QA

Question: How To Install Step Flashing On A Roof

Does step flashing go over or under shingles?

Step 4: Begin the weave. With step flashing, you do a little flashing, then a lot of roofing, then a little more flashing, and so on. Each piece of step flashing laps over the shingle below and under the shingle above. The bottom edge of the flashing should extend just below the nail line.

Can you install step flashing on existing roof?

Step flashing is needed whether a contractor installs new roofing or re-roofs over existing shingles. On re-roofs, the sad case is that contractors do not always take the time to retrofit step flashing because it slows them down, adds cost and additional carpentry work to repair or replace siding.

What is the difference between flashing and step flashing?

Step flashing is primarily used against the sides of walls and chimneys. That’s why the term “step” is used in step flashing. You do it step by step by installing a shingle, then a piece of flashing, then another shingle, then a piece of flashing until the wall is completely protected.

Where does step flashing go on a roof?

Step flashing: Step flashing is best for where the roof face meets a wall, for example, where a dormer projects out of the roof. In this spot, it’s possible that water could flow down the wall and slip past the shingles into the building below.

Should flashing be installed on top of shingles?

All shingle manufacturers require step flashing at sidewalls for both asphalt, wood and slate. Instead of installing the step flashing between shingles, the flashing rests on top of the shingles. It’s not unusual to see sealant installed when sidewall flashing is missing. Sealant will eventually dry, shrink and crack.

Does flashing go over or under tar paper?

Installing roof drip edge flashing properly The best way is to install the roof drip edge only along the eaves first, then place ice-and-water barrier (in the snowbelt) or felt paper (underlayment) over the drip edge. This lets any water that gets on the roof run down the underlayment and over the drip edge.

Can you install step flashing without removing shingles?

In order to properly install new flashing, you’ll have to remove the shingles surrounding your old flashing, and then re-lay them after installation. After installation, you’ll then re-lay the shingles you removed, to provide a comprehensive, water-tight solution.

How far should flashing go under siding?

Remember to provide a 3/8” gap between the flashing and the bottom edge of the siding. Here’s a quick tip: if you are installing LP SmartSide 38 series lap siding, you can use a scrap piece of the siding to create the proper gap (38 series lap siding is 3/8” thick).

How far do you overlap step flashing?

Place each step flashing piece about ¼ inch short of the bottom edge of the shingle that will overlap it — just enough so that the flashing piece is not visible when the overlapping shingle is in place.

Is step flashing necessary?

Step flashing has been required for asphalt shingles at roof-to-wall intersections as far back as the 1986 CABO. Step flashing ensures that any water that migrates underneath a shingle will still end up on top of the flashing that is covering the shingle below. The water can then drain away safely.

Is step flashing required by code?

Wall flashing and kick-out diverters are required in the 2009 and 2012 International Residential Code (IRC) Section R703. 8 and 2015 IRC Section R703. 4.

How do you seal roof flashing?

Renew flashing seals by chipping out the old mortar and caulking along the edges of the flashing. Use special masonry caulk to seal the joints between the flashing and the chimney. Seal the seam between the cap and step flashing with urethane roofing cement or silicone caulking compound, as shown at right.

Should shingles overhang drip edge?

Asphalt shingles should overhang the exterior edge of the drip edge by ¼ to ¾-inch. Check local building code for drip edge requirements prior to the start of your roofing project.

Is step flashing better?

Step flashing offers far better protection from leaks, because even if a single piece of step flashing fails, the water just hits the next lower piece. That flashing directs the water onto the shingle and the water drains down the roof.

Does roofing felt go under or over flashing?

1 Answer. It depends on where the drip edge is. At the side, or gabels, of a roof, the drip edge goes over the roofing felt. At the bottom of the roof, the drip edge goes under the roofing felt.

What goes down first drip edge or underlayment?

According to most building codes and manufacturer recommendations, the drip edge should be installed beneath the underlayment along the eaves of the roof. But over the underlayment along the rake edges of the roof. Understanding the proper way to install the drip edge will only get you so far.

Do you need felt paper under shingles?

Felt, otherwise known as underpayment, is required when asphalt shingles are installed as a first layer of roofing or when they are applied over wood shingles or a built-up roof. In these instances, the felt beneath the older shingles is regarded as adequate.