Flashing is a construction material that is used to close seams where building materials meet
. This area is usually the place that is affected by water damage and wood rot. Water damage and wood rot can go undetected for some time and can be an expensive problem for your home. It is very crucial in a home to have a flashing because water from roof can eventually rotten the ledge of each board of the house. Better get ready once this happens as this entails too much time and money.
Flashing keeps water out of your home and that is why its installation is essential in every home.
Besides having flashing installed in our homes, it is also important to know exactly where flashing should be placed and if it is installed properly.
Here is a list of common places you can find flashing and how it can prevent water damage and wood rot.
* Flashing is very important to have on the roof. This is where chimneys, skylights and vents for plumbing and air ventilation can be seen. If correctly installed, flashing makes sure that the gaps are closed and that water will have a waterproof passageway to the ground.
* Depending on your home's design, roofing may be required at the valley. The valley is the part of the hone where the roof meets a sidewall or another roof line.
* Another important area to have flashing is above windows and doors. Flashing should be installed where windows, doors and trim boards meet the siding of your home. Flashing keeps water out of your home thus ensuring that the water will not penetrate the outer surface of your home.
* Another name for flashing is drip edge. Drip edge is flashing found at the lower edge of the roof. It allows water from the roof to fall off the edge without affecting the trim boards which can be affected by water damage and wood rot.
* Bases of window sills and door thresholds are other important place to have flashing installed.
* On top of your foundation is a sill plate made of wood. Flashing makes sure that the water falling down the siding does not reach the sill. The sill is made of wood and can rot.
* Flashing that diverts water around the ledger board is important. The ledger board is a material that is used to attach a deck to a home.