Dzhingarov

Simple Tutorial On How To Install Step Flashing Under Your Roof Siding

Roof Siding, Step Flashing

In order to keep water running properly down your roof and out of the home, you need to properly use step flashing. It is a necessity in the areas where the roof will meet the walls as you have to cover junction to prevent the leaks.

In case you were not aware of this, flashing is usually made out of aluminum of a length of around eight inches, bent at an angle of 90 degrees and with a side of a minimum of five inches. You have to install step flashing and necessary roofing features first as the siding has to cover step flashing top.

How To Install Step Flashing Under Your Roof Siding

What Will You Need?

  • Tin snips
  • Hammer
  • Galvanized nails
  • Step flashing
  • Siding
  • Shingles
  • Cement or roof caulk

How To Install Step Flashing

Step 1

Take the first flashing piece at roof bottom and slice it at around 4 inches with tin snips. Roof side flashing should be folded down over facing boards along roof lines. Vertical edges need to be bent at 45 degrees angles in order to create kick out tabs for water, moving liquid away from walls and then over roof bottom. Use 2 galvanized nails and the hammer to nail flashing to walls.

Step 2

Lay shingles over step flashing from the roof edge. Shingles need to be fastened with nails in the top area and then cover top with another step flashing piece with nails. You have to work up your roof and cover every single end suitable with shingles. Every single end should be covered with flashing. The goal is to have zero open seams. Shingles and flashing alternate until roof peak.

Also Read:  Attic Improvements Boost Home Value

Step 3

When reaching the bend line, cut one flashing piece that is about ½ of the strip length in order to flash roof peak. Do bend the flashing roof edge down over peaks in order to nail wall side to sheathing while extending over peak. Reverse peak flashing should be installed on the roof’s other side as 2 wall edges overlap, forming an X. Peak step flashing should be nailed to roof sides so that you extend over roof peak flashing.

Step 4

Both roof sides should be covered with shingles and step flashing from peak eave. Flashing joints have to be caulked at peak.

Step 5

You have to now install wall siding on the wall, down towards flashing. Make sure that you leave a quarter of an inch gap between cement board or wood siding and step flashing. Nail the metal siding onto flashing by following siding manufacturer directions for material installation. Alternatively, use j-channel nails for vinyl.

Extra Things To Remember When Installing Step Flashing

  • Make sure that you remain cautious when you are on the roof. It is a good idea to use a harness so that less hazard appears.
  • The roofing felt should be installed before you start tin install step flashing.
  • In the event that the house features roof lines that will expand past 2 wall corners, the first step flashing piece should be a corner.