A few years ago, I got a call from a homeowner in Hattiesburg who thought they needed a full roof replacement. Water had started staining their ceiling, and they feared the worst. But after a quick inspection, we discovered the real issue wasn't the shingles—it was a few small sections of failed flashing around their chimney. A simple roof repair saved them thousands and bought their roof another decade of life.

Flashing doesn't get the spotlight like shingles or gutters, but make no mistake—it's one of the most important parts of your roofing system. At Matlock Roofing & Construction, we've seen firsthand how often leaks start where flashing fails, not where shingles break down.

If you've ever wondered what flashing does, where it's needed, and why it's crucial for your asphalt shingle roof, let's dig in.

What Is Roof Flashing—and Why Should You Care?

Flashing is a thin strip of metal—typically aluminum, galvanized steel, or copper—that acts like a water traffic controller. It's placed in vulnerable areas on your roof where two surfaces meet or where something pokes through, like chimneys, skylights, or vents. Its job? To redirect water and keep it from sneaking beneath your shingles.

Asphalt shingles are great at shedding water over open surfaces, but they aren't designed to seal tight against every edge, joint, or structure on the roof. That's where flashing steps in.

When flashing is installed correctly, it becomes your roof's frontline defense against water intrusion. When it's damaged or missing, leaks often aren't far behind.

Why Flashing Is a Big Deal in Roof Repair

When people call a roofing company to fix a leak, they often assume the problem lies with the shingles. But more often than not, we trace the issue to flashing. Here's why flashing is essential for protecting asphalt roofing:

  • It keeps water out of joints and seams, where shingles can't form a watertight seal

  • It protects roof decking from rot, saving you from structural damage

  • It prevents mold and mildew from forming inside your attic or walls

  • It adds years to your roof's life when maintained properly

Skipping flashing—or cutting corners with it—might save money short-term, but you'll pay more later in repairs. Trust me, we've seen the cost of ignoring it.

Where Flashing Plays a Critical Role

Here's a breakdown of the areas on your asphalt shingle roof that absolutely need flashing:

  • Roof Valleys: Water naturally flows to valleys, so valley flashing ensures it drains off safely instead of pooling.

  • Chimneys: We install step flashing along the sides and counterflashing into the chimney mortar to stop leaks dead in their tracks.

  • Skylights: These require custom flashing kits to create a watertight barrier around all sides.

  • Vent Pipes and Exhaust Fans: Flashing seals around the base, usually with a snug rubber gasket or metal collar.

  • Wall Intersections: Where the roof meets a vertical wall, flashing helps water flow away from the joint.

  • Drip Edges: These pieces guide rainwater into the gutters and stop it from curling under the first row of shingles.

Every one of these spots represents a weak point without flashing. That's why a professional roofing company always checks these areas during inspections.

How to Spot Flashing Problems Early

Just like catching a weed before it spreads in your garden, spotting flashing issues early can save you a lot of trouble. Here are signs your flashing might be compromised:

  • Water stains on walls or ceilings, especially near chimneys or skylights

  • Loose, rusted, or visibly cracked flashing

  • Gaps between flashing and the roof surface

  • Shingles lifting or missing near flashing points

  • Soft or sagging spots on the roof near vents or edges

If you see any of these signs, don't wait for things to get worse. Call a qualified roofing company right away to take a closer look.

Why Proper Installation Makes All the Difference

Flashing may seem simple, but getting it right takes skill and attention to detail. Over the years, we've seen too many botched jobs where flashing was tacked on incorrectly or sealed with caulk alone—neither of which works long-term.

Here's what good flashing installation should look like:

  • Pieces should overlap and follow the water's natural path down the roof

  • Nails must be covered by other roofing materials, not left exposed to the elements

  • Sealant should be used sparingly, never as the primary defense

  • The metal must be compatible with surrounding materials to prevent corrosion

If flashing is rushed or installed without care, you'll end up needing a roof repair sooner than you should. That's why choosing a skilled roofing company matters.

Flashing Maintenance: A Little Goes a Long Way

Flashing doesn't require much upkeep, but a little proactive care can go a long way in preventing problems. Here's how you can help your flashing last longer:

  • Schedule annual roof inspections, especially after major storms

  • Keep gutters clean, so water doesn't back up onto flashing areas

  • Check flashing after storms for signs of shifting or damage

  • Avoid walking directly on flashing when you're on the roof

  • Address issues immediately—don't wait for that small leak to turn into ceiling damage

We recommend having your roof inspected by a professional at least once a year. It's quick, affordable, and can uncover small problems before they become expensive ones.

When to Call in a Roofing Pro

If your flashing is damaged or looks questionable, don't try to fix it with a tube of caulk and a prayer. Temporary DIY fixes usually fail—sometimes quickly.

Instead, let an experienced roofing company like Matlock Roofing & Construction take a look. We know what to look for, how to spot hidden trouble, and how to make long-lasting repairs that restore your roof's protection.

Whether it's a flashing repair, a full replacement, or an inspection to give you peace of mind, our team brings years of expertise and a reputation for quality throughout Hattiesburg, Sumrall, Purvis, Petal, and surrounding areas.

Final Thoughts

Flashing might not be the most glamorous part of your roof, but it's one of the most important. It's the unsung hero that keeps water from seeping in through the cracks and wrecking your home from the inside out.

At Matlock Roofing & Construction, we've built our reputation on thorough work, honest advice, and dependable roof repair services. If you think your flashing needs attention—or if you're not sure—it's always better to check now than to patch drywall later.

Give us a call at 601-299-4219 or visit matlockconstruction.com to schedule your inspection. We'll make sure your roof—and your peace of mind—stay leak-free for years to come.