exterior inspections -kickout flashing

I read the article about kick-out flashing and was very impressed with the information given. It tells the importance and why it is necessary to have kick-out flashing in key areas of the roof. If no kick-out flashing is visually observed, there may be water penetration behind wall, even if little to no signs of stains are seen. I also learned that the flashing should not be cut or modified as this may hinder its performance. When installed correctly it should divert water away from the exterior walls limiting water intrusion.

I now find myself in a pissing contest with a roofing contractor. Yes, I know - what’s new? I know the answer, but sometimes in the heat of a challenge, I feel compelled to just double-check myself with reassurance from my fellow inspectors. There are two pics attached. In the first pic, the kick-out is straight parallel to the wall, and on the other side, it’s just blatantly missing. Roofer claims all is correct. In the second pic, you can even see where the kick-out was before the roof was redone.


Looks like a 1/2 inch nub of kick-out visible in that photo. Maybe he thinks that counts.

Kick out flashing is not required here. Just corner flashing as installed in the photo.
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It is recommended here to protect the sidewall.
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Corner flashing detail
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Kick-out flashing detail
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I doubt there was ever kick-out here, there would typically be a cut in the sidewall for the flashing to angle in.
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I was digging through my archived photos and found these showing damage from missing kick-out flashing.


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Here is an interesting attempt
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If you just recommend it, state why, and refer it out, you won’t, typically, have a pissing contest. :grinning:

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I agree with Larry. Why get into a pissing match with any trades? You stated your opinion and they assured your client all is well. It is on them now.

It is not necessarily the missing kick out flashing that is the cause of the rot, it is improperly installed step flashing, the builder installed the first step flashing behind the siding when it should have been on top of the siding, it is a common builders error.

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Brian, definitely agree with your assessment on the cut in the stucco. There is a somewhat small cut in there, but certainly not enough to install a proper kick out unless the stucco was patched and repainted. I have seen this too many times before, as well as too many roofers & builders who just don’t get the prowess of water to find means of intrusion. Here is another pic from a similar situation I found a few months back. This one was a similar roof-to-wall juncture, and sure enough, hidden in the attic right where the kick-out should have been was this little gem:

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I agree with you both Larry & Ryan. Just airing a bit of frustration :slight_smile: Need to keep the agent happy, as she and her broker bring us a lot of business and she relies on us to be sure we clearly explain our reasoning to the trades and keep her deal moving.

What situation is kick out flashing is used instead of just step flashing or vise versa?

Around here, they frame, sheath and roof the house days before siding is ever installed. Seldom do I ever find kick out flashing. Vinyl siding is very common so if there is any damage, it is not visible. I usually find damaged engineered wood siding or brick mold.

[quote=“rbleich, post:12, topic:106367”] :.
What situation is kick out flashing is used instead of just step flashing or vise versa?.
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It is important to divert the moisture out from behind the siding with flashing, there are many different situations where moisture can be diverted from behind the siding. :nerd_face:

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Kickout… duct tape flashing?

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