How To Seal Metal Roof Flashing

Roofing professionals need something to bridge the gap between where step flashing ends and the gutter begins.

How to seal metal roof flashing.

Since most ordinary homeowners do not have all the necessary know how or significant knowledge of basic roofing principles along with experience of working on an actual roof all day in the sun with the sweat pouring down the face as you work on flashing all the dormers chimneys and roof vents or shingling away for hours on end and doing it right taking on the installation of a metal roof. Chalk a straight line about 2 inches above the back of the base flashing. These systems can be found on most residential applications. Kickout flashing directs water away from the wall and into the gutter.

Roof flashing is an important component in maintaining your roof and preventing water damage. Seal the seam between the cap and step flashing with urethane roofing cement or silicone caulking compound as shown at right. Caulk the slot after the flashing has been installed. An architectural metal roof system is installed over a separate structural roof deck.

Use special masonry caulk to seal the joints between the flashing and the chimney. To seal your roof flashing you first have to get on the roof. The primary difference between the two is the use of a structural roof deck. Using the circular saw and masonry blade cut a slot about 1 5 inches into the brick so that the overlapping flashing or counter flashing will slide into the slot.

Sweep the metal roofing sheets of all dirt and debris with a push broom. 2 lay 6 inch wide butyl tape over all horizontally lapping end seams. We re put it into place but we re not going to fasten it down just yet. Look for loose nails and any damage to the seals at the edges of the flashing.

Position the tape with the release backing on the top. Renew flashing seals by chipping out old caulking and mortar along the edges of the flashing. Roofing cement can dry out and crumble away exposing joints to water. If you are working with valley flashing lift the edges of the surrounding shingles and spread roofing cement on the flashing about 6 inches in from the edge of the shingles.

Resealing your roof flashing is easy and you don t need many tools or materials. You ll use a standard caulking gun and a standard sealant. Make sure that it s a urethane based sealant because silicones can eat away at the paint surface on the metal panel. Step 1 safely get on the roof.

The edge of the roof has thin metal flashing that helps water drip off the roof without damaging the home or causing a leak. Fasten loose nails and cover exposed nail heads with roofing cement.