Why flashing fails, and why it's the #1 leak source we see.
What flashing is
Flashing is the metal (or rubber, in the case of pipe boots) that seals the gap between your shingles and any penetration — chimney, vent, skylight, or wall.
Heat cycling
Alabama summer heat causes flashing to expand and contract daily. Over 10–15 years, this loosens fasteners and degrades sealants.
UV damage
Rubber pipe boots crack under UV exposure long before the surrounding shingles fail.
Bad install
Caulked-over flashing instead of properly stepped/woven flashing is one of the top reasons we redo "repaired" leaks.
How we fix it
We replace failing flashing rather than caulking over it — a permanent fix instead of a 6-month patch.
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Local Factors That Change What Causes Roof Flashing Damage? in Huntsville
River-valley humidity across Madison, Morgan, and Limestone Counties feeds algae streaking and keeps decking damp after leaks. Moisture that lingers is what takes a minor flashing failure into rotted sheathing.
Local code matters too. Roofing work inside Huntsville city limits follows the International Residential Code as adopted locally, which sets nailing patterns, drip edge, underlayment, and attic ventilation minimums — and allows no more than two roof coverings before a full tear-off is required. When a roof is replaced, the new installation has to meet current code even if the old one predated it.
What to Do Next
- 1Write down when you first noticed the issue — carriers and contractors both ask for a date.
- 2Look for granules in gutters and at downspout outlets, which signals shingle wear or impact.
- 3Avoid climbing the roof yourself; wet or aging shingles cause most homeowner falls.
- 4Have the roof and attic inspected together, since half the useful evidence is underneath.
- 5Compare any two estimates line by line: underlayment, flashing, ventilation, warranty.