Wakaflex is a popular choice of flashing to install on roofs, creating high quality protection that is suitable for a variety of weather conditions. But, what makes Wakaflex the roofing professional’s first choice of flashing?
In this ultimate guide, you will discover everything you need to know about Wakaflex and the essential features of this expert flashing product.
What Is Wakaflex?
Wakaflex is a brand of roof flashing that is used to protect the building from water damage and significant leaks, as well as extreme hot or cold conditions.
Made from Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer rubber, or EPDM, Wakaflex lead free flashing offers your roof durability and protects your home from extreme weather conditions.
Flashing provides a seal for vents, skylights, chimneys, and other aspects of a roof, stopping water from seeping through the gaps and into the building structure.
Water damage can cause substantial damage to several parts of a building, from damage to the structure, the ceiling, and the electrics, as well as spreading mould and mildew growth.
What Are the Features of Wakaflex?
Here are the top 5 features of using Wakaflex, the leading lead free roofing material, to seal and protect your roof:
1. Durable Material
EPDM is a rubber material that is durable and waterproof, offering weathering resistance for your home. This material also provides flexibility so the flashing can stretch around corners and in difficult locations.
Furthermore, EPDM can withstand different temperatures, making Wakaflex flashing a good option for buildings in extreme climates such as hot or cold weather conditions.
2. Easy Installation
Offering a flexible material, Wakaflex can be easily installed around chimneys, vents, and skylights, whatever angles and shapes are required. Wakaflex is easier to install than traditional flashing, ensuring that you can weatherproof your home fast.
3. Eco-Friendly Material
EPDM rubber is a recyclable material and offers a low impact when processed during production. Overall, this is an eco-friendly material in contrast with other materials used in flashing yet provides a water tight seal immediately.
4. Flexibility
The best roof flashing is flexible so it can fit around corners and edges, offering excellent protection for pitch transitions. Wakaflex conforms to varying shapes and fits to ensure 100% water resistance and weatherproofing is achieved.
5. Colour Choices
There is no need to choose dull roof flashing with Wakaflex! You can opt for different colour choices to match the look that you are aiming for, creating a unique roof aesthetic that enhances the curb appeal of your home.
Are There Different Types of Roof Flashing Installation?
Wakaflex flashing roll can be applied in different locations on the roof and can meet varying needs.
Step Flashing
Step flashing is installed between a sloped roof and a straight, vertical wall, layering the flashing material to create a step pattern. As well as waterproofing the roof, step flashing also helps with drainage, allowing rainfall to drip down the downward steps and away from the roof.
Vent Flashing
Vents and vent pipes are essential for roofs so that adequate ventilation is achieved inside of your home. However, vents and vent pipes that are positioned around the roof can be difficult to install flashing around and is a vulnerable location for leaks.
Vent flashing fits around the vent and vent pipe so that zero gaps remain, stopping rainfall and debris entering the building and causing considerable damage.
Valley Flashing
Where two sloping roof panels meet, a valley is formed. This area can attract more rainfall so it is essential that complete weatherproofing is attained to stop puddles forming and damage resulting.
Roof flashing is installed inside the valley to stop water entering the building and also to help drain water away from the roof.
Chimney Flashings
Most roofs have a chimney and so a watertight seal is essential. To complete the best flashing installation for your chimney, a combination of step flashing and counterflashing is completed, ensuring no gaps remain.
Why Should Roof Flashing Be Professionally Installed?
Wakaflex is a popular lead free flashing material, but not just any installation will do. Roofing experts will know how to correctly install Wakaflex flashing to ensure there are zero gaps where water can penetrate the roof, getting the most out of your flashing installation.
However, roof flashing does not last forever and so it is essential that you regularly inspect the roof and identify any problems and replace lead flashing immediately.
For example, if you spot a tear in the flashing or a piece of roof flashing has become loose, repair or replace the flashing as soon as possible. Leaving the damaged flashing in place can result in leaks to your home and expensive water damage repairs.
Additionally, professionals will possess specialist tools and can complete quick and secure repairs on nearly all roof profiles.
How Long Does Wakaflex Flashing Last?
If installed professionally and maintained to a good standard, Wakaflex roof flashing should last at least 20 years.
Wakaflex is the perfect flashing choice for a wide range of roofs, whether you are using clay tiles, concrete tiles, slate tiles, or a metal roof.
Final Thoughts on Wakaflex Flashing
Wakaflex is a roof flashing material that offers your roof durability, flexibility and easy installation, as well as being available in a wide choice of colour options.
Visit RoofStuff now for more information. You can find a range of products such as flashing to suit any budget, roof repair solutions and ventilation options.
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