When it comes to protecting your property from the elements, roofing and flashing play a crucial role. Standard flashing may work in many cases, but in some instances, it just isn't enough. Bespoke flashing offers a tailored solution, addressing a range of problems that pre-made options can't handle. In this blog, we’ll explore common problems solved with bespoke flashing and why it’s worth considering for your next project.
What Is Bespoke Flashing?
Bespoke flashing refers to custom-designed metal sheets that are specifically made to fit the unique features of a building or structure. Unlike standard flashing, which comes in fixed sizes and shapes, bespoke flashing is carefully crafted to suit the exact dimensions and angles required. This ensures a perfect fit and better protection against water ingress, ensuring long-lasting durability for your roof and walls.
Problem 1: Odd Angles and Complex Rooflines
One of the most common challenges when installing flashing is dealing with irregular rooflines and unusual angles. Standard flashing is typically designed for simple, conventional roofs and may not offer the best protection when it comes to complex shapes. For example, properties with extensions, dormers, or valleys can pose a significant challenge.
Solution: Bespoke flashing can be created to match any roofline, ensuring that every edge, corner, and joint is sealed properly. A custom design allows the flashing to be perfectly shaped to fit the unique contours of your roof, preventing water from seeping through gaps and causing long-term damage.
Problem 2: Water Ingress at Junctions
Junctions, where different elements of a building meet, are particularly vulnerable to leaks. Whether it's where the roof meets a wall, around chimneys, or where a dormer protrudes, these areas are common trouble spots for water ingress. Standard flashing often falls short in sealing these junctions effectively, leading to potential leaks.
Solution: Bespoke flashing can be crafted to ensure a tight seal around these tricky junctions. By carefully measuring and designing flashing that fits perfectly at these critical points, bespoke flashing helps prevent water from finding its way in, safeguarding your property against damp and decay.
Problem 3: Poor Aesthetic Integration
Flashing, while functional, can often detract from the overall aesthetic of a building. In historic buildings or homes with specific architectural styles, standard flashing may not blend well with the design, leaving unsightly visible seams or mismatched colours. This is especially problematic for homeowners who are keen to maintain the aesthetic appeal of their property.
Solution: Bespoke flashing offers a solution that matches the aesthetic needs of your building. By selecting the right materials, finishes, and colours, bespoke flashing can be designed to complement your property’s existing architecture. Whether it’s for a traditional or modern home, custom flashing can be made to blend seamlessly into the design.
Problem 4: Corrosion and Weathering
Over time, flashing can suffer from wear and tear due to constant exposure to the elements. Standard flashing materials may corrode or deteriorate faster than expected, especially if they’re not suited to the specific environmental conditions of your area. For example, areas with high humidity or coastal properties with saltwater exposure may cause premature corrosion of flashing materials.
Solution: Bespoke flashing can be manufactured from a variety of high-quality, durable materials that are better suited to specific environmental conditions. Whether it's copper, zinc, lead, or aluminium, custom flashing can be selected based on your location’s weather conditions, ensuring a longer lifespan and less maintenance over time.
Problem 5: Incorrect Sizing and Gaps in Standard Flashing
A common issue with standard flashing is the lack of precision when it comes to sizing. Flashing that’s too small or poorly fitted can leave gaps, allowing water to infiltrate and cause serious damage to the building’s structure. These gaps are often overlooked, but over time, they can lead to damp problems, mould, and structural decay.
Solution: Bespoke flashing ensures a perfect fit, eliminating gaps that could lead to problems down the line. By measuring each part of the roof and building precisely, bespoke flashing is custom-made to prevent any gaps, offering superior protection against leaks and damage.
Problem 6: Fitting Flashing to Non-Standard Materials
In some cases, the use of non-standard materials on a building, such as slate or thatch, can make it difficult to install conventional flashing. Standard flashing may not sit correctly with these materials, causing water to collect behind it, which can lead to leaks.
Solution: Bespoke flashing is designed to work seamlessly with non-standard materials. By using custom shapes and sizes, it can be made to accommodate any roofing material, providing a secure and watertight fit that standard flashing can’t offer.
Conclusion
Bespoke flashing provides a tailored solution for a variety of roofing and building issues that standard flashing cannot address. From irregular rooflines to difficult junctions, custom flashing ensures your property remains protected from water damage, all while improving the aesthetic appeal of your building. With the right materials and design, bespoke flashing offers a superior, long-lasting solution that standard flashing simply cannot match.
