QA

How To Step Flash A Roof

How does step flashing work on a roof?

Step flashing ensures that water is directed away from the wall and ends up in the gutter. It’s installed in steps, with layers of shingles between, so that the water pours down each step and down the roof. Counter-flashing: Counter-flashing is often used to flash chimneys. It involves two pieces of flashing.

Is step flashing required on roof?

All shingle manufacturers require step flashing at sidewalls for both asphalt, wood and slate. If you see continuous, one-piece flashing like this used as sidewall flashing with shakes, shingles or slate, it’s a defective installation, no matter how often you see it.

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.

What are the different types of roof flashing?

Roof Flashing Types Continuous Flashing. This is also known as “apron flashing” because it acts in a similar manner to an apron. Base Flashing. Counter Flashing. Step Flashing. Skylight Flashing. Valley Flashing. Drip Edges. Kickout Flashing.

What size step flashing do I need?

Step flashing needs to turn up a minimum of three inches up the sidewall. The flashing material should be 4 inches by 7 inches in length when it lies on the roof deck. The 7-inch length ensures a 2-inch headlap on each course.

What is the minimum upstand for lead flashing?

Lead flashing onto a flat roof Flat roof flashing – This could virtually be any type of flat roof, the upstand of the flat roof covering is overlapped by the drop of the flashing. Ideally this should be 150mm or a minimum of 75mm, again common sense and exposure applies.

Is there an alternative to step flashing?

In the Code’s Eye View section of JLC, code specialist Glenn Mathewson, took a look at a 2012 IRC provision that allows the use of continuous flashing at roofing-to-sidewall intersections as an alternative to traditional step flashing.

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 covers step flashing?

Difference Between Counter Flashing and Step Flashing It sits on top of the finished roof and covers the step flashing. This final layer is called counter, cover or cap flashing and commonly consists of aluminum, galvanized steel, copper, tin or even plastic.

What is the difference between capping and flashing?

The tallest point of the roof. APRON FLASHING – A one piece flashing, such as is used at the lower side of a chimney that penetrates a sloping roof. CAPPING – A covering fixed to the top of a parapet wall or the edge of roofing forming a waterproof seal.

What is apron flashing on a roof?

Apron Flashings are located at the low end of a curb or penetration. This type of flashing makes a water tight junction, basically forming a right angle which starts up behind the cladding, comes down and out and over the roof. In the case of shingles, it comes out in between shingles.

What is base and cap flashing?

Cap-flashing meaning (roofing) Usually composed of metal, used to cover or shield the upper edges of the membrane base flashing; wall flashing can also be used to cover the top of various building components, such as parapets or columns.

How many steps are in a flashing bundle?

Step flashing directs water back on top of the roofing material preventing water infiltration under the roof. This profile is 4” x 4” x 14”, pre-bent at 90° by the manufacturer for ease of installation. Available in galvanized or pre-painted black, brown, gray and white. This product is sold by the bundle of 25 pieces.

What is lead upstand?

The Upstand or ‘Drop’ – The distance the flashing ‘drops’ down the wall to meet with the roof. The Cover – the amount of lead that will cover the tiles or slates beneath to make them waterproof, also known as the ‘overlap’.

What is lead flashing code?

Code 4 lead flashing is used for a range of roofing applications, including soakers, flashings, and vertical cladding.

What is a roof upstand?

An upstand is the fixture that keeps the glazed unit from coming into contact with the surface of the roof and is needed for most building regulations. Upstands need to protrude by a minimum of 150mm above the roof and have a pitch of a minimum of three degrees.

What is the difference between step flashing and continuous flashing?

Step flashing redirects the water back onto the shingle. Even if one piece of step flashing fails, the flashing and shingle below it start the process over again. Continuous flashing against a sidewall is one way to install a roof, but it’s not the correct way.

What is a counter flashing?

Counterflashing – Formed metal or elastomeric sheeting secured on or into a wall, curb, pipe, rooftop unit, or other surface to cover and protect the upper edge of a base flashing and its associated fasteners. Your rain boots are the base flashing, and your pant legs are the counterflashing.

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.

How much does it cost to put flashing on a roof?

Generally, the cost of fixing flashing is anywhere between $15 to $25 per linear foot, which includes both the price of the new flashing itself and the caulking used to seal it in place (which is about $10 on its own or sometimes more). A total flashing replacement might cost anywhere between $300 to $600.