Does a roofer do flashing?

Yes, a roofer does flashing, and flashing installation and repair is a core part of professional roofing work. Flashing is the metal material, typically galvanized steel, aluminum, copper, or lead, that is installed at roof intersections, penetrations, and edges to prevent water infiltration, including areas around chimneys, skylights, vent pipes, valleys, sidewalls, and eaves. Proper flashing is critical to a watertight roof, and most roof leaks originate at flashing failures rather than in the field of shingles. Professional roofers are trained to install various types of flashing including step flashing along walls, counter flashing on chimneys, valley flashing, drip edge, and vent pipe boots. When replacing a roof, a qualified roofer will remove and replace all old flashing rather than reusing it, as reusing old flashing is considered poor practice and a common source of future leaks. Roofers also repair flashing when leaks occur, which may involve removing surrounding shingles, installing new flashing, and reinstalling shingles. While some handymen may attempt flashing repairs, it is best to hire a licensed roofing contractor for flashing work, as improper flashing installation is a leading cause of roof leaks. Always verify that flashing replacement is included in your roofing estimate and that the roofer uses quality materials compatible with your roofing system.