4 Signs You Need to Hire Roof Flashing Repair Services

Many things make Arizona unique; for instance, it’s the only U.S. state home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Grand Canyon.

It also experiences 11 of the over 30 climate classifications! Moreover, it’s where the U.S. cities with the most sunny days are (e.g., 320 in Yuma and 300 in Phoenix).

Unfortunately, Arizona’s unique climate also makes roofing systems prone to damage.

Extreme heat, the occasional heavy rains, and hail storms make them more likely to require roof flashing repair.

Failure to perform such repairs may then result in roof failure.

So, as an Arizona homeowner, it pays to know the symptoms of roof flashing damage. That way, you can act promptly and save your roof from costly replacement.

This guide explores the signs you need to get your roof flashing fixed by a pro as soon as possible, so read on.

1. Rusting or Corrosion

Roof flashing is the material installed on areas of the roof with joints or where a vertical surface meets the roof plane.

Examples include attic outlets, chimneys, pipes, skylights, valleys, and vents.

This material, usually metal, helps direct water away from a roof’s critical areas.

It prevents water from entering the gap between joints or where two different surfaces meet.

The problem is that Arizona’s climate and environmental conditions can damage roof flashing, causing it to rust or corrode.

Rust in Steel Flashing

Rust is a type of corrosion specific to metals that contain iron, such as steel.

It’s a common problem in steel flashing, characterized by the metal’s oxidization into brown, black, orange, and red flakes.

Thankfully, galvanization, the process of adding protective zinc to steel, helps make it more rust-resistant.

Galvanized steel still rusts, though, primarily due to high humidity and salty air. That’s why this problem is more common in places like Florida.

But while these conditions aren’t an issue in Arizona, steel flashing can still rust here due to acidic rain and moss on the roof.

Corrosion in Aluminum Flashing

Aluminum flashing is a popular alternative to steel because it’s lightweight, weighing only about a third of steel.

It’s also 100% recyclable, naturally corrosion-resistant, and can even “regenerate” itself.

Aluminum doesn’t rust but can corrode and pit due to acidic, alkaline, and humid conditions.

In Arizona, specifically Phoenix, a factor that can contribute to this problem is its air pollution issue, which is among the worst in the country.

Acidic pollutants in the air, like sulfur dioxide, can corrode metals, including aluminum.

Why Corroded Flashing Requires Repairs

Rust or corrosion reduces the ability of roof flashing to repel water, making these metal strips more prone to further damage.

The longer this problem goes on, the more extensive the damage, eventually causing the flashing to develop holes. When that happens, rain, and technically snow, and melted ice can leak through and damage the roof structure.

Don’t wait for minor rusting or corrosion to worsen into more severe problems.

Instead, promptly schedule residential roof repair services with a reliable licensed roofing company.

If addressed immediately, the roofing experts may only need to clean and apply a new layer of cement or caulk to seal the flashing.

But if the damage is already extensive, they may have to replace it altogether, which can cost more.

2. Loose Flashing

Tornadoes may not be prevalent in Arizona, but strong winds are, especially during the summer monsoon season.

These winds can be powerful enough to loosen or tear off the flashing. They may also detach or blow away fasteners, such as nails. Not to mention loose tiles.

When that happens, water can penetrate the roof structure. In more severe cases, it can cause indoor water leaks during heavy rains.

If parts of your roof flashing are missing, chances are, the wind blew them away.

However, it can be challenging to tell if they’re loose unless they make a racket in the wind.

Either way, your best bet is to have a professional roofer conduct a thorough roof inspection.

They’ll assess your flashing and investigate damaged roofing materials and possible water penetration.

3. Bent or Cracked Flashing

Roof flashing can bend and warp due to temperature fluctuations or building settlement.

Repeated bending or warping makes the metal sheet more likely to develop cracks.

Even hairline cracks can let moisture in and damage the underlying roof structure.

It can be hard to spot tiny bends and cracks in your flashing unless you give it a close-up look.

That means going up to the roof, something non-experts should avoid doing for their safety.

It’s best to leave this task in the hands of professionals.

4. Ceiling Water Stains and Interior Water Leaks

We hope you’ll never reach this point, as interior water stains and leaks could already indicate a severely compromised roof.

Remember: There are multiple layers between the outside surface of your roof and your ceiling.

So, if you see ceiling stains, it may indicate that water from outside, such as from failed flashing, has already breached the many levels of your roof.

From there, the roof leak can result in more severe problems, including:

• Water damage that can degrade your home’s structural components
• Mold growth that may cause extensive property damage and health effects
• Unhealthy indoor air quality caused by higher humidity levels (from the leaks) and molds

Please call a local licensed roofing company immediately after you notice those signs.

The sooner they can inspect your roof, the sooner they can determine the root cause of the leaks.

They will then recommend the most appropriate solutions, such as fixing or replacing the flashing, shingle, or tiles.

Don’t Delay Roof Flashing Repair

From rusting or corrosion to loose, missing, bent, or cracked flashing, all these are signs you need roof flashing repair.

Please don’t delay calling the pros for help so that they can address the issue before it worsens or the next heavy rain hits.

Let our team here at AZ Roofing Works be your go-to for all your roof maintenance, repair, and replacement needs.

Our locally owned company, established over a decade ago, is proud to have served hundreds of customers throughout the Phoenix Valley.

Our numerous five-star reviews reflect the high-quality service we provide.

So, contact us today to schedule your repair appointment. We’ll also be happy to give you a free service estimate!

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