Flashing
Sheet metal installed at roof transitions, penetrations, and intersections to direct water away from vulnerable areas. Common materials include aluminum, galvanized steel, and copper.
Sheet metal installed at roof transitions, penetrations, and intersections to direct water away from vulnerable areas. Common materials include aluminum, galvanized steel, and copper.
Why Flashing Matters for Insurance Claims
Flashing is one of the most critical waterproofing components on a roof. When flashing is damaged or displaced by wind, hail, or impact, water can penetrate the roof system and cause interior damage. Adjusters evaluate flashing condition during inspections, and damaged flashing should be documented with close-up photos. Failed flashing is a common source of supplement requests, especially around chimneys, dormers, and sidewalls where multiple flashing types intersect.
Flashing in Xactimate Estimates
Xactimate separates flashing into multiple line items under the RFG trade category. Step flashing, counter flashing, valley flashing, drip edge, and specialty flashings each have their own selector codes. Measurements are typically in linear feet. When writing an estimate, list each type of flashing separately rather than bundling them, since adjusters expect itemized flashing quantities that match the roof geometry documented in the sketch.
Types of Roof Flashing
The most common flashing types in residential roofing are step flashing (where the roof meets a wall), counter flashing (covers the top of step flashing on masonry), valley flashing (in the crease where two slopes meet), drip edge (along eaves and rakes), and pipe boot flashing (around plumbing vents). Each serves a specific function in the water management system, and missing or damaged sections can lead to leaks that cause secondary interior damage.
Frequently asked questions
Best practice and most building codes require replacing flashing during a full re-roof. Reusing old flashing can void the shingle manufacturer warranty and create leak risks. Xactimate includes separate line items for flashing removal and replacement.
Flashing is typically measured in linear feet in Xactimate. Different types of flashing have separate line items, including step flashing, counter flashing, valley flashing, drip edge, and pipe boot flashing.
Flashing fails due to corrosion, wind lift, thermal expansion and contraction, and improper installation. Storm damage can loosen or bend flashing at vulnerable points like chimneys, walls, and valleys.
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