Hello fellow inspectors. I recently found the following flashing issues (see pictures) while inspecting a brand-new $1.5M home, and I just want to make sure I am not crazy. I missed a phone call from the roofer responsible for this, and I just want to make sure I have all of my ducks in a row before I have to go toe-to-toe with the builder and roofer for my client. To me, the problems are obvious. The flashing was not installed properly, and water will get behind the flashing and cause issues. It is completely wrong and needs to be fixed. Am I correct? Please help me. How would each of you specifically word the defects in the photos? Thank you all in advance!
honestly if I was the home owner I would be complaining about the unprofessional finish of this never mind if it technically is installed correctly.
Same with where that gable meets the other roof…
I never use the phrase “completely wrong”. It’s usually wrong and not helpful to anyone. You need to provide your client with specifics.
What, specifically, did you say was wrong with the flashing?
My comments would be that the vertical flange should extend up behind the siding, not just the trim and that all exposed nail heads should be sealed. I can back those up with authoritative sources.
Thank you, Chuck. I never use that phrase in my reports either, this is just “shop talk” between professionals. I like your comments, and this is essentially what I said. Thanks again!
Yeah Todd, it looks horrible.
This is for my edification…while I agree it looks terrible, it also looks like a good water diverter…except for that portion where its nailed into the exterior trim. Otherwise it looks like it would shed water properly.
If this was tucked up under the siding, would anyone have concerns with this?
If it were installed under the siding, then no, I have no problem with it. But it’s not. The ugly factor is merely icing on the cake, and if installed properly I’m sure it wouldn’t be nearly as ugly because you wouldn’t be able to see much of it. I don’t call out something based on looks, just functionality. I would have issue with it if I were the buyer, but not as an inspector. I don’t even point out things that are cosmetic unless they also have a functionality aspect as well.
Roofer was almost is no-win situation handling this flashing detail. Trim board was possibly installed and painted before the roofer came in, or possibly the roof was flashed correctly and a carpenter decided to change the roof flashing at that detail to not have to notch the wood trim board. They may have thought what’s the worse of two evils here. Two piece trim board with flashing tucked correctly behind it, one piece with a notch/slit cut in both allow for potential water to get in or a one piece trim board with a face nailed flashing. It’s ugly either way.
I agree, I think this would be on the general contractor for having siding completed before the necessary flashing was installed.
And as Chuck said, explain why it’s wrong, don’t just state that it is, since that invites squabbles and doesn’t really accomplish anything.
Thank you to all who contributed. The roofer ended up coming back and instaing the flashing properly. Buyers are happy, builder is happy, roofer is…well…done. 
Thanks again!