There are many parts that come together to create a complete roofing system. While often overlooked, counter flashing is an important finishing piece that helps with the creation of a fully waterproof rooftop. By working together with the base and step flashing, this material helps protect vulnerable areas of the roof. An experienced Sugar Land roofing contractor can help homeowners understand where this material is used and why it matters to the roof's performance.
After the base and step flashing have been installed, this is a good time for the installers to place the counter flashing. The counter flashing is installed at any place where masonry intersects with the roof. This could be around a chimney or where a second story or split level home only covers part of the roof's surface, such as when a garage does not have any rooms above it. No metal counter flashing is needed when a roof intersects a vinyl exterior wall. This is because the vinyl acts as its own counter flashing to draw water away.
To install the flashing, any old tar or caulk must first be removed. Next, any remaining roofing felt staples, nails, solvents or adhesives must be carefully taken off without damaging the roof's decking or nearby shingles.
Once the area is prepared, the worker applies a bead of silicone caulking and spreads it evenly across the surface where the counter flashing will be installed.
The roofing contractors from Houston Restoration Services of Sugar Land TX can answer any questions about storm damage or remodeling.
Then it is time to cut the correct length of the piece of metal counter flashing. This can be done with tin snips or a similar tool.
The counter flashing is then held into place while a straight edge or a small block of scrap lumber is used to create a crease down the middle of the strip. The outside edge of the newly made crease should fit perfectly into the inside edge of the roof's intersection with a vertical wall. Roofing nails are then used to secure the portion of aluminum flashing that covers the rooftop area, while masonry nails or another appropriate fastener secure the flashing's other side.
The length of the flashing strip should extend at least one inch beyond the intersection of the two materials to efficiently divert water away from the home's walls. To seal the outer seams of the flashing, a bead of caulk should be run along the flashing's entire length. This can then be smoothed with a putty knife or gloved fingertip. Any little gaps between the flashing and wall or roof must be filled with the caulk to create a waterproof seal.
