Kickout flashing that is too small

Kickout flashing that is too small

Kickout flashing, also referred to as diverter flashing, is intended to prevent water intrusion into building structural components and direct it back to the exterior. Although this flashing detail has been required by IRC for more than a decade, old habits appear to have stayed in the trades. In the construction and remodeling industry there is a tendency to do things the way they have “always been done” or the way you were taught and have done so for years, possibly decades. 

There is risk associated with change, whether it be in materials (e.g, LP Siding and Polybutylene Tubing), or construction processes. Prior to the introduction of kickout flashing into the International Residential Code in 2009, approximately 90 million residential homes had been constructed in the US since 1900. Of those 14.5 million were from 2000 to 2009 alone, the largest amount on record as of 2019. All presumably without kickout flashing. With this immense amount of construction, there were no old world craftsmen to pass on the knowledge of this flashing, or other proper flashing techniques, as it had never been used, required, or widely adopted.

Improperly Installed Kickout Flashing

Improperly Installed Kickout Flashing

As home inspectors, we come across kickout flashing deficiencies almost daily, in new construction and old. Recently, improper location of the flashing has been observed frequently in new construction homes, mid-run installation and areas where it is not required. Mid-run installations do nothing to protect the vulnerable junction between the roof and sidewall. There is only one location that this flashing adequately protects the structure of the home, at the end of the step flashing. Another overlooked aspect of the installation process is cutting the flashing. When the flashing is cut, a sealant dependent joint is created, voiding the function of the flashing. Only properly folded flashing or manufactured kickout flashing should be used to provide adequate protection.

Today, kickout flashing appears in two places in the IRC book. This may be a reason there is so much confusion about proper execution of its installation, or which trade is responsible for the installation. Kickout flashing first appears in chapter 7-Wall Coverings (R703.8) where it is accompanied by an illustration that shows its proper location, at the end of the step flashing. This flashing then appears in chapter 9-Roof Assembly (905.2.8.4) not by name, but by description. “At the end of the vertical side wall the step flashing should be turned out in a manner that directs water away from the wall and onto the roof / or gutter” (no illustration is provided). Since this flashing is one of the first components to be installed on the roof prior to the wall cladding, we believe the code should be removed from earlier chapters and focus should be on the Roof Assembly chapter, accompanied with clear illustrations and explanations to their functional operation and importance.

Find out more about the importance of kickout flashing (and how to make kickout flashing) by watching the videos below: