Flashing refers to thin pieces of impervious material installed to prevent the passage of water into a structure from a joint or as part of a weather resistant barrier system.
Types of Flashings
Flashing types are named according to location or shape:
Roof flashing
Placed around discontinuities or objects which protrude from the roof of a
building to deflect water away from seams or joints and in valleys where the runoff is concentrated.
Wall flashing
May be embedded in a wall to direct water that has penetrated the wall back outside, or it may be applied in a manner intended to prevent the entry of water into the wall. Wall flashing is typically found at interruptions in the wall, such as windows and points of structural support.
Sill flashing (or sill pan)
A concealed flashing placed under windows or door thresholds to prevent water from entering a wall at those points.
Roof penetration flashing
Used to waterproof pipes, supports, cables, and all roof protrusions. Stainless steel penetration flashings have proven to be the longest lasting and most reliable roof flashing type.
Channel flashing
Shaped like a “U” or channel to catch water (e.g., where the edge of a tile roof meets a wall).
Through wall flashing
Spans the thickness of the wall and directs water to weep holes.
Cap flashing (drip cap)
Often used above windows and doors.
Drip edge
A metal used at the edges of a roof.
Step flashing (soaker, base flashing)
Pieces of flashing material which overlap each other in “steps”.
Counter flashing (cap flashing)
Covers a base flashing.
Pipe flashing (pipe boot, vent boot, pipe flange)
A product used where pipes penetrate roofs.
Kickout flashing
At the very bottom of a roof/wall intersection, the lowermost step flashing specially formed to deflect water away from the wall.
Valley flashing
In the valley of two intersecting roof planes.