Here we answer some of your MOST asked questions about your roof and roofing contractors!

Roofing FAQ

Why Roof Flashing and Vents Are Critical to a Long-Lasting Roof

When most people think about a roof, they picture shingles, tiles, or metal panels—the visible layers that protect a home. But underneath those materials is a network of components that work together to keep water and moisture out. Two of the most important (and most overlooked) elements are flashing and roof vents. Both play unique but complementary roles in protecting your home’s structure, ensuring energy efficiency, and prolonging the life of your roof.

What Roof Flashing Does

Flashing is a thin material—often made of aluminum, galvanized steel, or copper—installed at vulnerable points of your roof where water runoff is most likely. This includes valleys (where two roof slopes meet), around chimneys, skylights, dormers, vent pipes, and along edges.

Its main job is to redirect water away from seams, joints, and openings where shingles alone can’t provide adequate protection. Without properly installed flashing, rainwater can seep into your roof deck and attic. Over time, this moisture can lead to mold growth, rot, structural damage, and expensive repairs.

Proper flashing also improves your home’s resilience to wind-driven rain. In storms, rain often blows sideways and forces its way into gaps. Quality flashing, installed by professionals, acts as a final barrier to prevent leaks even in severe weather.

Why Roof Ventilation Matters

Just as important as keeping water out is letting air flow properly through your attic. Roof vents—both intake vents (often in soffits) and exhaust vents (such as ridge vents or box vents)—allow fresh air to circulate under the roof deck.

Good ventilation does three key things:

1. Controls Moisture: Warm, humid air rises from living spaces into the attic. Without a way to escape, this moisture condenses on the underside of the roof deck, potentially causing mold, mildew, and wood rot.

2. Regulates Temperature: In summer, a poorly ventilated attic can reach extreme temperatures, baking your shingles from below and shortening their lifespan. In winter, trapped warm air can contribute to ice dams forming along eaves.

3. Improves Energy Efficiency: By moving hot air out and letting cooler air in, proper ventilation reduces strain on your HVAC system and helps keep indoor temperatures more stable.

The Bottom Line

Flashing and vents may be less visible than shingles, but they are vital to a roof’s performance. Flashing protects against leaks at the most vulnerable points, while vents keep your attic dry and temperature-balanced. Together, they prevent costly damage, preserve your home’s structural integrity, and maximize the life of your roof.

Because these elements are so crucial, it’s worth having them installed and inspected by qualified roofing professionals. An expert eye ensures flashing is sealed and layered correctly, and that your ventilation system is balanced for your home’s size and layout. Investing in proper installation today can save thousands of dollars and countless headaches down the road.