What is flashing?
- Bonnie
- Feb 19, 2022
- 2 min read
Updated: Nov 1, 2022
If you are reading an inspection report, you'll inevitably see the word "flashing." If you aren't a roofer or contractor, it can be a confusing word because flashing looks different depending on its application. Let's break down what these different roof flashing pieces are and their function.
Kickout flashing
Where: installed around chimneys and roof-wall intersections
Material: typically metal
Purpose: "kicks" or pushes roof runoff away from walls and/or into gutters. Prevents walls or windows below the roof from being splashed and continually wetted during rain events
Kickout flashing piece Kickout flashing photo on roof
Vent flashing AKA "boot"
Where: installed around vent pipe for gas appliances (oven, stove, water heater, or furnace) or plumbing vents (usually one bathroom has one vent for the sink, tub, shower, and toilet)
Material: rubber, plastic, or metal
Purpose: prevents weather and critters from accessing through the hole in your roof around the vent pipe
Oatey - rubber flashing Perma-boot - plastic flashing Supervent - metal flashing
Step flashing
Where: installed along chimneys and roof-wall intersections
Material: typically metal
Purpose: allows water to drain around roof-wall intersections without wicking up the siding
UnionCorrugating step flashing Step flashing installation Finished step flashing
Counter flashing
Where: installed along chimneys and roof-wall intersections on top of step flashing
Material: typically metal
Purpose: allows drainage at roof-wall intersections and prevents water from wicking up the wall. Counter flashing is needed for homes with brick/masonry, stucco, and EIFS exteriors.
Image from http:/basc.pnnl.gov Counter flashing is embedded Finished installation
Chimney flashing
Chimneys have the most flashing because there are four sides to protect.
Head flashing - installed on the uphill side of your chimney
Step flashing - sections that stair-step down along the side of your chimney
Counter flashing - sections installed on top of the step flashing
Apron flashing - installed on the downhill side of your chimney
If you still have questions about flashing, please contact Honeybee at honeybeehomeinspectionllc@gmail.com or on social media by clicking on any of the icons below
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