Roof Flashing Failures in Older Deptford and Woodbury Homes

In many areas of Gloucester County, such as Deptford Township or Woodbury, there are a number of homes that were built decades ago. Housing stock in these areas are older and often have components that aren’t up to modern standards, such as the roof flashing. When roof flashing gets old and begins to fail, it becomes one of the causes of leaks within the household. Early detection of flashing problems is pivotal for homeowners in Deptford and Woodbury as it can help you prevent damage within your home.

Let’s learn about roof flashing failures in older Deptford and Woodbury homes.

What is Roof Flashing and Why Does It Matter?

Roof flashing is pieces of metal that gets placed at junctions, angles, and around roof penetrations to help prevent water intrusion. Check for flashing around chimneys, skylights, roof valleys, wall intersections, and vents and pipes. Commonly, roof flashing is made from aluminum, copper, galvanized steel, or, long ago, lead. If there is any chance that your home’s flashing is made of lead, please get a Gloucester County roofing contractor on the job as soon as possible.

Flashing is an underrated part of the roofing system, as it protects vulnerable areas from water. If flashing isn’t installed properly, has aged, or is loosened by storm winds, the gaps around roof penetrations allow water to seep into the underlayment or roof deck, where it will cause hidden damage like rot.

Why Older Homes in Deptford and Woodbury Are More Vulnerable

Older structures in Deptford and Woodbury are more vulnerable to flashing failure due to age and outdated materials. The roofing industry has changed throughout the years, especially within the last couple of decades. Materials that may have been seen as top of the line in the 1990s are less popular now. Furthermore, older homes that haven’t needed a roof repair or replacement will often have experienced natural wear and tear. That means sealants breaking down, settling, structural movement, and corrosion.

Common Types of Flashing Failures in Older Homes

Now that you’ve learned about flashing, why it’s important, and how older South Jersey homes are more susceptible to roof flashing failure, let’s focus on the failures. There is more than one way flashing can fail. Here are some issues to keep an eye out for:

• Corrosion and rust from long-term moisture exposure
• Cracking and fatigue in metal flashing
• Loose or lifted flashing edges
• Improperly sealed joints
• Missing or patched flashing from past repairs
• Deteriorated chimney and step flashing

Local Environmental Factors That Accelerate Flashing Damage

Standard roof flashing can last between 15 to 30 years, depending on the material and certain environmental factors. In South Jersey, roofing systems are under constant strain from the weather and seasonal moisture. Certain areas of Deptford and Woodbury are also exposed to extra moisture from the Delaware River. Humidity accelerates wear and tear on roofs.

Additionally, South Jersey experiences four distinct seasons. Heat in the summer turns into cool autumn nights and then frozen winter days. Excessive UV exposure, paired with freeze-thaw cycles, start to corrode roofing components, including roof flashing.

Tree coverage and debris buildup can also lead to roof flashing failure. Limbs can impact the roof during a storm. Debris can trigger deterioration, especially when leaves and branches build up along waterways or in the gutters, causing overflow.

Warning Signs of Flashing Failure Homeowners Should Watch Out For

How can you tell if your roof flashing is failing? There are several signs to look for if you believe your flashing may be damaged, including:

• Interior ceiling and wall stains
• Water around chimneys and skylights
• Peeling paint near rooflines
• Mold and mildew in attic spaces
• Dripping during heavy rain
• Visible rust or gaps along flashing lines

When flashing isn’t working properly, you get excess moisture within your home and around the roof. Too much moisture promotes mold growth, rot, and leaks to form.

How Flashing Failures Lead to Larger Structural Problems

Unfortunately, when roof flashing fails, it’s not always just a minor leak or some moss on your shingles. When water intrudes your shingles and begins to soak into the roof deck, the wood will saturate and rot over time. Rotting framing and sheathing is dangerous. It can lead to sagging rooflines, soaked insulation, energy loss, black mold growth, and even foundation damage.

All of these problems require extensive repairs or replacement that is incredibly expensive. That’s why homeowners are encouraged to visually inspect their flashing (or have a roofer do a roof inspection) at least twice a year. If you notice any issues with your flashing, don’t wait. Get it repaired before your home has severe roofing problems.

Preventive Maintenance and Flashing Solutions

Like any other part of your roof, your flashing needs some attention throughout the year to stay in working condition. Make sure you are performing annual and post-storm inspections. If you aren’t comfortable getting on your roof, be sure to call a roofing contractor in Deptford or Woodbury. They will be able to send out an inspector to visually assess damage.

Gutter and debris maintenance is also essential. Keep gutters clear of leaves and other organic material that could clog the flow. If any seals look weak, or if you notice flashing pulling away from the roof, consider repairing the seals before they fail.

You can also modernize your flashing to ensure that it will hold up against South Jersey’s weather patterns. Update your flashing with corrosion-resistant materials, integrated underlayment systems, and ice-and-water shield applications.

Protect Your Older Home in Deptford or Woodbury by Calling RGB Construction

Roof flashing has a lifespan on 15 to 30 years, meaning your older home in Deptford or Woodbury may be at risk of flashing failure. There are many risks when flashing begins to fail, including leaks and mold growth. To prevent it from happening, professional repairs and replacement are necessary. Maintenance can extend the life of your flashing, but it will need to be replaced at some point. When that time comes, choose a reputable roofing contractor in Gloucester County, NJ like RGB Construction. We’ve been serving the area of over twenty years and have been rated 5-stars by hundreds of customers.