How to buy the right roof flashings from your local trade plumbing suppliers.
It’s one of the most important actions you can take – to protect your property against the unpredictable extremes of Australian weather.
Aussie temperatures can hit 40°C+ during long hot summers in some areas, and below freezing in others. Plus, erratic patterns of rainfall often cause severe storm flooding.
Sealing your roof against leaks and structural damage will save costly repairs over the longer term.
In this article: you’ll find out which roof flashing types – purpose-built to Australian standards for plumbing parts with their different materials and roof bases – are your best defence against water seeping into your home.
Check out our “Aussie Tough, Aztec Smart” range of Masterflash® roof product
What are flashings on a roof – and why do I need to install them?
Roof flashings are materials and components that are made to form a protective barrier against water leaking into your roof.
The main task roof penetration flashing is to:
Seal the gap between a roof’s exterior surface and where:
- A roofing system meets, joins or terminates at an angle or edge
- Pipes, cables, supports and other components enter or exit
Types of roof flashing components
In Australia’s tough climate and weather environment, robust durable flashing is an essential for securely sealing your roof.
Types of roof flashing components, designed to withstand ozone and UV exposure*, as well as extreme weather conditions, include:
- Heating pipes
- Vent pipes
- Solar pipes
Their flexible base easily forms a strong, immovable, watertight seal with most roof profiles and pitches, wherever a pipe entrance or exit is located.
*Ozone and UV exposure
The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation reacts with oxygen molecules in the stratosphere to form ozone, mostly in hot, sunny climates. Repeated exposure at ground level can reduce lung function and lead to a variety of breathing problems, including throat irritation, and coughing.
Ozone and UV protective roofing materials are capable of reflecting more UV rays than traditional roofs and roofing components.
Common and traditional applications of roof flashing are:
- Step flashing – around the base of a chimney
- Valley flashing – the acute angle where two roof slopes meet
- Window and skylight flashing – surrounding the system framework
- Drip edges – channels water into roof guttering
The purpose of roof flashings – wherever it’s installed – is always to:
- Direct water away from potentially vulnerable areas of the roof where it’s likely to enter and cause damage.
Metal roof flashings – what you need to know
Both wholesale plumbing distributors and your local plumbing supply store are likely to offer a range of metal roof flashings.
From traditional lead flashing to latest components made from aluminium and rubber EPDM.
Lead flashing components
A “soft” material, well-known for its flexibility to wrap around all types of roof shapes and surfaces. Roof components using lead in their base have exceptional durability and a long, a low maintenance lifespan.
IMPORTANT! Use of lead flashing or other lead-based roofing materials is often regulated under strict guidelines in many areas of Australia. This is because lead can be seriously harmful to health if particles are breathed in.
Aluminium flashing components
Metal is considered the most secure and durable type of flashing for sealing a roof against water leakage.
Aluminium is extremely lightweight – compared to lead – but also a flexible, easy to use anti-corrosion material.
Aluminium roof flashings can withstand UV radiation and typical extreme weather conditions caused by heavy rain. It’s often used in coastal areas to protect against salt exposure.
Rubber EPDM flashing components
Rubber components used for roof flashing are often made from EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer).
This is a type of synthetic rubber, which can withstand regular exposure to outdoor elements such as sunlight and ozone, which contrasts with less durable, natural rubber.
An easy-to-install flexibility is equal to a high-level of waterproofing and sealing on roof exit points for pipes and vents.
Roof flashing and compliance to Australian Standards
Roof flashing and its components are outlined in The National Construction Code (NCC). The Code serves Australian Standards as the primary source of a building’s technical specification, design and construction requirements.
The regulations are aimed at ensuring homes and other properties are securely safeguarded against the risk of potential water damage.
Australian Standards AS 4654.2-2012 details the requirements for the design and installation of waterproofing membranes on above-ground surfaces including, roofs, decks and balconies.
The standard is outlined in the NCC, which provides the approved external waterproofing for buildings to comply with performance requirements FP1.4 in Volume One and P2.2.2 in Volume Two.
The Building Code of Australia (BCA) Part 2, Section 2 – also outlines waterproofing performance standards, stating, “roof and external walls of a structure must prevent the entry of water that could lead to unhealthy or dangerous conditions…”
Compliance with Australian Standards is mostly addressed at builders, building surveyors and waterproofing contractors.
However, it’s also important for any homeowner to check when selecting and buying products from bulk plumbing supplies or a local plumber’s supply store.
Roof pipe flashing – what solutions should I look out for?
Whether you need roof flashing for metal and tiled roofs, solar, heating, ceiling electrical fans, high performance roof pipe flashing should provide the following solutions:
- Sealed protection up to ONE metre diameter pipe
- Pipe diameters clearly visible for correct and watertight seal
- Flexible base plate to easily form a tight seal with most roof pitches and profiles regardless of pipe location
- One-piece construction for easy on-site installation
- Ozone and UV protection
- Withstand temperatures up to 250˚C
Top Three Factors for Buying Roof Pipe Flashing
Pipe Size Diameter
Knowing the pipe diameter means you buy the correct flashing size – which easily and firmly slides over pipes.
Roof Pitch
The correct flashing for a specific roof pitch is essential to avoid unnecessary stress on the rubber collar. Over time, excessive pressure can lead to structural weakness and could cause water leakage.
Base Size
Flashing base size is normally set by a code of compliance according to building regulations and Australian standards
In a nutshell …
The Australian climate is tough, weather often unpredictable, and temperatures increasingly extreme.
High spec, robust roof pipe flashings are essential for keeping the roof of your property sealed tight and waterproof. And protecting against the impact of excessive heat, severe storms, ground-level UV and ozone.
Exact pipe diameter size, roof pitch and base size are critical to performance and lifespan.
Australian standards and building codes set out the level of performance required to comply with regulations.
Aluminium and rubber EPDM pipe flashing are both tough, weather resistant, and easy to install exactly to the shape and contours of most roofs
FAQs
Q: What is the problem with roof flashing?
A: Regular roof inspections are essential to monitor and detect a potential leak. Age and extreme weather conditions, such as severe storms or fallen branches causing physical damage can open up cracks and gaps. Salt corrosion is another possibility, especially in coastal areas.
Q: Roof flashing not recently checked – what’s the worst that could happen?
A: If left unchecked, the water leakage from a worn, damaged or incorrectly fitted pipe flashing can lead to mould growth on the roof and wall surfaces, potential structural damage and costly repairs. Traces of water damage can also reduce a property’s value.
Q: How long does aluminium roof flashings last for?
A: Aluminium flashing components, which are rust and corrosion resistant, have a lifespan of around 20 years.
Installing or replacing roof pipe flashing?
Find out EXACTLY which type and size “Aussie tough” components you need for your SPECIFIC roof.
