What Is Roof Flashing—And Why Is It So Important?

When most people think about their roof, they picture shingles. But one of the most important parts of your roof isn’t the shingles at all—it’s the flashing.

Flashing is the thin metal material installed around parts of your roof that are most vulnerable to leaks—places like chimneys, sidewalls, roof valleys, and vents. Its job is simple but essential: keep water out of your home. And while it may seem like a small detail, flashing plays a huge role in how long your roof lasts.

Unfortunately, many roofing contractors treat flashing like an afterthought. They’ll use pre-bent, one-size-fits-all pieces—or worse, reuse your old flashing. At Custom Roofing Solutions, we don’t believe in shortcuts like that. Here’s why.

Every Roof Is Different

Even homes built from the same blueprint can settle differently, have unique trim details, or feature additions that change how water flows. There’s no “standard” shape for how a roof meets a wall or wraps around a chimney.

That’s why we custom-bend all of our flashing on-site—for every roof we work on. This ensures a tight, secure fit that properly directs water away from your home—especially in Minnesota, where heavy snow, ice dams, and rapid freeze-thaw cycles can exploit even the smallest opening.

Why Generic Flashing Doesn’t Cut It

Pre-made flashing from a big-box store might fit okay. But “okay” isn’t good enough when your home is relying on it to prevent water damage.

Poorly fitting or reused flashing often leads to:

• Gaps where water can sneak in

• Buckling or lifting over time

• Leaks that aren’t discovered until major damage is done

Even worse? Many roofers reuse old flashing to save time or money—especially on insurance jobs. But reused flashing often has nail holes from the previous installation, which don’t seal properly when reused. Once water finds its way into those old penetrations, it can rot your roof decking, damage walls, and cause mold growth inside your home.

Why Storm Chasers Cut Corners with Flashing

Storm-chasing contractors and low-bid roofing companies often operate under a model of speed over quality. Their goal is to complete as many jobs as quickly as possible while minimizing labor costs. That’s where substandard construction practices become the norm.

Here’s why they typically avoid replacing flashing:

• Unskilled laborers – Often temporary crews who don’t know how to fabricate or install flashing properly

• Inexperienced project managers – They may not even recognize when flashing is installed incorrectly

• Cost-cutting – Flashing takes time, precision, and materials. Skipping it saves money—at your expense

• They assume you won’t notice – Most homeowners don’t know to ask. That’s how bad installs go unchecked.

Custom Flashing = Long-Term Protection

At Custom Roofing Solutions, we don’t reuse flashing. Ever.

Instead, we:

• Custom-bend flashing for each specific location on your roof

• Use corrosion-resistant materials designed for Minnesota’s climate

• Install spacer flashing at roof-to-wall connections—critical for siding materials prone to rot

• Take extra precautions with vinyl siding, which is often discontinued, to minimize removal and avoid damaging it

We treat flashing like the vital water barrier it is—not just a decorative edge. It’s one of the many areas where attention to detail sets us apart from the average roofer.

It’s Not Just About the Shingles

Shingles may be the most visible part of your roof, but they’re only one piece of a much bigger system. The truth is, most roof leaks don’t happen in the middle of the shingles—they happen where there are penetrations, sidewalls, valleys, chimneys, vents, and edges. In other words, the exact places where flashing does the heavy lifting.

Flashing is where the real craftsmanship happens—and like any good craft, it’s not something you can rush, outsource, or cut corners on.

If you’re getting your roof replaced, make sure the company you choose doesn’t just give you new shingles. They should be giving you a fully sealed, weatherproof, code-compliant roofing system—and that starts with the flashing.

What Should I Do Next?

If you’re in the market for a new roof—or even just planning ahead—it’s worth asking the right questions. Most homeowners never think to ask about flashing, but as you’ve seen, it plays a critical role in keeping your home dry, protected, and structurally sound.

So what should you do next?

• If you’re already talking to roofing contractors, ask them directly: “Will you be replacing all my flashing?”

• Don’t settle for vague answers like “only what’s necessary.” A roofer who values quality will have a clear plan for new, properly installed flashing—not shortcuts.

• And if you’re unsure whether your current roof is protecting your home like it should, we’re happy to take a look.

At Custom Roofing Solutions, we take the time to do things right—from the flashing to the final shingle. Because your home deserves more than a surface-level fix.

Contact Custom Roofing Solutions today for a roof replacement done right—from the flashing to the final shingle. Visit customroofsmn.com to learn more.