Are roofers responsible for flashing?

Yes, roofers are responsible for flashing as part of a complete roofing system, and proper flashing installation is a core duty of a professional roofing contractor. Flashing is the metal material installed at roof intersections, penetrations, and edges such as around chimneys, skylights, vent pipes, valleys, sidewalls, and along eaves to prevent water infiltration, and most roof leaks originate at flashing failures rather than in the field of shingles. When a roofer provides an estimate for a roof replacement, it should include removal and replacement of all flashing, including step flashing, counter flashing, valley flashing, drip edge, and pipe boots, using quality materials compatible with the roofing system. Reusing old flashing to save money is considered poor practice and a common source of future leaks. If a roofer fails to properly install flashing according to manufacturer specifications and building codes, they are responsible for resulting leaks under workmanship warranty. Homeowners should verify that flashing replacement is explicitly included in the written contract, that the roofer uses proper step flashing techniques rather than relying on caulk, and that they use corrosion-resistant materials like galvanized steel, aluminum, or copper. If flashing was not included or was improperly installed, the roofer should be called back to correct it under warranty.