Metal Trim and Flashings

Another critical element of your roofing system is the metal trim and flashing detail. The main types of metal flashings you should know about when buying a roof include drip edge, wall and chimney flashings.

Drip Edge

Standard drip edge is made of aluminum and has a 3” top face that is installed 2½” up the slope of the roof, extends ½” over the edge of the roof line, and 1½” downwards towards the eaves. Some contractors manufacture their own drip edge from heavier gauge metals. Certain roofing types, such as metal roofing, manufacture special drip edges specifically for their systems.

The purpose of the drip edge is to:

1. Protect the transition from the roof line to the fascia board.
2. Support the overhanging shingle edge.
3. Ensure proper water run-off into the trough.

It also helps to give a nice finishing touch to the look of your roof. Some contractors may suggest reusing your drip edge. Dayus Roofing and ALL shingle manufacturers recommend that the drip edge be replaced at the time of reroofing. It is relatively inexpensive compared to the cost of the overall roof replacement AND it can save you hundreds of dollars in repairs at a later date.

Wall and Chimney Flashings

Wall flashings protect the transition from your roof to the walls that penetrate the deck. In today’s roofing market contractors will commonly quote the cheapest method of flashing a wall to make their price points more attractive. Educating yourself in this area will help you choose the right solution for your home.

1. Know the Lingo

1. Step flashings – Small “L” shaped pieces of metal that are woven between the shingles to ensure that water cannot penetrate the corner created by the roof and wall
2. Counter Flashings – Custom bent piece of metal that is either sealed or grouted into the sidewall (where appropriate) to protect water from getting behind the step flashings. Counter flashings also hide the step flashings for a nice finished look.

2. Choose Your Style

Stepped flashings have a stair case look that allows you to follow the grout line of the brick or irregularities of sidewalls. This option requires a higher level of workmanship to execute correctly and is more expensive than straight flashings.	Straight flashings simply follow a straight line along the sidewall and are typically sealed to the sidewall using a caulking. This option is less expensive, but does not allow you to follow the irregularities as well as stepped flashings.

3. Understand the Differences

Brick	Requires step flashings that are woven through the shingles and a counter flashing for aesthetic purposes, which prevents water from getting behind the step flashings.
Siding	Typically step flashings are woven through the shingles and then tucked behind the siding so they cannot be seen. Counter flashings are not required along walls that are sided. If step flashings are missing they should be added at the time of roof replacement.
Stucco	Similarly to siding, step flashings are most often tucked behind the stucco or even built within the layers, making them difficult or impossible to replace at the time of re-roofing. It is important to make sure the stucco is in good shape and that step flashings are intact.
Stone	Some stone walls can have very irregular surfaces. When installing wall flashings to stone it is recommended that you grout into the wall to create an even line for applying the flashings. Copper and lead are softer metals that make working with the irregularities of stone much easier. Similarly to brick walls, step flashings are required to ensure proper shingle transition.

4. The Finishing Touch

Grouting flashings into walls and chimneys is the best way to protect your sidewalls.	Sealing the flashings with caulking is a faster and easier way to finish off the sidewalls
Advantages: It ensures that as water travels down the walls it will catch the flashing first and then be carried down the roof.	Advantages: Cheaper! Does not require the same level of workmanship that grouting does.
Disadvantages: Cost. More time consuming and therefore more expensive.	Disadvantages: You are relying on caulking to seal the junctions which will break down over time and require more maintenance than grouting.

Be sure you review all of the details when comparing roofing quotations. The smallest differences can have a big impact on the success of your next roofing system. If you have any further questions regarding flashing details please do not hesitate to contact a representative at Dayus Roofing.