A significant part of our business requires us to do Flashing. Flashing should be over any piece of trim that runs horizontal. As stated in the title of this post, Caulking should never take the place of flashing! Its not a matter of if, but when its going to fail, and when it does fail, its going to exacerbate any underlying issue. This is a very common issue with painters trying to replace wood rot. Painters believe that they can just apply a piece of trim over the rotten siding at the bottom of a house and caulk it. Even worse yet at the middle sections of a two story home, where the seams meet on panel siding. This goes against every siding manufacture warranty. You are better off not doing anything, because at least the siding will be able to dry out. A common mistake homeowners make is relying on sealants instead of proper water management - which is why it's important to understand "why caulk isn't flashing"
When Should Flashing Be Used?
Skirt boards and band boards are a good way to deal with the rot issues at the bottom of panel siding. Trim boards that are used for the purpose of band-boards need to be installed correctly. All siding manufactures require this to be compliant with their warranty. Flashing should be on all horizontal protrusion of any structure. Windows, Doors, and Roof lines is where you would commonly find or see flashing. One unnoticed area where flashing should be that we find is usually not the case is the deck. The Leger board that supports a deck on the house is the most overlooked and arguably the most important. Most decking boards go up the siding of a structure anywhere from 1 to 2 inches above the ledger board. The fact that the decking boards hide that much of the siding is the reason rotten siding above the ledger board leads to problematic water intrusion that goes unchecked. With out proper deck-flashing, it will cause significant-costly damage.
What it boils down to is that flashing is one of the least expensive components to the exterior of your house and offers the most protection. If you must cut cost, cut them elsewhere.
Flashing Done Wrong Can Lead to Major Damage
Flashing isn't just a detail - it's what keeps water moving in the right direction. It's installed in layers, like shingles, to guide water out instead of letting it seep into your walls.
We take a system-based approach to ensure every component works together - so your home stays dry and protected long-term. Book an Exterior Evaluation
FAQ
1. What is flashing in construction?
Flashing is a thin, waterproof material installed at joints and openings to prevent water from entering a building and to direct it safely away from vulnerable areas.
2. Why is flashing important for a home?
Flashing is critical because it manages how water moves around your home. Without it, water can get behind siding, windows, or roofing materials, leading to rot, mold, and structural damage over time.
3. Where is flashing typically installed?
Flashing is installed in areas where different parts of a home meet, such as around windows and doors, roof edges, chimneys, decks, and wall intersections-anywhere water could potentially enter.
4. Can caulk replace flashing?
No, caulk cannot replace flashing. Caulk is a temporary sealant, while flashing is designed to direct water away from the structure. Relying only on caulk can lead to trapped moisture and long-term damage.
5. What happens if flashing is installed incorrectly?
Improperly installed flashing can allow water to seep behind walls and materials, often causing hidden damage that worsens over time. This can lead to costly repairs if not addressed early.
