Last Updated on January 16, 2022 by
Yes, you should install gutter flashing when installing a new roof gutter. As a homeowner, you need to take care of what you have built or bought, to ensure that it gives you service for a long time. If you don’t install gutters, flashing water can cause major damage to your house when it starts leaking into it over time.
Gutter flashing is installed inside the gutter and beneath the roof itself. The major function of roof flashing is to guide the water away from your house. A roof without gutter flashing can leak water into your home. Rainwater or melting snow can find its way into your home even when you have installed the best roof and gutters.
What Is Gutter Flashing?
Gutter flashing is a tool installed beneath the roofline and in the gutter. The roofline can also be called fascia. This tool is used together with another known as a drip edge.
Gutter flashing and the drip edge work together to prevent water from slipping into the building and destroying the house. Gutter flashing is installed at an angle of 35 degrees to better divert running rainwater into the gutter and not into the building.
Drip edge flashing prevents water from being blown back into the roof shingles, protects them from dripping water, and seals the gap between the roof shingles and gutters.
Types Of Gutter Flashing
There are a few types of gutter flashing commonly used across the country. Some of them include:
Step Flashing
With this gutter flash, a rectangular piece of slashing is bent 90 degrees in the center. It is mainly used for roof-to-wall flashing. This sort of flashing prevents water from getting over to the other side.
Continuous Flashing
Apron flashing is another name that is used to describe continuous flashing. One long piece of a continuous flash is installed. This flashing protects the meeting point of the wall and the slanting roof.
Vent Pipe Flashing
Vent pipe flashing is a cone-shaped fitting installed into the shingles to cover the pipes.
Valley Flashing
Valley-shaped flashing is made with a “W” shaped piece of metal flashing. The “W” shaped flashing is placed where two valleys of a roof plane join.
Drip Edge
Drip edge flashing is installed under the roofing felt along the eaves of a roof. It helps water drip off the roof and into the gutter without flowing into the house and the walls.
Why Do You Need Gutter Flashing?
Gutter flashing is a small but essential item that should be installed on your roofline. Gutter flashing prevents water from getting into your walls and house via the roof base or gutters.
Over time, water accumulates on the edge of roof shingles and then slowly starts flowing into your house and sipping in the fascia. Water damage and rot do not happen overnight. The small amount of water that sips into the wall and the fascia end up causing huge damage.
Water damage can cost you a huge sum of money to repair. When comparing the cost of replacing a roof or a wall with the cost of installing gutter flashing, there is a huge difference. Hence, it is better to install gutter flashing that replaces an entire roof or wall.
How Is Gutter Flashing Installed?
Gutter flashing can be found in home improvement stores or lumberyards on sale. They are not hard to find.
The flashing is slipped under the roof shingles, extending over the gutters. You may need a flashing extender strip, depending on the angle of the gutter slope, to make sure that no water leaks in behind the gutter.
Gutter flashing helps protect the roof and fascia of your house. They might not be all you need to do to protect your house, but they will be a major boost in helping protect your house against water damage.
What Is The Importance Of Gutter Flashing?
Gutter flashing blocks water from dripping behind the gutter and the home wall. Besides, it has other advantages as highlighted below:
1. Prevents damage to the siding, interior wall studs, and interior home walls
2. Prevent the formation of mildew, mold, and rotting. These protect your home from water damage and also your health.
3. Protects roof from the sheathing
4. Prevent siding from staining
5. Act as a sealant between your gutters and your roofline
6. Increases the efficiency of your roof and gutters
How To Maintain Gutter Flashing
Maintenance steps for gutter flashing are almost the same as those used to maintain gutters and roofs. Some of these comprise of:
1. Regular check-up after heavy rainfall or destructive weather
2. Repair and replacement of broken or torn parts.
3. Cleaning up clogged gutters
4. Use a professional to have your gutters and gutter flashing well set up.
5. Regular water damage signs check-up. Water damage is not easily detected in the beginning; regular check-ups can warn you of leaks.
6. Use enough adhesive when installing the gutter flashing.
7. Fix damages as soon as you know there are damages.
8. Regularly clean your roof.
9. Trim trees surrounding your house.
10. Remove rust and any rusted parts as they will break off and destroy the entire gutter and gutter flashing.
Gutter Flashing Installation Cost
Gutter flashing comes in different materials that determine the cost. Some of these materials include:
1. Aluminum
2. Copper
3. Vinyl
4. Galvanized steel.
Copper gutter flashing is the most expensive and costs about 30 dollars. Aluminum, vinyl, and galvanized steel cost less than 10 dollars.
Final Thought
Gutter flashing is an important installation in your house; it has many advantages that will ultimately reduce repair or replacement costs in the long run. Water damage can cause huge cost implications for the homeowner if not well managed.
Installing gutter flashings is a preventive measure that will help you out. The cost of gutter flashing is relatively low compared to the damages if not installed.
