20 % Off Your Project in JanuaryContact us for details >>

Window Metal Flashing vs Flexible Flashing – Which Gets the Job Done?

When it comes to applying flashing to any structure, there are two main ways to go at it: flexible and metal. Some people like how convenient flexible flashing can be, especially at the time of installing it. Others prefer just how durable and effective window metal flashing is. Let’s go over the pros and cons of each choice in case you find yourself unable to decide.

 

 

Window Flashing

 

First of all, what exactly is window flashing? Well, window flashing consists of a thin continuous piece of custom material that is installed around windows in order to prevent actual water or wind from getting into a structure. Good flashing should be installed in such a way that it directs water away, not just from the window and possible openings, but also the structure itself. This makes window flashing, not just very important to prevent wind and rain from coming in and threatening your comfort, but also vital in protecting the very integrity of the structure. Windows are very vulnerable points in buildings given the way they expose the inside of the building. So, quality flashing seals will be key in protecting the structure from potential damage.

 

 

Metal or Flexible Flashing

 

The contest between metal and flexible flashing is centered around three principles: durability, consistency, and sturdiness. After all, you need the flashing to withstand the weather, stay in place, and last long. Even if we assume that both are equally good at flashing the building in and of itself, the quality of each will determine its effectiveness long-term. Flexible flashing usually consists of materials such as rubberized asphalt, polyvinylidene fluoride (kylar), acrylic, and butyl rubber. Meanwhile, metal flashing uses aluminum, lead, copper, stainless steel, and specific alloys. While this makes flexible flashing better at handling temperature changes by avoiding expansion and contraction, metal flashing is much more durable. In fact, it’s designed to withstand long-term exposure to the elements.

 

Flashing Installation

 

What draws a lot of people to flexible flashing is just how easy it is to install. After all most of the materials used for such are adhesive-backed, which is why they tend to be quite convenient to use. However, this comes at the cost of durability and water resistance. As previously stated, none of the flexible flashing materials available are designed to be exposed to elements for nearly as long as metal flashing materials. They are basically a lot more convenient than they are genuinely sturdy. You don’t exactly want to go with the easy option to protect your home from the elements. Equally sturdy and cost-effective materials such as aluminum will always be an ideal choice at the time of flashing.

 

NSBM Seattle

 

At New Standard Building Materials, we aim to provide only the best building components in all of the Seattle area. To make sure that we are giving our customers the best products in the market, we carefully select our source materials and maintain outstanding manufacturing standards throughout the whole process. For the best metal window flashing available, give our team a call at (206) 268-0663. We are here to help.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

We’re here to help

Enter your detalis & we’ll reach out to you

Send us a

message