Who this guide is for
- Homeowners spotting flashing problems from the ground
- Anyone preparing notes before a roofer visit
- People with leaks near chimneys, valleys or vents
- Those documenting roof condition safely
Where flashing does its work
Flashing seals the trickiest parts of a roof, the joints and penetrations where two surfaces meet or something pokes through. Because these are the most leak-prone spots, flashing failure often shows up as water entering near a chimney, valley, skylight or vent.
Knowing where flashing sits helps you focus your ground-level observation on the right areas.
What to observe from the ground
Documentation should capture visible flashing problems using your eyes, a camera zoom or binoculars, never by climbing.
- Flashing that looks lifted, peeled back or displaced
- Rust, corrosion or staining on or below flashing
- Gaps where flashing meets a chimney, wall or vent
- Debris caught in a valley where flashing runs
- Any internal staining below a flashed area
Documenting safely without roof access
Going onto a roof to inspect flashing is genuinely hazardous and should be left to professionals. Use a camera zoom, binoculars or photos from an upper window to record what you can, staying firmly on the ground.
If you cannot see the flashing safely, note that and let the roofer inspect it directly.
Linking flashing to internal signs
Water entering at failed flashing often shows up inside near the corresponding spot, so internal clues are valuable context.
- Note any ceiling or wall staining below a flashed area
- Record when staining appears, such as after rain
- Mention any drips near a chimney breast or vent
Preparing for a roofer
A roofing professional can safely inspect the flashing and assess the water-entry risk. Your ground-level photos and notes on internal signs help them target the inspection.
Flashing failure documentation checklist
- 1Identify where flashing sits on your roof
- 2Look from the ground for lifted or displaced flashing
- 3Note any rust, corrosion or staining
- 4Spot gaps at chimneys, walls or vents
- 5Use a camera zoom or binoculars, not a ladder
- 6Record any internal staining below flashed areas
- 7Note when internal signs appear relative to rain
- 8Photograph what you can see safely
- 9Keep notes together for a roofer
Common mistakes to avoid
- Climbing onto the roof to inspect flashing
- Recording the flashing but ignoring internal staining
- Assuming all roof leaks come from the field, not flashing
- Waiting for a major leak before documenting
- Trying to reseal flashing without a professional
- Overlooking debris caught in a flashed valley
When to involve a professional
- Have a roofing professional inspect and assess the flashing safely
- Route all roof access to a qualified professional, as it is hazardous
- Raise any internal staining below flashing with a roofer promptly
- Confirm the water-entry risk with a qualified trade
- Requirements vary by location and project, so confirm specifics for your home
Frequently asked questions
Questions readers ask about this topic
What is roof flashing?
Flashing seals the joints and penetrations on a roof, such as around chimneys, valleys, skylights and vents, where water is most likely to enter. When it fails, those points lose their seal.
How do I document flashing problems safely?
Stay on the ground and use a camera zoom, binoculars or photos from an upper window, never a ladder onto the roof. If you cannot see it safely, note that and let a roofer inspect directly.
How do I know flashing is leaking?
Failed flashing often shows as internal staining or drips near a chimney, valley or vent after rain. Recording these internal signs alongside what you can see outside helps a roofer.
Should I go onto the roof to check?
No, roof access is hazardous and should be left to professionals. Document from the ground and have a roofing professional inspect the flashing.
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