most vulnerable areas of your home. As a Central Florida roofing company, we see issues with worn or failing flashing nearly every day, especially after heavy storms.
Let’s break down what flashing is, how it fails, and when you should replace it.
What Is Roof Flashing, and Why Is It Important?
Flashing is the thin metal material installed at roof joints to prevent water from entering your home. You’ll typically find flashing around:
Chimneys
Valleys
Skylights
Roof edges
Vents
These areas are natural entry points for water, meaning properly installed flashing is essential for preventing leaks.
Why Flashing Fails (Especially in Central Florida)
If you live in Central Florida, your roof faces extreme environmental stress. Over time, flashing can deteriorate due to:
Intense UV exposure from our year-round sunshine
Salt air, especially near the coast
Heavy rain and hurricane-force winds
Thermal expansion, causing caulking and sealants to crack
Even if your shingles still look solid, worn flashing can let water creep behind your roofing materials and cause major interior damage.
Signs Your Flashing Needs to Be Replaced
During a professional roof inspection, these red flags often indicate failing flashing:
Rust or corrosion on metal flashing
Water stains near chimneys, vents, or skylights
Cracked or missing caulking
Loose or lifted flashing edges
Visible gaps where water can enter
Because flashing problems often hide below the surface, they’re a common cause of emergency calls—especially after storms.
Should You Replace Flashing During a Re-Roof? Absolutely.
When you’re investing in a new roof, always make sure your contractor replaces all flashing. Reusing old flashing puts your new roof at risk and can void certain manufacturer warranties.
At Pinnacle Roofing Group, we inspect all flashing during every project and replace it as part of our standard roof replacement process. A strong roof requires strong flashing, no exceptions.
Protect Your Home with a Professional Roof Inspection
If you suspect flashing issues or haven’t had a recent roof inspection, now is the perfect time. Catching these small problems early can prevent thousands of dollars in interior repairs later.
For reliable Central Florida roofing services, from inspections to full roof repair, our team is here to help keep your home protected.
