The edge of despair- Rake Flashings Chelan and Quincy Home Inspections

I come to notice an issue with metal roof installations.  Actually more exactly exposed fastener metal roof installations.

There are two basic metal roof, exposed fastener and standing seam. The later being the higher grade and more expensive roof.

With an exposed fastener roof it is what it states, all the fasteners are visible.

With standing seam you should only see fasteners at edges and few other areas. There are various styles of standing seam metal roof systems but they all have a common mechanism.

The raised seam is typically fastened down to the roof deck with hidden clips or fasteners and the next panel seam will clip over the previous panel. So you will not see fasteners in the field.

But with all metal roofs there are specific flashing details that need to be performed and this is where I see the issues.

With exposed fastener roofs being usually cheaper to purchase it usually installed by people looking to save money on the roof yet want a long durable roof. In the pursuit to save they leave out very important detail... flashings. More importantly the edge flashing called a rake or barge flashing. The rake flashing protects the edge from water and wind.

Here is an example of no rake flashing causing the sheeting to deteriorate.

By properly installing all flashings the roof will last longer.

Proper installation and best practices may cost a bit more in the beginning but it will save you money in the long run.

“If you think it's expensive to hire a professional to do the job, wait until you hire an amateur.”

Red Adair

NCW Home Inspections, LLC  is a Licensed Washington State Home Inspection service located in Wenatchee Washington serving Chelan County, Douglas County, Kittitas County, Okanogan County and Grant County Washington and the cities of Wenatchee, Leavenworth, Cashmere, Oroville, Cle Elum, East Wenatchee, Quincy and many more…  

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