What Does Flashing Mean In Construction?
What Does Flashing Mean In Construction?
lashing in construction is a thin material used to prevent water penetration by providing a seal at joints exposed to the weather.
It is typically used at roof ridges or valleys, around chimneys, at masonry parapets, gravel stops, and at the head of openings or water tables.
Flashing can be made from different materials such as sheet metal, aluminum, and flexible adhesive-backed materials.
It is important that flashing is installed correctly so that it allows for movement and directs water away from the structure.
How To Install Flashing?
Installing roof flashing is an important step in protecting a home from water damage. The process of installing roof flashing varies depending on the type of flashing being used, but there are some basic steps that should be followed.
Tools required for installing roof flashing include a hammer, nails, and flashings. Before beginning the installation process, it is important to clean off any debris and apply a waterproof layer of felt or tar to the roof’s underlayment.
- The first step in installing roof flashing is to install corner flashing first. This should be followed by installing kickout flashing and then placing the first shingle.
- After this, steps 3-4 should be repeated to create step flashing.
- Finally, custom fit your flashing at the peak.
When installing flashing around windows and doors, self-adhesive flashing should be applied in remodeling jobs while building wrap overlaps the self-adhesive flashing in new construction projects.
It is important to take safety precautions when installing or repairing roof flashings such as sticking to essential tools and keeping all other tools or materials off the roof.
What Is The Importance Of Flashing?
Flashing is a sheet of thin, impervious material used to prevent water penetration or seepage into a building and to direct the flow of moisture in walls.
It is particularly important at areas where a projection, such as at a chimney or skylight, intersects with the roof.
Flashing can be exposed or concealed and is usually made from sheet metal. It must be engineered and installed with care so that water is deflected away from the building.
The importance of flashing in construction is that it helps to keep buildings waterproof and airtight by preventing water penetration and directing moisture away from the structure.
This helps to make buildings more durable and reduce indoor mold problems. Additionally, flashing can help to extend the life of roofs by protecting them from damage caused by water infiltration.
What Are Flashing Materials?
Materials commonly used for flashing in construction include copper, galvanized steel, lead, aluminum, stainless steel, bituminous sheet material, and plastics.
Copper is an excellent material for flashing due to its malleability, strength, solder-ability, workability, high resistance to the caustic effects of mortars and hostile environments, and long lifespan.
Aluminum is a popular choice for wall flashing due to its low cost and ability to hold paint well.
Lead is often used for special applications such as chimney step flashing due to its malleability and resistance to corrosion.
It is important to use compatible materials when constructing flashings in order to prevent corrosion or other damage.
How Are Flashing Materials Installed?
Installation of flashing materials for construction involves the use of thin, impervious materials such as galvanized steel, copper, rubberised asphalt, butyl rubber, PVC and acrylic.
These materials are used to direct water away from critical areas of the roof or wall where the roof plane meets a vertical surface.
Flashing is also used at the base of exterior walls and at other points of support to create a drainage plane and prevent water penetration or seepage into a building.
Professional roofers typically cut their own flashing pieces from sheet metal and use tinning snips to bend them into shape.
Building codes may require the use of specific flashing materials in certain areas such as modified bitumen roofing tape in Florida.
Flashing should always be installed by professional roofers who understand best practices, safety requirements and local building codes and laws.
Retrofitting existing exterior walls with base flashing can improve drainage and extend the life of the cladding.
What Are The Types Of Flashing?
There are several types of flashing used in construction, including counter flashing, chimney flashing, step flashing, headwall flashing (also called apron flashing), valley flashing, and gutter apron flashing.
Flashing is generally categorized by the material it is made from and the location of the flashing within a building structure.
Materials used for flashing include copper, galvanized steel. lead, aluminum, stainless steel, bituminous sheet material, and plastics.
Flashing types are also named according to location or shape such as roof penetration flashing, through wall flashing, stepped flashing for chimneys.
Flexible flashings are also available and include rubberized asphalt, butyl rubber, PVC and acrylic.
