Valley flashing for the roof is a material you use to protect internal roof intersections. It goes on the outside of the roof where two roof slopes meet. The primary purpose of it is to protect the house from water leaks.
Valley gutter flashing can also carry water away from the roof towards the gutters. Water carrying prevents it from pooling and causing mould on the roofing materials.
Here are some other reasons why valley gutter flashing is crucial for a roof:
- It can increase the durability of the roof materials. Durability is crucial if you have a tiled roof with lots of individual components.
- It can preserve external and internal roof intersections.
- By removing the exposure to moisture, valley gutter flashing can protect roof materials and extend their life.
You may have an idea of what valley flashing is, but there is a lot we still need to detail. Continue reading our valley flashing guide to understand what it does, the types, how to install it and more.
What is the Main Purpose of Roof Valley Flashing?
We already explained the base purpose of valley gutter flashing, but we need to explore it in more detail so you understand why it’s a critical roof component.
Water leaks can be a massive problem for your home if you don’t protect the roof. For example, if water leaks through to the attic, it can cause mould to grow on the roof materials, which can cause rot. Mould and rot are massive problems because rot can cause structural damage that is very expensive to repair.
Therefore, you must protect the roof valleys with an excellent valley gutter flashing product like Colorbond. Valley gutter flashing stops water from penetrating the roof by protecting the roof valley. If you ignore installing gutter valley flashing, you could pay a lot for repairs and roof material replacements.
Below is the other main purpose of valley gutter flashing.
Valley Gutter Flashing Can Direct Water Away from the Roof
Because the roof valley is so vulnerable, you don’t want water to pool. Valley gutter flashing is the best solution because it can direct water from the roof into the gutters, safely carrying it away from the house.
Water pooling can cause roofing materials to degrade, so it is essential to have valley gutter flashing to prevent this. Melting snow can also cause water pools, so you must have valley gutter flashing in place in Winter.
What Are the Types of Valley Gutter Flashing?
You must decide on a type before installing flashing on the valley gutter. You can purchase valley flashing in various materials, each with advantages and disadvantages.
Here are some of the popular valley flashing materials.
Metal Valley Flashing
You can find metal valley flashing in copper, steel or aluminium forms. Because of this, it’s a durable option that can resist water and snow effectively. They are especially useful to withstand extreme weather events like heavy snowfall and rainfall.
However, metal valley flashing is more expensive than other options, so if you don’t live in an area with consistent rain and snow, you can consider other flashing products.
Also, depending on the type of metal you purchase, it may rust over time due to consistent weathering.
Asphalt Valley Flashing
Asphalt valley flashing is a much more cost-effective flashing option than metal, making it suitable if you’re on a tighter budget. Additionally, it’s easy to install because it’s pliable and easy to cut and shape. It also often comes with an adhesive back, so you don’t need to purchase additional sealant.
Unfortunately, asphalt valley flashing is less durable in metal, so it’s less suitable if you live in an area with consistent rain and snowfall.
Also, asphalt valley flashing requires much more maintenance than other types, so you must either maintain it regularly or pay for professional maintenance.
Rubber Valley Flashing
Rubber valley flashing often consists of Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM), an incredibly flexible material that is perfect if you have an unusual roof layout.
It’s also one of the best flashing types for the valley gutter because it has excellent weather resistance. It can prevent water and melting snow from penetrating the roof valley and protect the roof materials from UV rays.
Unfortunately, there are only a smaller number of choices for colours of rubber valley flashing, so it may not be suitable for tiled roofs of specific colours.
It also requires you to install it precisely, so you may need to hire a professional to do the job.
How Do You Install Roof Valley Flashing?
Once you have the most suitable valley flashing product for your roof, install it.
Here is our guide to properly installing valley flashing:
- Prepare your roof valley before installing the flashing. To do this, you must remove debris like tree leaves and branches, clean the valley and let it dry. If you have old flashing on the roof materials, remove it before installing the new product. Finally, remove and replace damaged roof materials that surround the valley.
- Measure the flashing until you have the maximum length and width needed for your roof valley. After this, you must cut the flashing based on the taken measurements. Ensure that you leave a bit of length on the flashing for overlap.
- Place the flashing and align it perfectly with the sloping roof. You may also need to overlap pieces to protect the roof.
- Use excellent roofing nails to secure the flashing on the roof valley. Check it for wrinkles before applying the sealant. Use roof nails unless a roofing professional advises you differently.
- Use a waterproof sealant over the valley flashing until there are no gaps that water can penetrate. After this, double-check the sealed areas, including overlapped flashing.
Why is Installing Valley Gutter Flashing Properly Important?
You must install valley flashing correctly to prevent water leaks, prolong the roof’s lifespan, and maintain its visual appeal.
Because of this importance, we recommend hiring an installer rather than doing it yourself. Even though getting it installed by a specialist has a higher up-front cost, it’s worth it to avoid extensive damage from rot.
What Types of Problems Can Occur with Valley Gutter Flashing?
If you don’t maintain your valley flashing correctly, the following problems can occur:
- Water can leak through the roof materials.
- If you have metal flashing installed, it can rust over time.
- Cracks in the roof tiles or shingles.
- The flashing can come loose, rendering it ineffective.
How Do You Maintain Valley Flashing on the Valley Gutter?
The above problems can result in costly damage repairs for your roof, so you must maintain them properly to avoid this outcome.
First, you must regularly inspect your valley flashing for damage. If you find any damage, repair or replace the roof parts immediately. You can do this yourself or hire a roofing specialist to complete the work. You must also check the sealant for gaps; if you find any, re-seal them immediately.
Also, regularly clear debris off the roof; debris can commonly damage the flashing if left unchecked.
Final Thoughts on the Purpose of Valley Flashing for Your Roof
In summary, valley flashing is crucial to protecting your roof from adverse weather like rain and melting snow. Additionally, it is instrumental in maintaining your roof’s durability and prolonging its life. Finally, valley flashing can carry water towards your guttering system, maintaining the roof’s integrity.
Before you purchase valley flashing, look at multiple types in detail to find the one that suits your roof type, design and weather in the local area.
Once you have valley flashing, you must install and maintain it properly. If you aren’t confident you can do this yourself, hire a roofing specialist.
If you found our article on valley flashing helpful, you can check out other articles about protecting your roof on our blog on Evo Building Products.