When homeowners in the Rochester area think about roofing issues, shingles usually take center stage. It’s easy to spot a missing shingle or a patch that’s curling up at the edges. But one of the most important parts of your roof—the one most likely to fail first—is often overlooked: the flashing.
Roof flashing might not be the most visible element of your roofing system, but it plays a vital role in keeping your home dry. And when it starts to wear out, the results can be more serious than you’d expect. At Robertson Roofing, we’ve seen small flashing issues in Henrietta turn into attic leaks, and we’ve replaced entire sections of interior ceiling in Greece due to what started as a minor flashing failure.
So what exactly is roof flashing? Why is it so crucial to your home’s defense against water? And why does it tend to give out before the rest of your roof? Let’s dig in.
What Roof Flashing Does—and Why It’s So Important in Our Climate
Roof flashing is the metal material that’s installed wherever two surfaces of your roof meet or where the roof connects to other structures—like chimneys, skylights, or dormers. These areas are naturally more prone to leaks because of the small gaps they create. Flashing acts like a shield, guiding water safely away from these vulnerable points and down into your gutters.
Most flashing is made from aluminum or galvanized steel, although in higher-end builds, you might find copper. It’s built to last—but it’s also constantly exposed to the elements. In Rochester and surrounding towns like Irondequoit and Brighton, that means dealing with heavy snow, ice buildup, freezing temperatures, high winds, and the occasional summer downpour. All of that weather puts pressure on the very parts of your roof flashing is meant to protect.
Without flashing, water would find its way into every seam and joint. That moisture doesn’t just get things wet—it damages insulation, rots wood framing, and can lead to mold and mildew problems that are much harder and more expensive to fix later on. Properly installed and maintained flashing is what helps keep those risks at bay.
Why Flashing Is Often the First Part of a Roof to Fail
Even if your shingles are holding strong, your flashing might not be. In fact, we often find that flashing is the first element of a roof to fail—especially in older homes throughout areas like Brighton and Irondequoit where the original flashing may be decades old.
The reasons are simple but serious. For one, flashing is positioned right where the roof is most vulnerable. Chimneys, valleys, sidewalls—these are the first places to show the effects of wind-driven rain or snowmelt. As the seasons change, temperature swings cause roofing materials to expand and contract. Flashing, being metal, is especially sensitive to this kind of movement. Over time, it can warp, pull away from the roofing materials, or crack at the seams.
We’ve worked on homes in Greece where flashing around a roof vent slowly separated during freeze-thaw cycles, allowing water to leak in over time. No major storm, no big red flag—just gradual wear that went unnoticed until water started staining the ceiling.
Another issue is installation. Many older homes in Rochester were built with flashing that doesn’t meet today’s standards—or worse, flashing that was improperly installed from the beginning. We’ve come across roofs in Henrietta with flashing that was sealed with nothing more than caulk or tar. While those quick fixes might have worked short-term, they rarely hold up against a few Rochester winters.
Even flashing that was installed correctly won’t last forever. If it’s not inspected regularly, minor issues like corrosion, loose nails, or failed sealants can develop into major leaks. And unfortunately, these aren’t the kind of problems most homeowners spot from the ground.
What Flashing Failure Looks Like
The tricky thing about flashing problems is that they often stay hidden until there’s already been water damage inside the home. Homeowners in neighborhoods like the South Wedge or Cobbs Hill sometimes call us about a “roof leak” after spotting water stains on the ceiling or walls—only to find that the root cause is a cracked chimney flashing or a loose piece near a dormer window.
Other times, flashing failure is mistaken for a general roofing problem. In some cases, we’ve inspected homes in Irondequoit where flashing had separated just slightly from the roofline. On a dry day or with light rain, everything seemed fine. But during a heavy storm with strong winds, rainwater got forced into those gaps, resulting in attic leaks that seemed to appear out of nowhere.
Common visual signs of flashing failure include rust, lifted edges, cracked sealant, or shingles near flashing points that appear uneven or distorted. If you notice any of these, it’s time for a closer look.
What Happens If You Ignore It
We understand why some homeowners put off flashing repairs. If the leak seems small or only happens occasionally, it can feel like something that can wait. But the truth is that even a slow drip can cause thousands of dollars in damage if left unchecked.
In Rochester, where roofs deal with long winters and plenty of moisture, we’ve seen flashing problems that started as a loose edge end up causing mold in attic insulation, rot in structural beams, or even electrical hazards when water makes its way into ceiling fixtures.
The longer flashing failure goes unnoticed, the more likely it is that interior repairs—like drywall replacement or insulation removal—will become part of the job. Catching it early often means a relatively quick fix: remove the compromised flashing, reseal the joint, and reinforce the area with weather-resistant materials. Waiting could mean a full tear-off or major interior restoration.
How Robertson Roofing Handles Flashing Right
At Robertson Roofing, we treat flashing as a critical part of every roofing system—not an afterthought. Whether we’re installing a new roof in Greece or inspecting an older home in Brighton, we make flashing a top priority.
When we install flashing, we use corrosion-resistant metal designed to withstand the freeze-thaw cycles and moisture levels common in Monroe County. We don’t just surface-seal it; we integrate it with the roofing underlayment and surrounding materials to form a tight, long-lasting barrier. If we’re working on a chimney or vent, we also inspect the surrounding masonry or trim to make sure everything is sealed and stable.
We’ve worked on everything from historic homes in downtown Rochester to mid-century builds in Henrietta. That means we’re familiar with a range of roofing styles and know how to customize flashing solutions that fit your home—not just generic “patch jobs” that hide the problem temporarily.
We also offer regular maintenance services and seasonal roof inspections, which are especially helpful in spotting flashing problems before they lead to water damage. Our clients in Irondequoit and Brighton appreciate these checkups, especially in older neighborhoods where roofs have more complex features and transitions.
Flashing Problems Are Common—But They’re Preventable
One of the most important things homeowners can do is stay proactive. Flashing might not be the most visible part of your roof, but it’s one of the most important—and most prone to wear.
If it’s been a few years since your last roof inspection, or if you’ve noticed signs like water stains, rusted metal near your chimney, or odd shingle patterns near roof features, it’s worth getting your flashing checked.
At Robertson Roofing, we’re here to help. We’ve built a reputation in Rochester and the surrounding suburbs for reliable service, quality workmanship, and honest inspections. If something’s wrong, we’ll find it. If everything looks good, we’ll give you peace of mind knowing your roof is holding strong.
Schedule Your Flashing Inspection Today
A quick inspection today can save you from expensive repairs down the line. Whether you’re in Rochester, Henrietta, Greece, Irondequoit, or Brighton, we’re just a phone call away.
Contact Robertson Roofing today to schedule your roof inspection. We’ll take a close look at your flashing, explain what we find, and make sure your home stays dry, safe, and protected—no matter what the Rochester weather brings.
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