Roof flashing is the thin, durable metal (or sometimes rubber) material installed at roof joints and penetrations to direct water away from vulnerable seams. When flashing fails—due to age, poor installation, or storm damage—water finds a path into your home, causing leaks, rot, and mold.
That’s why regular flashing inspections are essential. At All Seasons Roofing, our Hemet Roofing experts recommend checking flashing twice a year and after major wind or rain events to prevent costly water damage.
What Is Roof Flashing?
Roof flashing is a moisture-management system. It’s strategically placed where shingles alone can’t reliably keep water out—think vertical walls, chimneys, valleys, and pipe penetrations. Flashing acts like a miniature gutter system at each connection point, capturing water and channeling it back onto the surface of the roof so it can drain into the gutters rather than into your attic or walls.Common flashing materials:
- Galvanized steel: Most common and budget-friendly.
- Aluminum: Lightweight and corrosion-resistant when properly coated.
- Copper: Premium, long-lasting, ideal for high-end or historic homes.
- Rubber/EPDM boots: Used around plumbing vents.
Where Flashing Is Used (And Why It Matters)
- Chimneys and masonry walls: Apron flashing at the bottom, step flashing up the sides, and counterflashing embedded into mortar joints to lock out water.
- Skylights: Integrated or site-built flashing kits keep edges watertight.
- Roof valleys: Valley flashing handles concentrated water flow from two roof planes.
- Pipe penetrations: Pipe boots seal around round penetrations; their rubber collars often crack with UV exposure.
- Roof-to-wall transitions: Step flashing tucks under each shingle course to layer water away from siding.
- Drip edges and kickout flashing: Drip edge protects eaves; kickout flashing at the end of a roof-to-wall transition diverts water into gutters instead of behind stucco or siding.
When any of these components are missing, poorly lapped, or sealed with the wrong materials, leaks are only a matter of time. Our Hemet Roofing experts recommend verifying every transition is flashed to manufacturer specs, not just caulked.
Why Flashing Inspections Matter
Flashing is small compared to the rest of your roofing, but it protects the most leak-prone areas. A few loose nails or a dried-out bead of sealant can let water intrude for months before you notice. Over time, that can lead to:
- Ceiling stains and drywall damage
- Rotting sheathing and framing
- Mold growth and musty odors
- Damaged insulation and higher energy bills
- Exterior paint failure and fascia rot
Catching flashing issues early is one of the highest-ROI roofing maintenance tasks. Our Hemet Roofing experts recommend pairing flashing checks with gutter cleaning to keep water moving away from your home.
Common Flashing Failures to Watch For
- Dried or cracked sealant at flashing edges, especially around chimneys and vents
- Rust or corrosion on galvanized steel components
- Loose or missing fasteners lifting step flashing or drip edge
- Improper lapping (flashing pieces should overlap to shed water, not trap it)
- Damaged pipe boots with cracked rubber collars
- Separated counterflashing where mortar joints have failed
- Missing kickout flashing, causing water stains on adjacent walls or stucco
- Wind uplift from storms loosening metal edges
If you see daylight at penetrations, water stains around skylights, or granules piling in gutters, our Hemet Roofing experts recommend scheduling a professional inspection right away.
How Often Should Flashing Be Inspected in Hemet?
Southern California’s heat, UV, and occasional high winds are tough on sealants and thin metals. As a local best practice, our Hemet Roofing experts recommend:
- Twice yearly inspections: Spring and fall.
- After extreme weather: High winds, heavy rain, or hail.
- Any time you add roof-mounted equipment: Solar, satellite dishes, new vents.
- As the roof ages: Annually once your roof is 10+ years old, or immediately if you’re buying/selling a home.
What a Professional Flashing Inspection Includes
At All Seasons Roofing, a comprehensive flashing inspection typically covers:
- Roof-to-wall flashings: Confirm step flashing is properly layered under shingles and against walls, with intact counterflashing or properly detailed siding.
- Chimneys and skylights: Check for correct apron/step/counterflashing assemblies, sealed reglets, sound mortar, and watertight corners.
- Valley metal: Assess for corrosion, punctures, debris buildup, and correct shingle offsets.
- Pipe boots and vents: Look for cracked collars, UV damage, and secure clamps; replace aging rubber boots proactively.
- Drip edge and rakes: Ensure they extend into gutters correctly and aren’t allowing capillary water to back up.
- Fasteners and sealants: Tighten, replace, and reseal with roofing-grade products compatible with your materials.
- Attic check: Look for damp sheathing, mold, or daylight at penetrations—early clues of flashing trouble.
You’ll receive clear findings and prioritized recommendations so you can address must-fix items first.
DIY vs. Professional: What’s Safe to Handle?
- Homeowners can safely do ground-level visual checks with binoculars, look for interior stains, and clear gutters and downspouts.
- Leave roof-walking, sealing, and replacements to pros. Incorrect flashing work often voids shingle warranties and can make leaks worse. For safety and warranty compliance, All Seasons Roofing recommends professional service for any flashing repair.
Preventive Upgrades Our Hemet Roofing Experts Recommend
- Add kickout flashing at roof-to-wall terminations to protect stucco and siding.
- Upgrade pipe boots to long-life silicone or metal-collared systems.
- Use compatible metals to prevent galvanic corrosion (e.g., don’t mix copper with bare aluminum).
- Specify high-temp underlayment near metal flashings and valleys for extra protection.
- Choose copper or heavier-gauge steel in high-exposure areas for longevity.
- Repoint chimney mortar and reset counterflashing if joints are failing.
These small investments can dramatically reduce leak risk and extend roof life.
Signs You Need Immediate Flashing Service
Call a roofer promptly if you notice:
- Water stains near fireplaces, skylights, or along exterior walls
- Peeling paint or bubbling stucco below roof-to-wall intersections
- Drips during wind-driven rain but not during calm showers
- Rust streaks or visibly lifted metal at edges
- Persistent musty smells in the attic
Our Hemet Roofing experts recommend addressing these issues before the next storm cycle to minimize interior damage.
Why Choose All Seasons Roofing in Hemet?
All Seasons Roofing is your local partner for roof inspections, repairs, and replacements across Hemet and the San Jacinto Valley. We’re experienced with the unique combination of sun, wind, and seasonal rains that stress flashing in our region. Expect:
- Thorough, photo-documented inspections
- Code-compliant, manufacturer-approved repairs
- Clear, upfront recommendations and timelines
- Local expertise with stucco, tile, asphalt shingle, and flat roof systems common in Hemet
If it’s been more than a year since your last roof check—or you’ve noticed any of the red flags above—our Hemet Roofing experts recommend scheduling a flashing inspection now. Preventative maintenance is the most affordable way to protect your home.Ready to get started? Contact All Seasons Roofing to book your flashing inspection in Hemet and surrounding communities. We’re here to help you stop leaks before they start and keep your roof performing in every season.