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Kick-Out Flashing

The specialized flashing installed where a roof slope meets a vertical wall at the lower termination — one of the most commonly missing components on older Colorado homes and one of the most important for preventing hidden water damage.

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What Kick-Out Flashing Is

Kick-out flashing — also called diverter flashing — is a bent metal component installed at the lower end of a step flashing run where a roof meets a vertical wall.

Its job is to divert water away from the wall and into the gutter, preventing water from running behind siding and into the wall assembly.

It is a small component — but critical to the entire roof-to-wall waterproofing system.

Where Kick-Out Flashing Is Required

  • Dormer sidewalls — where dormer roofs meet the main roof
  • Additions and bump-outs — at lower roof-to-wall transitions
  • Roof terminations above gutters — where step flashing ends at the eave

Any location where step flashing terminates above a wall or gutter requires kick-out flashing.

How Kick-Out Flashing Works

  • Overlaps the final step flashing piece
  • Extends away from the wall
  • Directs water into the gutter instead of behind siding

This prevents water from entering the wall system at one of its most vulnerable points.

Why It Is Missing on Many Homes

  • Older homes built before code requirements
  • Installation shortcuts during construction
  • Poor coordination between roofing and siding trades
  • Improper installation concealed with sealant

Its absence is extremely common — especially on older Colorado homes.

Kick-Out Flashing as a Code Upgrade

Under current IRC (International Residential Code) — Colorado Adoption, kick-out flashing is required at roof-to-wall terminations.

This makes it a valid upgrade under:

If it was missing before, it must be added during a permitted roof replacement.

Kick-Out Flashing as Storm Damage

Existing kick-out flashing can also be directly damaged by storms:

  • Hail denting metal flashing
  • Wind bending or displacing the piece

Damaged flashing should be included as part of the storm claim.

The Consequences of Missing Kick-Out Flashing

  • Water enters behind siding
  • Sheathing absorbs moisture and deteriorates
  • Framing begins to rot
  • Mold develops inside wall cavities
  • Damage spreads before visible signs appear

By the time interior damage appears, significant structural damage may already exist.

How to Document for a Supplement

  • Wide photo of roof-to-wall transition
  • Close-up of missing or damaged termination point
  • Photos of all affected locations
  • Any visible water damage nearby

Multiple documented locations strengthen the supplement significantly.

Common Questions

How do I know if I have kick-out flashing?

Look at the bottom of every roof-to-wall transition — there should be a visible diverter directing water into the gutter.

My carrier says it’s not a roof component. Is that correct?

No — it is part of the flashing system and required for proper waterproofing.

Can it be added without replacing the roof?

Yes — it can be installed as a targeted repair.

Is it required in Pueblo?

Requirements may differ — verify with local code before presenting it as a code upgrade.

How Claim Advocacy Helps

  • Location identification — finding all required areas
  • Absence documentation — proving missing components
  • Code citation — supporting upgrade requirement
  • Damage documentation — capturing storm-related issues
  • Supplement preparation — ensuring inclusion in scope

Kick-out flashing is one of the smallest components in a roof system — and one of the most important. Identifying and including it in your estimate protects your home from long-term damage and ensures your replacement meets current code requirements.

📞 (719) 210-8699
📧 gerald@winik.io

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