Edge flashings: important moisture protection for the roof

Edge flashings are also known as eave strips, among other names. They are attached to what are called eaves. There, they ensure that water does not run under the edge of the roof when it rains, but into the gutter, as intended.

The most important facts about gutter flashings at a glance

• Eaves flashings are installed at the eaves of roofs to protect the roof edge from water penetration.

• Eaves flashings can be useful for residential properties as well as garden sheds, garages and carports.

• Eaves flashings are usually made of copper, titanium zinc, sheet steel or aluminum.

• With metal gutters, it is important to look for material compatibility when purchasing gutter flashings.

What is eave flashing?

Eaves flashing is a strip of folded sheet metal that is attached to the eaves of the roof. It ensures that rainwater that collects can drain properly into the gutters and not cause moisture damage to your roof.

When should an eave flashing be installed?

The question of whether installing an eave flashing is mandatory cannot be said in a blanket way. This is because, depending on the construction of the roof in question, it is perfectly possible to install the gutter in such a way as to prevent rainwater from flowing under the tiles at the eaves, even without an additional eaves strip.

Do not lose sight of the fact, however, that especially in areas with higher rainfall, it is particularly important that the rainwater can flow properly into the gutter and that the roof is completely watertight. Otherwise, moisture damage to the building, which is time-consuming and costly to repair, is usually not long in coming.

Applying eaves flashing correctly

For eaves flashing to do its job, it is obviously important that it is installed correctly. On house roofs, the eave strip is usually attached below the last row of tiles at the eave. To ensure that it holds its position reliably, the sheet is fixed in place with screws.

Before beginning the actual installation, the eaves sheets must first be cut to the correct length. To ensure the best possible seal, the individual eave strips should overlap slightly. To do this, it is necessary to remove a piece of the seam at the sides, which is usually no problem with a pair of tin snips.

To seal the junctions between two sheets, it is a good idea to use a suitable ready-made sealant, which can be spread, and which is easily applied to the eaves sheet with a brush.

The pre-assembled eaves flashing protrudes into the gutter, reliably ensuring that in the event of rain, water does not enter the roof from underneath the tiles, but can be channelled into the drainage system via the connected gutters and downpipes, or collected in rain barrels for watering the garden as required.

Eaves flashings in different materials

Eaves flashings are made from a variety of materials. You can usually choose between models made from titanium zinc, copper, sheet steel and aluminum. Of course, the material has no influence on the basic functioning of the eaves strip.

However, there are some differences in terms of weather resistance, among other things. Apart from that, some metals, such as copper, oxidize over time, but this can be desirable because of the patina that forms as a result.

When buying, also remember that not all metals are compatible with each other. Therefore, depending on the material your gutter is made of, you may be somewhat limited in your choice of matching eave flashings.

For example, to avoid corrosion, you should not combine copper with titanium zinc or galvanized steel. If, on the other hand, your home's gutters are made of plastic, you don't have to worry about this.

Eaves flashings for garden sheds and garages

The installation of eaves flashings is not exclusively reserved for residential buildings, but is sometimes useful for garden sheds, garages and carports. There, the eave strip performs the same function as on a normal house roof by ensuring that water cannot seep under the roof and cause damage.

What to look for when buying eave flashing?

Of course, the eave sheet must not only be made of the right material, but in addition, it must be the right width. In addition, it is important that the eaves sheet is bent at the correct angle. The size of this should depend on the angle between the roof and the gutter.

To ensure that the eaves flashing will fit, it is good to measure carefully before buying. After all, it's extremely annoying to find out during installation that previously purchased material can't be used and must be exchanged.

Buy high quality gutter flashing online

If you need eaves flashings for the roof of your house or even another building, such as a garden shed or garage, our shop is the place to go. In our assortment, you will find high-quality eaves sheets in various designs.

Buy matching eaves flashings as well as many other products for roof drainage conveniently online and have your order delivered directly to your home. With us, you can count on affordable prices as well as outstanding product quality and top-notch customer service.