Roof valley flashing is a vital part of the roof that directs water away from the roof and seals vulnerable places where two slopes meet to stop leaks. For homeowners to know what types of roof valley flashings to install, how they should be set up, for what costs and in order to find out more about different roofing needs they have, the following knowledge is crucial. In this blog, we will explore every aspect of roof valley flashing from its significance down to its installation procedures.
What is roof valley flashing?
Roof valley flashing can be defined as the protective material put in the valleys of a roof which are formed at two slopes’ intersection. This spot has high change of gathering water thus making it necessary to be well flashed such that they will direct water away from the house and into gutters. In case there is no proper installation of roof’s valleys flashing, water may get into roofing stuffs leading to leakages and thus destruction in structure.
Different Types of Roof Valley Flashing
There are several kinds of roof valley flashing. To make the right choice for your house, it is crucial to understand their differences. Below are the major ones:
1. Open Valley Flashing:
It is an open valley flashing. It means that you place a strip of metal in the valley with shingles cut back to expose the edge of the metal. It discharges water from the roof well but should be cleaned regularly to prevent blockage by debris.
2. Closed Valley Flashing:
In closed valley flashing, shingles are weaved or lapped across one another along the top of the valley and then inserted underneath are strips of metallic materials for reinforcement. This gives it a seamless look however if not correctly installed, it may let in water.
3. Woven Valley Flashing:
woven valley flashing implies that both sides have a roofing material where its slopes contain interlaced shingles. This allows water to flow over rooftops without escaping and hence reducing leaks. However, this type takes long to install and cannot be used on all types of roofs.
4. Metal Roof Valley Flashing:
They are mostly made up of steel or aluminum materials hence very hard and strong against water; thus, these metal roofs valleys when used they last longer than even other things like plastics which do not last long at all. Therefore, these metals have longer lifespans making them more suitable for housing or business structures such as residential or industrial roofing designs.
Roof Valley Flashing Detail
1. Proper overlapping
To avoid water penetration or leakage into joints it is important to correctly overlay the flashing components. Incorrect overlap may lead to infiltration of water that could cause a lot of damages to the roof structure.
Steps for Proper Overlapping:
- Measure and Cut:
Take measurements for valley length and cut flashing pieces allowing room for overlapping.
- Overlap Amount:
Each piece of flash should overlap the previous one by at least six inches.
- Align Correctly:
The objective is to see that the flashings along the valley are properly aligned so as to form a seamless watertight barrier.
2. Secure fastening
The flashing needs to be attached securely to the roof deck using appropriate fasteners that ensure the flashing stays in place all through inclement weather and does not allow for gaps or loose areas that may lead to leakage.
Steps for a secure fastening
- Select the correct fasteners:
Employ roofing nails or screws specifically made for this type of flash material.
- Pattern of Fixing:
Put down screws every twelve inches around the bordering part of the flash.
- Watch out not to over-fasten:
Avoid tightening your fasteners so much as doing so will destroy your flash and make it less effective.
3. Sealant Application
Its waterproofing ability is improved when a high-grade sealant is applied to the edges and joints of the flashing. This is necessary for securing a long-lasting seal that can tolerate diverse weather conditions.
Steps To Apply Sealant:
- Clean Surface:
The surface of the flashing must be clean and dry before applying any sealant.
- Apply Equally:
Use a caulking gun to apply the same amount of sealant on the edges and gaps.
- Tool Smoothing:
Make use of an instrument or your finger to smooth down the sealing agent, thus filling all space and forming an even cover.
Different Roof Valley Installation Processes
Installing roof valley flashing is a meticulous process necessitating planning and precision. The following are among the main installation processes:
How to Install Flashing on Roof Valley
Understand how to install flashing on the roof valley, from preparing it, putting underlayment in place, positioning flashings and securing them effectively.
1. Preparation:
Clean up any litter that may be found within the valley area.
2. Underlayment Installation:
Put a waterproof underlayment down along the valley.
3. Flashing Placement:
Position properly the flashing in the valley with it perfectly centered and extending beyond the edges of your roof.
4. Securing Flashing:
Fix nails or screws through which to attach this flashing securely upon your rooftop substrate.
5. Shingle Installation:
Cover flashings with shingles cutting them to match valleys shape.
How to Install Valley Flashing on Shingle Roof
1. Take Off Old Shingles:
Remove old shingles from the valley area.
2. Put Down Underlayment:
Lay down a new layer of underlayment, which provides a waterproof layer for your roofing system.
3. Position Valley Flashing:
Place the flashing ensuring it is correctly aligned.
4. Fasten the Flashing:
Affix it by using nails or screws.
5. Replace Shingles:
Fit shingles over the flashing, cutting them so that they fit tightly
How to Install Metal Roof Valley Flashing
1. Clear Valley:
Clean and inspect the valley area.
2. Install Underlayment:
Apply a waterproof underlayment.
3. Position Metal Flashing:
Lay the metal flashing in the valley extending beyond roof lines.
4. Fasten Flashing:
Use screws or nails to secure the flashing.
5. Seal Edges:
Apply sealant to edge and joint lines for added protection.
Roof Valley Flashing Installation Cost
The cost of roof valley flashing is dependent on the materials used and the difficulty in installation. The average amount that homeowners will spend for professional installation of their roof valleys are between $300 and $800. Metal canyon roof flashing is mostly more expensive than asphalt or woven valley flashings due to higher material costs.
Factors Influencing Pricing
A number of factors can affect the ultimate price of installing roof valley flashing; these include: materials costs, complexity of the roofs, and labor costs.
Materials Costs:
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Metal Flashing:
While being long-lasting metal flashings such as steel, aluminum and copper are quite expensive. Metal flashings range from $3 to $15 per linear foot.
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Asphalt Flashing:
It is usually cheaper to use asphalt flashing which costs around $1 to $3 per linear foot.
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Woven Flashing:
This can be accomplished in several ways using different types of shingles; it has different costs implications depending on the type of shingles used.
Complexity of the Roof:
Roof Design:
More complicated roof designs that have multiple valleys or angles can make labor more expensive.
Roof Pitch:
The steepness of a roof will increase both times spent on it and safety measures required hence increasing overall cost.
Labor Costs:
Labor costs vary by region and the level of experience possessed by a roofing contractor. An average rate for labor may range between $50 to $150 per hour.
DIY Installation:
Homeowners who choose to install their own roofs will forego labor charges but must contend with higher rates of material wastage and longer installation periods than those incurred through professionals.
Additional Materials and Supplies:
Underlayment:
The cost of introducing a waterproof underlayment starts from as low as fifty cents per square foot (Boone, 2014).
Fasteners and Sealants:
Among other things, the use of top-quality nails, screws and sealants is vital during installation to ensure a secure fit (Geberit AG, n.d.).
Geographical Location:
The issue with costs is that they can vary widely if one takes into account local costs of living and regional labor rates. It should be noted that urban areas normally have higher labor expenses when compared to their rural counterparts.
How to repair roof valley flashing:
Valley roof flashing repair is a regular occurrence where you will require the assistance of a local professional roofing contractor to help with this issue. Old roofs have valleys that are weak spots prone to damage and leakage. The process of fixing a damaged or worn-out valley is an orderly one that results into long lasting results.
The first thing, which your roofer does, is looking for any gaps all along the joint. Then, the valley is thoroughly cleaned using a wire brush to remove any debris. Small holes can be plugged using similar sheet metal as the one that made the original valley; using another metal for plugging it will result in corrosion.
In most instances, valleys can be repaired without affecting other parts of your roof. On the other hand, if the damage extends beneath your shingles, some shingles may be removed to provide space for repair before being replaced back again. For most roofs replacing a roof valley involves removing and later re-instating ridge capping at the top after changing the valley.
FAQs
1. Does Roof Underlayment Go Over or Under Valley Flashing?
Valley flashing is a strip of metal or other material that is installed into the roof valleys to prevent water from entering a building through the intersection. The purpose of valley flashing is to direct water away from the valley where two roof slopes meet, preventing water from seeping into the roof structure and causing leaks.
2. How Do You Flash a Roof Valley?
By installing underlayment first, then positioning and securing metal flashing in it. Insure correct overlap, attach it onto the deck of the roof and seal its edges. Finally, put back and fasten any shingles or tiles around the flashing.
3. How to Fix Roof Valley Flashing?
To fix roof valley flashing; remove damaged one together with surrounding tiles. Depending on condition assess and repair roof deck as necessary. Install new one, secure it in place, replace tiles around and apply some sealant for effective sealing so that no more leaks could be experienced.
4. What Is the Purpose of Roof Valley Flashing?
The main role played by this type of material is guiding rainwater beyond any kind of intersection in which two different sloped roofs are meeting at a lower angle (or perpendicular) position so as not to allow it penetrate into the buildings’ structures hence causing various forms dampness.
5. How Often Should Roof Valley Flashing Be Inspected?
Two times per year usually spring and fall plus after severe weather occurrence for instance thunderstorms; hailstorms and also hurricanes are good enough for inspecting if your home roofing system has leakage-proof gutters especially along mountain peaks whose sharp angles or curves may make them easy targets for winds blowing up northwards into open-air downpipes leading down directly upon walls made out brick walls beneath window sills instead just behind siding!!!