The metal or synthetic material installed at every roof transition point to prevent water infiltration — and one of the most consistently damaged, most frequently missed, and most important components in any Colorado roof insurance claim.
Table of Contents
- What Flashing Is
- Types of Flashing and Where They Are Used
- Flashing Materials
- Why Flashing Is Consistently Missed in Insurance Estimates
- Flashing as a Code Upgrade Item
- Documenting Flashing Damage
- Common Flashing Questions
- How Claim Advocacy Helps With Flashing Claims
- Related Glossary Terms
What Flashing Is
Flashing is thin metal or synthetic material installed at roof transitions, penetrations, and intersections where shingles alone cannot provide a continuous waterproof seal.
Every chimney, wall intersection, valley, pipe penetration, skylight, and slope transition requires flashing. Without it, water enters — regardless of shingle condition.
Flashing is not a secondary component — it is the primary waterproofing system at every break in the roof surface.
Types of Flashing and Where They Are Used
Step Flashing
Individual metal pieces installed along roof-to-wall transitions in an overlapping pattern.
Counter Flashing
Installed over step flashing at vertical surfaces to prevent water intrusion behind it.
Valley Flashing
Installed where two roof slopes meet to channel high-volume water flow.
Kick-Out Flashing
Directs water from roof-to-wall transitions into the gutter system.
Pipe Flashing (Pipe Boots)
Seals plumbing vent penetrations — highly vulnerable to hail damage.
Chimney Flashing
A multi-part system combining base, step, counter, and sometimes cricket flashing.
Skylight Flashing
Integrated systems that seal skylight penetrations.
Drip Edge
Edge flashing that directs water into gutters and away from fascia.
Flashing Materials
- Galvanized steel — most common, durable, cost-effective
- Aluminum — lightweight and corrosion-resistant
- Copper — premium, long-lasting material
- Lead — flexible and durable for complex areas
- Rubber (EPDM) — used for pipe boots and flexible seals
Why Flashing Is Consistently Missed in Insurance Estimates
- Hidden behind siding or embedded in masonry
- Requires close, hands-on inspection
- Often overlooked during time-limited inspections
- Cannot be evaluated through desk adjusting
- Requires code knowledge to identify deficiencies
Flashing is one of the most consistently under-scoped categories in roof claims.
Flashing as a Code Upgrade Item
- Kick-out flashing — required by current code, often missing on older homes
- Step flashing specifications — must meet current sizing and installation standards
- Counter flashing — required for proper wall and chimney transitions
Code-required upgrades may be covered under ordinance and law provisions.
Documenting Flashing Damage
- Close-up photos of each flashing type
- Wide shots showing location context
- Photos of dents, cracks, or displacement
- Images of sealant masking underlying failure
- Interior damage linked to flashing failure
Flashing damage requires intentional documentation — it is rarely obvious in general roof photos.
Common Flashing Questions
Why is step flashing missing from my estimate?
It is often hidden and overlooked. Submit a supplement with documentation and measurements.
How do I know if kick-out flashing is missing?
Look at the bottom of roof-to-wall transitions. If water is not being directed into the gutter, it is likely absent.
Does caulked flashing count as proper repair?
No. Caulk is temporary and does not replace proper flashing installation.
What happens if flashing fails?
Water enters at transition points, often causing interior damage before exterior signs appear.
How Claim Advocacy Helps With Flashing Claims
- Detailed inspection — evaluating every flashing location
- Damage documentation — proving storm impact
- Code upgrade identification — adding required components
- Supplement preparation — correcting missing scope
- Measurement verification — ensuring accurate quantities
Related Glossary Terms
- Drip Edge
- Eave
- Collateral Damage
- Concealed Damage
- Scope of Loss
- Supplemental Claim
- Code Upgrade Coverage
Flashing is the most technically important — and most commonly under-scoped — category in a roof insurance claim. Missing or damaged flashing directly leads to water intrusion, making accurate inspection and documentation critical before settlement.
📞 (719) 210-8699
📧 gerald@winik.io