Step, counter, and kickout flashing

Normal function

These transitions interrupt the path water would otherwise take behind siding, trim, or masonry and into the wall or roof deck.

What a homeowner may notice

• Siding stains or rot at the lower end of a wall, missing kickout, exposed step flashing, rust, or brittle sealant.
• A roof leak that appears downslope from a dormer or sidewall.
• Continuous metal installed where step flashing should interlock with each shingle course.
• Flashing nailed to the wall face without a durable counterflashing detail.

Professional inspection

Inspect the entire wall run from the lower kickout uphill. Look for one piece per shingle course, adequate overlap, clear water path, counterflashing integration, and siding/trim that does not trap water.

Repair or replacement path

Open the affected shingle and siding courses, remove or supplement failed flashing, install step pieces and kickout at the termination, rebuild the water-resistive layer, and restore the siding/roof courses.

Typical materials and equipment

Aluminum or galvanized/copper flashing as compatible, step pieces, kickout, membrane, compatible sealant, shingles, siding repair materials, and fasteners.

When to act

Water behind siding can rot sheathing before an interior stain appears; investigate promptly.

What moves the price

Siding type, wall height, masonry, length, hidden sheathing rot, paint matching, roof pitch, access, and whether the wall detail must be rebuilt.