IMPORTANCE OF BACK TRAY FLASHINGS TO PENETRATIONS

Tips for Roof Penetrations

Roof penetrations are the main source of leaks ongoing for clients, and a big reason is the penetration detail itself is not to industry standards while also lacking ongoing maintenance.

To ensure you minimise risk of water ingress from a penetration, retrofitting back tray flashings are critical to divert the water away from the penetration into neighbouring pans to allow water to drain further to the gutter line. A penetration run through the roof sheet with just a dektite is simply just not enough and often can block the flow of water in the relevant pan. This leads to early corrosion and eventual water ingress when the seal is broken. Water can actually buildup behind the penetration and eventually flood the lap of the sheet if it is not able to drain properly to the gutter.

While the manufacturer specifies a tray flashing to the ridge, it is important to add the additional measure of a dry pan on either side of the penetration if it blocks more than 50% of the pan to allow for relief on either side of the penetration if it floods. This means allow for an extra pan to be covered on either side of the penetration to maximum protection.

Regular ongoing maintenance as per manufacturer's guidelines is also critical to ensure the seal of the dektite and penetration is watertight since exposure to thermal movement and weather conditions can often disrupt the seal leading to water ingress. Preventative maintenance is recommended to be completed every 6 months.

If you are interested in upgrading your penetration details to be more watertight, contact us now.