Metal Flashings: A Comprehensive Guide for Vancouver Homeowners

In Vancouver’s coastal climate most homeowners need to be aware of how to protect their home from moisture. If moisture is able to get into the home, it can cause thousands of dollars in damage which is why it is essential when renovating or building homes in Vancouver to invest in moisture protection. One of the most effective methods of moisture protection is flashing. In today’s blog we will be providing a comprehensive guide to Metal Flashings for Vancouver homeowners.

What is Flashing?

Flashing or Flashings are pieces of thin, impermeably material installed around joints or edges of the home to prevent water from entering the structure. It serves as both a protective seal for the structure of the home as well as acting to redirect water away from the home and into gutters or onto the ground.

What is the best Material for flashing?

Flashing can be made of many different materials, but metal is one of the most effective as it offers great moisture resistance as well as durability and longevity. The most common types of metal that are used to manufacture flashings are aluminum and steel. Aluminum is light and easy to work with but requires a special coating when placed near concrete or masonry. Steel is another common option that is popular due to its strength and adaptability. Steel is also extremely climate resistant being fabricated to stand up to the worst weather that can affect Vancouver homes.

Different Types of Flashings

There are many different types of flashings that can be installed on a Vancouver home, here are some of the most common types available.

Cap Flashing

This type of flashing is installed over windows and doors. Cap flashing needs to be installed after the window or door is in place but prior to the installation of the siding.

Step Flashing

Step Flashing is utilized where the roof meets a wall or other vertical surface. It is installed in overlapping “steps” to prevent moisture from entering the structure.

Sill Pan Flashing

Sill pans go under windows and doors, catching any water that flows past the opening and redirects it back outside.

Valley Flashing

Installed where two roof slopes meet, forming a “valley” between them. With this flashing water flows into the “valley” and directed into gutters and off of the roof, making sure water doesn’t accumulate.

Counter Flashing

This type of flashing is installed over other flashing, such as step flashing, to ensure that all water is directed away from the structure of the home. This is so water doesn’t accumulate in the small gap left when other flashing is installed.

Deck Flashing

This is flashing that is added as a protective barrier between the side of the house and the materials of the deck.

We hope we have been able to give you some useful information on metal flashing. If you have any questions about metal flashing for Vancouver homes, please feel free to contact us.

Since 2004, Klassen Building Supplies has been a leader in sheet metal fabrication, supply, and installation in the Vancouver area. Klassen also does considerable custom metal work.

If you have any questions about this article or any of our sheet metal supplies, please call us at (604) 543-7331 or use the convenient form on our Contact page. Klassen is based in Surrey, BC.