Working as an extra layer of defence, roof flashing is crucial for stopping roof leaks and roof penetrations. Flashings and cappings are strips of metal formed to weatherproof the edges of roofing and walling. Similar flashing methods are used for different cladding profiles, and you can adapt these principles to suit your desired application.
The most common roofing materials are Zincalume and Colorbond steel, and many of these are lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and malleable, much like custom flashing options.
This article will highlight custom metal roof flashings, their benefits for homeowners and businesses, and how they provide long-lasting protection compared to other roofing metals.
What are Roof Flashings?
Flashings must give you cover and proper turn-up of the cladding underneath, and these must be made of materials compatible with the cladding. For example, soft aluminium or zinc over flashing can be stepped and tapered to follow the fall of the roof.
Flashings must conform to AS/NZS 2179.1:1994, and materials for flashings come in Zincalume steel or Colorbond steel.
The top surface of lead flashing should be painted with a good-quality exterior paint system, which limits contamination with lead compounds in running water off the flashing. Likewise, a barrier should be between the lead flashing and the cladding (either a plastic strip or paint).
Benefits Of Custom-Made Flashings For Your Home?
There are many benefits to Colorbond and Zincalume custom flashings. Let’s explore the top five reasons why they’re a worthy roofing candidate!
1. Keep your roof protected from the elements
The main purpose of flashing is to seal your roofing material, prevent water from getting underneath it, and withstand the worst of wild weather. Protect areas prone to water accumulation, such as walls, windows, door openings, skylights, roof valleys, chimneys, and vent pipes.
Various types of roof flashing can protect your roofing from pouring rain or strong winds. For example, barge capping provides a junction between barge boards and the roof sheeting, giving it an attractive, waterproof finish.
Colorbond ridge capping is another installation where roof areas intersect at the highest point. This ridge capping is the final tile laid on these points to create a watertight seal, protecting against moisture and damage.
Box gutter Colorbond flashing acts as a rain gutter for your roof, collecting rainwater and directing away from walls. Whatever your roof size, custom-made flashing will always fit your roof correctly.
2. Choose from a wide range of colours and styles
Make your home or commercial building feel more personalised with Colorbond and Zincalume options.
According to this article, global and local climate change can be mitigated by the large-scale application of building services with materials that have higher solar reflectance (high thermal emittance), such as Colorbond steel.
Choose Colorbond Pale Tones such as Dover White, Surfmist, Paperbark, Classic Cream, Shale Grey, Southerly, Evening Haze, Surfmist or Dune for a dramatic contrast in both colour and material.
Colorbond Mid Tones include Windspray, Basalt, Bluegum, Gully, Wallaby, and Pale Eucalypt for a warm and welcoming colour layer.
Colorbond Deep Tones such as Manor Red, Woodland Grey, Ironstone, Monument, Night Sky, Jaspar, Cottage Green, and Deep Ocean for a premium, strong, design-driven feel.
Want to learn more about Colorbond steel and custom roofing options? Check out feature guttering, a guide to gutter profiles!
3. Flashing extends the life of your roof
Colorbond roof flashing can last as long as the roof itself or up to 70 years. For Colorbond and Zincalume steel, BlueScope Steel offers a warranty against corrosion to perforation by weathering for up to 30 years for Zincalume, and 36 years for Colorbond from the date of installation.
Lead-free roof flashings are designed to be durable and long-lasting. Aluminium flashing typically lasts 15-30 years, with measures taken against potential damage, such as using compatible materials and regular maintenance.
With this in mind, flashing should always be checked annually for signs of corrosion or etching, especially if there’s been unexpected weather. Since only metals containing iron can rust, aluminium is safe against this deterioration as it is naturally rust-resistant.
In marine environments, coastal environments within 100 metres of breaking surf are classified as severe. However, Colorbond Ultra steel is recommended for longevity.
4. Colorbond and Zincalume options
Colorbond flashing has been tried and tested in all weather conditions. It is Australian-made and backed by a BlueScope Steel warranty, with five layers of protection and Activate Technology.
Colorbond is corrosion-resistant, lightweight, and easily cut into a custom length for your roof requirements. Colorbond can be relied on with absolute confidence. For example, you can choose Woodland Grey in a Classic Finish for Colorbond roofing and gutters, creating a balance between the exterior and interior.
Premium Zincalume flashing has corrosion-resistant properties, transforming the roofing industry with unmatched durability. Made using zinc, aluminium, and silicon, Zincalume steel is used to manufacture custom-made flashings designed to withstand the test of time for every property.
Manufactured from 1200mm wide Colorbond, Zincalume, and Galvanised steel, standard flashing profiles can be folded into Barge Capping, Apron Flashing, Valley Gutters, Box Gutters, Concealed Gutters, Parapet Cappings, Soaker Flashings and Barge Soakers. All custom sizes are available in Colorbond and Colorbond Matt colours.
Custom-made flashings can be ordered for your roof up to 8 metres long, and the raw material is available in every colour across the entire BlueScope Steel Colorbond range.
5. Flashing is environmentally-friendly
If you’re looking for a sustainable choice, lead-free flashing reduces the environmental impact of roofing projects. Traditional lead flashings pose environmental hazards such as lead toxicity and the potential to contaminate water sources and soil.
Choosing Colorbond and Zincalume custom flashings means an eco-friendly, safe option for residential or commercial project builds. Sustainable building practices appeal to eco-conscious buyers (if you plan to sell your property in the future!) and help builders comply with environmental regulations and standards.
Do you want to upgrade to Zincalume steel flashing or Colorbond steel roofing? The Roofing Options team offers roofing supplies to Cranbourne, Berwick, Narre Warren, and Officer residents across Melbourne.
Types of Roof Flashing
Let’s take a look at some of the custom flashing choices for your residential or commercial property.
Apron Flashing
Installed to prevent water from penetrating the junction (where a vertical surface intersects a roof), a wider Apron Flashing is recommended when the base of the flashing faces a prevailing wind. Apron Flashing is:
- Manufactured using Colorbond and Zincalume 0.55 bmt
- Custom lengths are up to 8 metres long
- Total girths and widths are up to 1.2m
- Apron Flashing is sold per L/M
Box Gutter Flashing
Box Gutters are custom-made rectangular or square gutters used within the boundaries of a roof. This may be installed within the roof line, a parapet wall, or the catchment for two roof lines. Box Gutters often need structural support underneath to improve strength, stiffness and minimise damage caused by foot traffic.
- Manufactured using Colorbond and Zincalume 0.55 bmt
- Custom lengths are up to 8 metres long
- Total girths and widths are up to 1.2m
- Box Gutters are sold per L/M
Barge Flashing
Barge flashing is installed at the junction between a fascia or barge board and roof sheeting. The size of the edge break on your barge flashing should conform with the rib height of the roof sheet profile to which the Barge Flashing is attached.
- Manufactured using Colorbond and Zincalume 0.55 bmt
- Custom lengths are up to 8 metres long
- Total girths and widths are up to 1.2m
- Barge Flashing is sold per L/M
Window Flashing
Window Flashings are custom-made caps that seal and finish building frameworks and external brickwork surrounding windows and, potentially, external door frames.
- Manufactured using Colorbond and Zincalume 0.55 bmt
- Custom lengths are up to 8 metres long
- Total girths and widths are up to 1.2m
- Window Flashing is sold per L/M
Valley Flashing
Sitting between two internal roof slopes, Valley Flashing is angled to suit each pitch. Each side of this gutter has a return hook fold to minimise the chances of water transferring into the roof space.
- Manufactured using Colorbond and Zincalume 0.55 bmt
- Custom lengths are up to 8 metres long
- Total girths and widths are up to 1.2m
- Valley Flashing is sold per L/M
Parapet Flashing
Parapet Flashing options are installed to waterproof, protect, and cap the ends of vertical cladding or block/masonry walls. This flashing can be installed with a slight fall or folding just off 90 degrees to ensure water doesn’t pool on top of the cap.
- Manufactured using Colorbond and Zincalume 0.55 bmt
- Custom lengths are up to 8 metres long
- Total girths and widths are up to 1.2m
- Parapet flashing is sold her L/M
Misc Flashing
The great thing about flashing is there are many ways to design it to help protect, seal, and finish your project.
You can custom-fold any flashing you desire, up to 8mm long and with a maximum total girth of 1200mm. It is available in 28 colours and is always manufactured from 100% Australian steel.
Are you hoping for a roof with improved structural integrity, aesthetic appeal, and resistance to harsh weather conditions and water damage? The Roofing Options team delivers roofing supplies to Reservoir, Lalor, Broadmeadows, and across Melbourne.
Choose Roofing Options for Colorbond Steel Roofing
It doesn’t matter if you’re a contractor, builder, homeowner, or DIY enthusiast, the Roofing Options team have everything you need to improve your home or business exterior with custom made flashings!
As a leading source for roofing supplies in Melbourne, we have three convenient locations (Cranbourne, Coburg, and Campbellfield) and an online store. Whether you need panels, sheets, downpipes, Colorbond roofing supplies, Gutters and Metal Fascia, Laserlite 2000 and 3000, Steel Roof Sheets, and more.
Request your ideal custom flashing today with our Flashing Order Form Template contact us today!
