The overlapping L-shaped metal pieces installed where a roof slope meets a vertical wall — one of the most critical waterproofing components on any roof and a consistently missed line item in Colorado storm damage insurance estimates.
Table of Contents
- What Step Flashing Is
- How Step Flashing Works
- Where Step Flashing Is Used
- Step Flashing and Storm Damage
- Step Flashing in Insurance Claims
- Common Questions
- How Claim Advocacy Helps
- Related Glossary Terms
What Step Flashing Is
Step flashing is a waterproofing system made of individual L-shaped metal pieces installed one per shingle course where a sloped roof meets a vertical wall.
Each piece overlaps the one below it in a stair-step pattern, directing water away from the wall and onto the roof surface.
It is not caulk, not roofing cement, and not one continuous piece of metal.
Proper step flashing = individual interlocking pieces that move independently.
How Step Flashing Works
- One leg sits on the roof deck (under shingles)
- One leg runs up behind the wall cladding
- Each piece overlaps the one below (~2 inches minimum)
Water flow:
- Water hits the wall
- Directed onto flashing
- Sheds onto shingles
No horizontal seams = no direct water entry path.
On masonry walls and chimneys, counter flashing is added above step flashing for a second layer of protection.
Where Step Flashing Is Used
Anywhere a sloped roof meets a vertical wall:
- Dormer sidewalls
- Chimneys
- Skylights
- Additions and bump-outs
- Garage-to-house transitions
- Two-story wall intersections
If roof meets wall → step flashing is required.
Step Flashing and Storm Damage
Hail Impact
- Dents metal
- Breaks overlap seal
- Creates water entry points
Wind Uplift
- Lifts lower flashing edges
- Allows wind-driven rain behind flashing
Sealant Failure (Accelerated)
- Improper installations fail faster after storms
Tear-Off Replacement
- Must be replaced during full roof replacement
- Reusing flashing = improper installation
Failed flashing is one of the most common causes of interior leaks.
Step Flashing in Insurance Claims
Full Replacement
- Should ALWAYS be included in the Insurance Estimate
- Measured by linear feet
Partial Claims
- Damage must be documented per transition
- Often missed by adjusters focused on shingles
Interior Damage Connection
- Leaks near walls, dormers, skylights
- Often tied directly to flashing failure
Missing flashing = incomplete Scope of Loss.
Missing scope = missing money.
Common Questions
How do I know if my flashing is damaged?
Interior leaks near walls or dormers after storms are a major indicator.
Why isn’t it in my estimate?
Adjusters often focus on shingles and miss flashing components.
Can it be repaired instead of replaced?
Sometimes on partial claims — not on full replacements.
What’s the difference between step flashing and counter flashing?
Step flashing is the base system; counter flashing covers and protects it.
How Claim Advocacy Helps
- Full transition inspection — every roof-to-wall intersection
- Damage documentation — hail, wind, and displacement
- Interior leak linkage — tying damage to cause
- Estimate review — identifying missing line items
- Supplement preparation — adding flashing costs
Related Glossary Terms
Step flashing is one of the most critical waterproofing systems on your roof — and one of the most commonly overlooked in insurance estimates. When it fails, the result is often interior water damage. Ensuring it is properly inspected, documented, and included in your claim is essential to protecting both your home and your settlement.
📞 (719) 210-8699
📧 gerald@winik.io