Why Roof Flashing Leaks in Denver (And Why They’re Easy to Miss)
Why Roof Flashing Leaks in Denver
Roof flashing is one of the most important parts of a roofing system, and it’s also one of the most misunderstood. Many Denver homeowners assume roof leaks always come from worn shingles or storm damage in open areas of the roof. In reality, some of the most persistent and damaging leaks start at flashing points and go unnoticed for months.
If this is your first time hearing this, here’s the key point: roof flashing is designed to keep water out at the weakest parts of the roof, where materials change direction or penetrate the surface. In Denver’s climate, those areas are under constant stress from temperature swings, snow buildup, ice, and wind-driven moisture.
Flashing problems don’t usually fail all at once. They deteriorate slowly. Water finds tiny openings, works its way behind materials, and shows up inside the home long after the original failure began. That’s why many homeowners only start looking for answers after landing on the Ernie’s Roofing homepage trying to figure out why a leak appeared without warning.
This article explains why roof flashing leaks are common on Denver homes, why they’re often missed during casual inspections, and how to catch them early before interior damage spreads.
What This Feels Like for Homeowners
Flashing-related leaks often create confusing symptoms:
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Leaks appear near chimneys, walls, or skylights
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Water stains show up intermittently, not during every storm
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Leaks worsen during snowmelt rather than rainfall
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The roof looks intact from the ground
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Repairs seem to “work” temporarily, then fail again
These signs often point to flashing failure rather than shingle problems.
Why Flashing Matters More in Denver
Denver’s weather is especially hard on flashing because of how often materials expand and contract.
Key stress factors include:
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Freeze–thaw cycles that loosen fasteners
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Snow accumulation followed by rapid melting
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Ice forcing water backward under materials
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Wind-driven rain hitting vertical surfaces
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High UV exposure drying out sealants
Flashing sits at transitions, which means it has to move with the roof. When it can’t, gaps form.
How Roof Flashing Actually Fails
Flashing failure is usually progressive.
Common failure points include:
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Sealant drying out or cracking
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Step flashing pulling away from walls
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Improper overlap between flashing pieces
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Nails placed in exposed or vulnerable locations
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Corrosion on older metal flashing
Once water gets behind flashing, it can travel along roof decking and framing before showing up inside the home.
Roof leaks in Denver often begin long before water appears inside. Discover the real causes of delayed roof leaks and when Denver homes need inspection. Since 1978
Where Flashing Leaks Most Often Start
During inspections across Denver neighborhoods, flashing problems are most commonly found at:
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Chimneys
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Sidewalls where roofs meet vertical siding
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Dormers and roof-to-wall transitions
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Skylights and vent penetrations
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Roof valleys where flashing overlaps
These same areas are frequently flagged during roof inspections after homeowners report unexplained leaks.
Why Flashing Leaks Are Easy to Miss
Flashing damage is difficult to spot without getting on the roof and lifting shingles.
From the ground:
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Shingles may look undamaged
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Flashing edges can be hidden
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Sealant failure isn’t visible
This is why some leaks are misdiagnosed as shingle failure when the real issue is hidden underneath.
Ice Dams Make Flashing Problems Worse
In winter, flashing failures are often tied to ice dams.
When snow melts and refreezes:
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Water backs up against flashing
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Ice forces water sideways and upward
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Flashing joints are stressed repeatedly
This combination often leads to leaks that appear in late winter or early spring, even without active storms.
Repair vs Replacement: What Makes Sense
Not all flashing issues require roof replacement.
Flashing Repairs May Be Enough When
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Damage is isolated
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Roofing materials are still in good condition
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Flashing can be properly reset or replaced
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Underlayment is intact
Roof Replacement Is Often Smarter When
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Flashing failures are widespread
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Roofing materials are brittle or near end of life
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Previous flashing repairs have failed
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Water damage extends beneath multiple areas
A professional evaluation helps determine the safest long-term solution.
When to Have Flashing Inspected
You should schedule a professional inspection if:
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Leaks appear near chimneys or walls
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Water stains come and go
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Snowmelt causes interior moisture
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Your roof is over 12–15 years old
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You’ve experienced hail or heavy snow
Flashing issues caught early are far less expensive to address.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do roof flashing leaks take so long to show up?
Because water can travel behind materials before becoming visible inside.
Can flashing be repaired without replacing shingles?
Often yes, depending on the condition of surrounding materials.
Do ice dams damage flashing?
Yes. Ice dams are a major contributor to flashing failure in Denver.
Are flashing leaks visible from the ground?
Usually not. Most require hands-on inspection.
Does caulking fix flashing leaks?
Caulking alone is usually temporary and not a long-term solution.
How long should roof flashing last?
As long as the roof when installed correctly and maintained.
Can flashing leaks cause mold or structural damage?
Yes, if water intrusion goes unnoticed.
Should flashing be replaced during roof replacement?
Absolutely. Old flashing should not be reused.
Don’t Ignore the Small Leaks
Roof flashing leaks often start small, but they rarely stay that way. In Denver’s climate, minor flashing failures can turn into serious water damage if left unaddressed.
If you’ve noticed unexplained leaks or water stains near roof transitions, a professional inspection can identify flashing issues before they cause costly repairs.
Ernie’s Roofing
1195 W Custer Pl
Denver, CO 80223
720-346-ROOF
Serving Denver since 1978
OUR SERVICES
Your Neighborhood Roofing Contractor
Get more information concerning our service, do not wait to call us at 720 346 ROOF today. We’ll be more than happy to schedule a meeting with you.
Residential Roofing Contractor
Ernie’s Roofing specialize in residential roofing in Denver and have a team of experienced professional Roofers available to help you get the job done right The First Time. From minor repairs and maintenance to full–scale roof replacements,
Commercial Roofing
We construct, repair, as well as maintain Commercial Roofing systems for services both large and also small, creating personalized services that conserve our client’s time, cash, and also power. Call us at 720 346 ROOF and book a consultation today.
Hail Damage
Their knowledgeable staff is ready to help you assess the damage caused by storms and provide you with a comprehensive repair evaluation & plan. We specialize in all types of roof damage, including hail, wind, and even lightning strikes. Hail Claim Help
INSURANCE CLAIMS HELP
Our team of experienced insurance claim specialists will work with you to ensure that the insurance claim process is as stress-free as possible. We will work with your insurance company to provide all necessary documentation and estimates to ensure that your claim is processed quickly and correctly.
Wind Damage
When it comes to roof damage, it can be difficult to determine whether the damage was caused by hail or wind. While both types of damage can cause similar symptoms, they have different causes and require different repair methods.