Why Storm-Damaged Roof Flashing Puts Your Home at Serious Risk This Winter

A single storm might seem harmless, but if you’re a homeowner, it can easily and quickly wreak havoc on your roof flashing, which is intended to keep water out of your home.

When this happens, leaks, mold, and structural damage may arise and leave you with thousands of dollars in repair costs.

By knowing how to spot damage and when to repair or replace your roof, you can save yourself a great deal of stress and money down the road.

Risks of storm-damaged roof flashing

Roof flashing is usually made of metal and designed to direct water out of the most vulnerable areas in your home—think chimneys, valleys, vents, and dormers. 

“When it’s lifted or cracked due to high winds or hail, water can quickly seep in without you realizing it. This will cause rot, mold, and even structural issues over time,” says Mike Feazel, CEO at Roof Maxx in Columbus, OH.

Nathan Borntreger, owner and licensed roofing contractor at SonShine Roofing in Sarasota, FL, explains that he's inspected many homes where a small flashing leak went unnoticed for months—eventually leading to thousands of dollars in repairs that could've been prevented in the first place.

How to spot the damage

As a homeowner, it’s your responsibility to look for the four main signs of storm-induced flashing damage:

1. Rust or corrosion

Inspect the exposed bits of the flashings themselves.

“If they look corroded in any way, there's likely more rust somewhere else,” says Borntreger.

Don’t forget to check your soffits and gutters for streaks of brownish runoff, too, as these typically indicate rusted flashings.

2. Lifting or gaps

If the metal looks warped or like it’s peeling up, there is likely an issue.

“The seal is broken and needs to be repaired as soon as possible,” explains Borntreger.

3. Dents

Significant dents can be a sign of hail or debris damage, which can compromise the metal's integrity and seal.

“Surface scuffs are usually nothing to worry about, but anything more than that is grounds for a full, proper roof inspection,” says Borntreger.

4. Interior signs

 Don’t just look outside, explains Borntreger. “Pay attention to the ceilings inside of your home. Brownish, reddish (rust) runoff stains near a fireplace or in corners are classic signs of flashing failure.”

When to repair or replace your roof

If you’re wondering whether you should repair or replace your roof, Borntreger recommends you focus on the estimated cost per year.

“Since roofs are built to last multiple decades, think less about the upfront investment and consider the average yearly cost instead,” says Borntreger.

Let's say your roof is 20 years old, a bit beat up, but could theoretically last another year if you replace the rusted flashings. Once you receive a few estimates for both repair and replacement, do the math.

If a $2,000 repair nets you one more year—that's an average cost per year of $2,000. If you decide to do a $40,000 full metal replacement right now instead (with materials rated for 40 or more years), you're looking at an average cost per year of around $1,000.

Of course, there are potential upsides and downsides associated with both options in the above scenario.

“Ultimately, the decision is going to come down to your finances, risk tolerance, and how long you see yourself staying in your home,” explains Borntreger.

Darren Hudema, director of training and technical services at PuroClean in Fort Lauderdale, FL, adds that localized repairs may be appropriate when flashing damage is isolated, roofing materials remain within their expected service life, and moisture exposure has been limited. 

Roof replacement usually makes more sense when leaks are recurring, the roof is nearing the end of its life span, or moisture intrusion has led to mold growth or material deterioration.

While it may be tempting to just leave your roof as is, doing so can do more harm than good.

“From a real estate and insurance perspective, unresolved roof issues can delay transactions, affect underwriting decisions, and increase post-loss claim complexity and severity,” says Hudema.

Don’t overlook early winter maintenance 

Since cold weather magnifies existing roof problems, early winter maintenance is crucial. 

“When water enters through damaged flashing, it can freeze, expand, and turn minor issues into major leaks. Addressing flashing damage in the early winter season helps prevent emergency repairs, interior water damage, and mold remediation,” says Aaron Christy, founder and CEO of Indy Roof & Restoration in Indianapolis.

Proactive inspections in the fall or the start of winter are one of the most effective ways you can protect your home from storm-damaged roof flashing and avoid costly surprises during the coldest months of the year.