FAQ: Is counter flashing necessary?

March 2023 · 3 minute read

Counter flashing is required at any point where a vertical masonry wall meets any type of roofing surface. This scenario applies to both chimneys and exterior walls on split level and other similarly designed homes. Counter flashing should also be used when roofing meets a vinyl exterior wall surface.

What is the purpose of counter flashing?

Counter-flashing is designed to prevent moisture from entering behind the vertical flange of headwall or sidewall flashing. Sometimes, the exterior wall-covering material serves as the counter-flashing, and sometimes a separate counter-flashing might be installed.

Does step flashing need counter flashing?

Depending on the construction situation, a step flashing roof is sufficient; vinyl siding can double as counter flashing as long as the step flashing goes underneath it. Otherwise, counter flashing is a critical requirement.

What is the difference between flashing and counter flashing?

The base flashing (or apron flashing) is the bottom piece. Counter-flashing: Placed opposite to base flashing, or above base flashing, counter-flashing completes the two-part team. Step flashing: Step flashing is a rectangular piece of flashing bent 90 degrees in the center. It is used for roof to wall flashing.

Where is counter flashing used on a roof?

It is usually made of galvanized steel and directs water away from areas on the roof such as the intersection of the roof and walls. Roofers will install flashing around vents, skylights, and chimneys.

What is metal counter flashing?

: a strip of sheet metal in the form of an inverted L built into a vertical wall of masonry and bent down over the flashing to make it watertight.

What is counter flashing on a chimney?

Counter or cap flashing is also an L-shaped metal piece, but it is designed to cover the step flashing and embedded into a groove cut in the chimney brickwork. Base flashing is used at the joint between a vertical surface and the roofing surface, in this case the base of the chimney, guarding against water penetration.

What are the three types of flashing installed on a chimney?

There are a few different types of chimney flashing and we’ll go over them below:

What are the different types of roof flashing?

Roof Flashing Types

What is lead counter flashing?

Lead flashing is used in roofing systems to eliminate leaks at intersections and roof edges. The most common locations for lead roof flashing include Roof joints, valley flashing, chimney flashing, and roof penetrations such as lead roof jacks.

Does flashing go over or under shingles?

Flashing should overlap the roof-covering material, but on asphalt shingle roofs, for aesthetic reasons, the part of the headwall flashing that extends down over asphalt shingles is often covered with a course of shingle tabs.

Do all roof valleys need flashing?

Closed valleys aren’t required to have metal flashing, but they should have additional underlayment lining the valley, preferably a couple layers of roll roofing. You can usually see whether this has been done by looking carefully at the bottom edge of the valley.

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