How Roofers and Contractors Prevent Leaks, Reduce Callbacks, and Build for Midwest Weather
Minnesota roofs take a beating. Between snow loads, freeze-thaw cycles, ice dams, heavy rain, and high winds, even a small flashing mistake can turn into a major leak months later.
That’s why experienced contractors know flashing is one of the most important details on any roofing or exterior project.
At Sheridan Sheet Metal, we’ve spent more than 75 years fabricating and supplying architectural sheet metal products for contractors across Minnesota and the Upper Midwest. We stock standard flashing profiles, fabricate custom components, and help roofers solve difficult water-management challenges every day.
Whether you’re installing a standing seam roof, replacing gutters, restoring a historic property, or working through a complicated chimney detail, the right flashing system helps prevent leaks, protect structures, and keep projects on schedule.
What Is Metal Flashing?
Metal flashing is thin metal material installed around roof transitions, joints, penetrations, and edges to direct water away from vulnerable areas of a building.
Its job is simple:
- keep water moving,
- protect seams and transitions,
- and prevent moisture intrusion.
Without properly fabricated and installed flashing, water can work its way behind siding, under shingles, into masonry, or into roofing assemblies, leading to rot, mold, insulation damage, and expensive repairs.
Sheridan fabricates flashing for:
- chimneys,
- valleys,
- dormers,
- parapet walls,
- roof edges,
- masonry transitions,
- gutters,
- and custom architectural applications.
Why Flashing Matters More in Minnesota
Roof systems in the Upper Midwest face conditions many national manufacturers simply don’t design for.
Contractors in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, and Iowa deal with:
- ice dams,
- snow buildup,
- freeze-thaw expansion,
- rapid temperature swings,
- wind-driven rain,
- and heavy spring runoff.
These conditions put enormous stress on roofing transitions and drainage systems.
A flashing detail that might survive in a mild climate can fail quickly in Minnesota winters.
That’s why experienced contractors prioritize:
- proper overlaps,
- durable materials,
- custom-fit fabrication,
- soldered joints where necessary,
- and reliable drainage paths.
Sheridan’s product catalog emphasizes durable materials like copper and steel specifically because they stand up to harsh Midwest weather over the long haul.
Common Types of Roof Flashing
Different roof conditions require different flashing profiles. Choosing the correct component helps contractors avoid leaks and costly callbacks.
Valley Flashing
Valleys collect enormous amounts of water and snow runoff. Poorly designed valleys are one of the most common leak points on steep-slope roofs.
Sheridan stocks and fabricates:
- “W” style valleys,
- galvanized valleys,
- copper valleys,
- and custom valley sizes.
“W” style valleys help direct water flow while reducing crosswash during heavy storms.
Best Applications
- asphalt roofing
- cedar roofs
- standing seam systems
- high-volume water areas
- snow-heavy rooflines
Kickout Flashing
Kickout flashing diverts water away from siding and into the gutter system where rooflines terminate against vertical walls.
Without kickout flashing, water often runs behind siding, causing:
- rot,
- mold,
- sheathing damage,
- and foundation issues.
Sheridan fabricates kickout flashing in:
- copper,
- galvanized steel,
- custom dimensions,
- and Kynar-finished options.
Why Contractors Use It
Proper kickout flashing helps prevent one of the most common long-term leak problems in residential construction.
Reglet Flashing
Reglet flashing is commonly used in masonry applications where flashing is embedded into mortar joints to create a watertight transition.
Sheridan fabricates:
- galvanized reglet flashing,
- custom face dimensions,
- multiple color options,
- and made-to-order profiles.
Common Applications
- chimney transitions
- masonry walls
- parapets
- commercial roofing
- brick veneer systems
Drip Edge and Masonry Drip Edge
Drip edge helps direct water away from fascia boards and roof edges while protecting decking materials from moisture intrusion.
Sheridan offers:
- standard drip edge,
- masonry drip edge,
- multiple gauges,
- stainless options,
- and custom fabricated sizes.
Why It Matters
In freeze-thaw climates, exposed wood edges can deteriorate quickly if water is allowed to wick backward under roofing materials.
Dormer Flashing
Dormers create multiple roof transitions and water channels that require precise fabrication.
Sheridan manufactures dormer flashing in:
- galvanized steel,
- prefinished colors,
- custom sizes,
- and Kynar-finished materials.
Custom dormer details are especially important on:
- historic homes,
- steep roofs,
- architectural builds,
- and complex remodels.
Custom Flashing vs Off-the-Shelf Flashing
Many projects simply don’t fit standard flashing dimensions.
Contractors regularly encounter:
- unusual roof pitches,
- non-standard chimney widths,
- curved architecture,
- historic restorations,
- custom siding assemblies,
- and difficult drainage conditions.
That’s where custom fabrication becomes essential.
Sheridan specializes in made-to-order flashing and architectural sheet metal products built to exact specifications.
Benefits of Custom Fabrication
Better Fit
Custom flashing eliminates gaps and awkward field modifications.
Faster Installation
Accurate fabrication reduces on-site adjustments and delays.
Fewer Callbacks
Properly fitted flashing improves long-term water management performance.
Cleaner Appearance
Custom bends and profiles create a more finished architectural look.
Choosing the Right Metal Flashing Material
Not all flashing materials perform the same way.
Sheridan works with:
- copper,
- galvanized steel,
- stainless steel,
- aluminum,
- bonderized steel,
- and prefinished Kynar materials.
Copper Flashing
Copper remains one of the most durable and visually striking materials available.
Benefits include:
- long lifespan,
- corrosion resistance,
- premium appearance,
- solderability,
- and compatibility with historic restoration projects.
Copper is especially popular for:
- chimney flashing,
- half-round gutter systems,
- decorative roofing details,
- and architectural accents.
Galvanized Steel Flashing
Galvanized flashing offers:
- durability,
- affordability,
- strength,
- and reliable performance.
It’s widely used in:
- residential roofing,
- commercial projects,
- drainage systems,
- and utility flashing.
Kynar-Finished Materials
Prefinished Kynar-coated materials offer:
- color consistency,
- fade resistance,
- corrosion protection,
- and architectural flexibility.
Sheridan provides multiple standard colors along with custom Kynar options.
Flashing Mistakes That Lead to Callbacks
Experienced contractors know small flashing errors can become major headaches later.
Common Problems Include:
- undersized flashing
- improper overlaps
- missing kickout flashing
- incompatible materials
- poor water flow design
- insufficient fastening
- incorrect sealants
- weak solder joints
- inadequate snow/ice planning
These failures often don’t show up immediately, which is why contractors prioritize long-term reliability over shortcuts.
The Sheridan messaging matrix highlights that contractors want materials and systems that help them avoid failures and protect their reputation.
Why Contractors Across the Midwest Choose Sheridan
Contractors need more than just material suppliers.
They need:
- dependable inventory,
- fabrication expertise,
- quick turnaround,
- clear communication,
- and products built for Midwest weather.
Sheridan’s fabrication team includes long-term architectural sheet metal experts with decades of experience.
We help contractors:
- source hard-to-find products,
- solve custom fabrication challenges,
- stay on schedule,
- and reduce installation headaches.
Our catalog includes:
- flashing,
- gutters,
- downspouts,
- chimney saddles,
- roof accessories,
- custom architectural metal,
- and thousands of stocked products.
Frequently Asked Questions About Roof Flashing
Copper and galvanized steel are among the most durable flashing materials for Minnesota’s freeze-thaw climate and heavy snow conditions.
Yes. Sheridan fabricates custom flashing profiles, chimney saddles, roof transitions, collection boxes, and architectural sheet metal components to match project specifications.
Kickout flashing directs water away from siding and into the gutter system to prevent moisture intrusion and rot.
Reglet flashing is embedded into masonry joints, while counter flashing overlaps base flashing to create a layered waterproof system.
Not necessarily. Properly fabricated custom components can actually speed up installation by reducing field modifications and fitment issues.
Built for Contractors. Built for Midwest Weather.
At Sheridan Sheet Metal, we manufacture and stock architectural sheet metal products designed to handle real-world Midwest conditions.
From standard flashing profiles to fully custom fabrication, we help contractors across Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, and beyond get the materials they need, built right and delivered fast.
If your project includes:
- complex rooflines,
- custom flashing,
- chimney details,
- specialty gutters,
- or hard-to-find architectural sheet metal components,
our team is ready to help.
Learn more about Sheridan custom fabrication:
https://sheridansheetmetal.com/custom-fabrication/
Browse products:
https://sheridansheetmetal.com/products/
