Why Replacing Flashing During a Roof Replacement Isn’t Optional
When homeowners think of a roof replacement, shingles are usually the first thing that comes to mind. But shingles are only one part of a complete roofing system. Hidden beneath the surface is roof flashing—thin metal installed around chimneys, walls, and roof transitions to keep water out.
If flashing is not replaced during a new roof installation, your home is left vulnerable to leaks, rot, and long-term structural damage. The reality is, replacing all flashing isn’t just best practice—it’s both a code requirement and a manufacturer’s warranty requirement.
Why Many Roofers Neglect to Replace Flashings….
Unfortunately, not every contractor follows the rules. Here’s why flashing often gets skipped:
Time = Money
Properly replacing step flashing and apron flashing requires removing siding or cutting into masonry. That takes time, and time cuts into profit. The flashing itself is inexpensive—it’s the labor most roofers want to avoid.
Cutting Corners
Some contractors assume homeowners won’t know whether old flashings were reused. The problem usually doesn’t show up until years later—long after the roofer has been paid and moved on.
Lack of Knowledge or Training
Here’s a hard truth: in many states, roofing does not require a roofing-specific license, education, or formal training. Too often, the people selling the job, ordering materials, inspecting the work, or even installing the roof are not true craftsmen of the trade.
- Many just simply do not understand how flashing integrates with siding or brickwork.
- They may not have the skillset to remove and reinstall siding properly.
- They may not even know that reusing flashings violates code and voids warranties.
This lack of oversight and craftsmanship is one of the biggest reasons homeowners end up with leaking “new” roofs.
The Critical Role of Each Flashing
- Chimney Flashing: Seals one of the most leak-prone areas of the roof.
- Brick Counter Flashing: Protects where the roof meets masonry walls.
- Step Flashing: Installed piece by piece where the roof meets vertical walls—one missing piece of flashing, or any damaged flashing, can lead to major structural repairs in the near future.
- Headwall/Apron Flashing: Directs water away at roof-to-wall transitions.
- Without proper flashing, even the best shingles won’t prevent water from entering your home.
- Kick-out Flashing: Diverts water into the gutter at the lowest point of the sidewall, stopping the wall behind the siding from rotting away.
What the Building Code Says
- The International Residential Code (IRC) is clear about flashing replacement. Section R905.2.8.3 requires that all step flashing be no less than 4″x4″x8″ and cannot be punctured, damaged, rusted, or deteriorated—or it must be replaced.
- Ignoring code doesn’t just put your home at risk—it can also void your manufacturer’s warranty. At BulletpROOF
Exteriors, we believe in doing what’s right, every time, regardless of who’s watching or ignorantly influencing.
Why Flashing’s Must Always Be Replaced
Building code requires it
Ignoring code doesn’t just put your home at risk—it can also void your manufacturer’s warranty. At BulletpROOF Exteriors, we believe in doing what’s right, every time, regardless of who’s watching or ignorantly influencing.
Manufacturer warranties require it
Your home deserves it
When flashing is skipped or reused, you risk leaks, rotted framing, damaged drywall, and EVEN MOLD!!!. Worse, your manufacturer’s warranty can be voided, leaving you with an unprotected roof that should have lasted a lifetime.
The BulletpROOF Difference
At BulletpROOF Exteriors, we do it right—every time:
****All flashings are replaced with new, code-compliant materials****
- Every installation meets manufacturer standards to protect warranties
- Work is performed by true craftsmen who understand roofing from the ground up
- No shortcuts, no reused materials, no excuses
✅ Bottom Line: A roof is only as good as its weakest detail. Replacing shingles without replacing flashing is like buying a brand-new car and putting the old car’s engine in it.
📞 Call (301) 265-2964 today for a free roof inspection and experience the BulletpROOF difference.
Frequently Asked Questions About Roof Flashing
Q: Do roofers have to replace flashing when installing a new roof?
Yes. Both building code and manufacturer warranties require new flashing during roof replacement. Reusing old flashing can void your warranty and lead to leaks.
Q: How do I know if my flashing needs to be replaced?
If flashing is rusted, bent, punctured, deteriorated, or improperly sized, it must be replaced. Even if it looks intact, builder-grade flashing often fails before and/or after one roof cycle.
Q: What happens if contractors reuse flashing?
Reusing flashing creates weak points where water can enter. You may not notice problems immediately, but leaks, rot, and mold can develop within a few days to a few years depending on conditions.
Q: Is flashing replacement expensive?
Not at all. The metal itself is inexpensive—the main cost is the labor to install it correctly. Skipping flashing might save a contractor time, but it can cost homeowners thousands in repairs down the road.