skylight

The Importance of Chimney and Skylight Flashing

October 31, 20253 min read

The Importance of Chimney and Skylight Flashing

Sealing Vulnerable Spots Before Water Finds a Way In

Keywords: roof flashing, chimney leaks, skylight water damage

Your chimney and skylights are often the most beautiful—and most vulnerable—parts of your roof. Without proper flashing, these features can become the source of major roof leaks, mold, and interior water damage.

Let’s break down why flashing matters and how to keep yours in shape.


💧 What Is Flashing and What Does It Do?

Flashing is thin metal (usually aluminum or steel) installed around transitions where roofing materials meet vertical structures, like:

  • Chimneys

  • Skylights

  • Dormers

  • Vents and pipes

It directs water away from seams, preventing it from seeping under shingles.


🧱 Why Chimneys and Skylights Are Leak-Prone

These structures interrupt the flat flow of shingles, creating natural traps for rain, snow, and ice. Common issues include:

  • Rust or corrosion of old metal flashing

  • Cracked mortar or separation at the chimney base

  • Improper skylight installation

  • Sealant failure over time due to sun and weather

Water doesn’t need much of an opening to get in—just a pinhole or seam gap.


🔧 What to Look For

Signs of flashing trouble include:

  • Ceiling stains near the chimney or skylight

  • Visible rust or pulled-up flashing

  • Water streaks or mold around skylight frames

  • Loose shingles around penetrations

These should be addressed before the freeze-thaw cycle of winter makes them worse.


🛠️ We Repair and Reseal the Right Way

At Twin Bridge Roofing and Construction, we use premium flashing materials and ice & water barrier membranes around every chimney and skylight we touch—because details matter most in these vulnerable spots.

📞 Schedule a flashing inspection at (563) 655-4902
🌐 Learn more at www.roofqc.com

Leaks start small—until they don’t. Let’s stop them at the source.


October 28

The Truth About “Lifetime” Shingles

What That Warranty Actually Means for Homeowners

Keywords: lifetime shingles, roofing warranty explained, shingle durability

When shopping for a new roof, you’ll see the term “lifetime shingles” everywhere—but what does that really mean? Do they last forever? Does the warranty cover anything that goes wrong?

Let’s demystify the label and set realistic expectations for what “lifetime” really includes.


📅 What “Lifetime” Means in Roofing Terms

In most cases, “lifetime” refers to the expected useful life of the shingles, not the homeowner’s lifetime. That typically means:

  • Around 25–30 years for architectural shingles

  • Prorated coverage after year 10

  • Limited coverage to manufacturing defects, not wear and tear

It’s a marketing term—not a guarantee that you’ll never need a roof again.


🔍 What’s Actually Covered?

Lifetime shingle warranties usually only apply to:

  • Shingle defects (cracking, blistering, excessive granule loss)

  • Wind or algae resistance (to a limit)

  • Product replacement—not labor—unless installed by a certified contractor

They rarely cover:

  • Poor installation

  • Storm or hail damage

  • Improper attic ventilation


🧾 How to Keep the Warranty Valid

To protect your investment:
✔️ Use a manufacturer-certified roofer
✔️ Follow attic ventilation and insulation standards
✔️ Register your warranty within the required timeframe
✔️ Save all receipts and documentation


🏠 We Install and Register the Right Way

At Twin Bridge Roofing and Construction, we’re certified to install leading shingle brands with full system warranties—and we handle all the paperwork for you.

📞 Call (563) 655-4902
🌐 Explore our shingle options at www.roofqc.com

"Lifetime" doesn't mean forever—but with the right installer, it gets pretty close.

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