What are flashings? Flashing is a general term used to describe some kind of water proofing on critical areas of your roof. Flashing can be aluminum (for chimneys, valleys & pipes) or flashing cements such as caulking & tar. Also self stick under-lament can be called "flashing" as well as Ice guard, ice & water shield and roofing tape. What brand of shingle roofing do you recommend? When speaking of asphalt residential shingles, I usually recommend GAF, Owens Corning or Certainteed. There are other brands but I've used all of these brands consistently for 22 years and have never had a problem.