Introduction
When water starts finding its way into your home, the instinctive reaction is often to blame the roof tiles. After all, they’re the most visible part of your roof structure. But in many cases, the true culprit is less obvious — your roof’s flashing.
Flashing is the thin material (typically metal) installed around roof penetrations such as chimneys, skylights, vents, and junctions between roof slopes. Its purpose is to direct water away from these vulnerable areas and prevent leaks. When flashing deteriorates or becomes damaged, it can allow water in even if the tiles themselves are still in perfect condition.
At Radcliffe on Trent Roofing Repairs, we regularly inspect roofs across Nottingham and find that flashing is often the overlooked issue behind recurring leaks. In this post, we’ll highlight nine tell-tale signs that your flashing — not your tiles — might be the real problem.
1. Localised Leaks Around Chimneys or Skylights
If water ingress is occurring in a specific location, especially near a chimney breast, dormer, or skylight, it’s highly likely the flashing has failed.
Things to look out for:
- Damp patches appearing near roof edges or corners.
- Water dripping from ceiling spots under chimney stacks.
- Signs of staining around loft hatches beneath roof joins.
Tile damage is typically more widespread, whereas faulty flashing usually affects isolated areas.
2. Rust or Corrosion on Flashing
Metal flashing — often made of lead, aluminium or galvanised steel — is highly durable, but it’s not immune to corrosion. If your flashing is visibly rusted, its protective capability is compromised.
Common causes:
- Prolonged exposure to rainwater pooling in low spots.
- Incompatible materials causing galvanic corrosion.
- Old or poor-quality installation.
Rust weakens the flashing, creating small openings for water to enter.
3. Cracks in Mortar or Sealant Around Flashing
Many older properties in Radcliffe on Trent still have cement-based flashing at junctions and along verges. Over time, this can crack due to thermal movement or age.
What this means:
- Cracks allow water to penetrate behind the flashing.
- Pieces of mortar may come loose and fall.
- Leaks can occur even when tiles remain fully intact.
We often recommend replacing cracked mortar flashing with a more modern lead or sealant system for longer-term reliability.
4. Lifted or Peeling Flashing Edges
Strong winds or poor installation can cause the edges of your flashing to lift or curl away from the roof surface. This creates gaps where water can sneak through.
Signs to look for:
- Flapping noise in high winds.
- Flashing visibly not sitting flush with the roof or wall.
- Gaps where sealant has pulled away.
These small gaps may not be obvious from the ground but can cause big problems internally.
5. Water Stains Without Obvious Tile Damage
If you’re noticing water marks on your ceiling or walls but your roof tiles look perfectly intact, the issue is probably hidden flashing failure.
Flashing leaks often lead to:
- Yellow or brown stains forming in corners of rooms.
- Peeling paint or blistered wallpaper on upper floors.
- Damp smells with no clear source.
This is one of the most common warning signs we see at Radcliffe on Trent Roofing Repairs.
6. Debris Build-Up Around Flashing Points
Over time, leaves, moss, or debris can gather around flashing — especially in valleys and behind chimneys. This can trap moisture and accelerate deterioration.
Consequences of debris build-up:
- Constant dampness causes flashing to degrade.
- Can force water to flow underneath flashing instead of over it.
- May mask developing cracks or holes.
Routine maintenance and inspection help prevent this often-overlooked problem.
7. Flashing Looks Warped or Buckled
Properly installed flashing should appear smooth and securely attached. If it looks buckled or wavy, that’s usually a sign it has shifted, expanded, or detached.
Causes of movement:
- Thermal expansion from sun exposure.
- Incorrect fastenings or poor workmanship.
- Building movement causing stress on joints.
Warped flashing can pull away from the roof and lose its watertight seal.
8. Patches or Temporary Repairs Near Roof Joints
If you’ve previously had a quick repair job done using roof cement, tape, or patching sealant, and the issue has returned, the flashing likely needs to be replaced properly.
Patch repairs might:
- Offer only a short-term fix.
- Conceal deeper issues with the structure beneath.
- Worsen over time if left unchecked.
At Radcliffe on Trent Roofing Repairs, we always recommend full replacement over repeated patches for long-term results.
9. The Roof is Old and Flashing Has Never Been Replaced
Even if the tiles still look solid, the flashing may have quietly reached the end of its lifespan. Flashing usually lasts 20–30 years depending on material and installation quality.
Time-related flashing issues:
- Drying or cracking of sealant joints.
- Erosion from exposure to the elements.
- Compatibility issues with newer materials during re-roofing.
If your property in Radcliffe on Trent has an older roof, and the flashing has never been updated, it’s worth scheduling a professional inspection.
Conclusion
Your roof is more than just tiles — flashing plays a critical role in keeping your home dry and secure. When water starts making its way inside, it’s easy to assume the worst, but in many cases, the flashing is the true weak link. By spotting the early warning signs and acting quickly, you can prevent further damage and avoid more expensive repairs down the line.
At Radcliffe on Trent Roofing Repairs, we specialise in diagnosing and fixing roofing issues — including replacing tired or failing flashing that’s causing leaks. If you’ve noticed any of the signs mentioned above, don’t wait for the problem to get worse. Contact our experienced team today and let us take care of your roof with precision, care, and lasting results.
Call us on: 0115 647 1193
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