The finer points of being a Flasher- Wenatchee and Cle Elem Home Inspections

As a professional Home Inspector we get to evaluate common building practice as it relates to our specific region. Building practices differ from one area to another depending on climate, soil conditions, and environmental threats such as Earthquakes and Hurricanes.

Some builders will take minimal precautions in their building practices. Some will do much better.
Here I am going to discuss this little old thing called “Flashing”.

This is the 2009 IRC (international Residential Code) minimum requirements for flashing a structure. (Please note the bold and underline this is my marking)

R703.8 Flashing.
Approved corrosion-resistant flashing shall be applied shingle-fashion in a manner to prevent entry of water into the wall cavity or penetration of water to the building structural framing components. Self-adhered membranes used as flashing shall comply with AAMA 711. The flashing shall extend to the surface of the exterior wall finish.
Approved corrosion-resistant flashings shall be installed at all of the following locations:
1. Exterior window and door openings. Flashing at exterior window and door openings shall extend to the surface of the exterior wall finish or to the water-resistive barrier for subsequent drainage.
2. At the intersection of chimneys or other masonry construction with frame or stucco walls, with projecting lips on both sides under stucco copings.
3. Under and at the ends of masonry, wood or metal copings and sills.
4. Continuously above all projecting wood trim.
5. Where exterior porches, decks or stairs attach to a wall or floor assembly of wood-frame construction.
6. At wall and roof intersections.
7. At built-in gutters.

Here is an example from a recent inspection of a builder doing what I consider to be the correct method of flashing. When proper flashings are installed this will relieve the future home owner of at least one maintenance item, caulking all projections and intersections, a common trouble spot on a home.

Do the right thing. It will gratify some people and astonish the rest.

Mark Twain

NCW Home Inspections, LLC is a Licensed Washington State Home Inspection service located in Wenatchee Washington serving Chelan County, Douglas County, Kittitas County, Okanogan County and Grant County Washington and the cities of Wenatchee, Leavenworth, Cashmere, Orville, Cle Elum, East Wenatchee, Quincy and many more…

Your Wenatchee and Chelan Professional Home and Structural Pest Inspection Service

509-670-9572 or on the web atwww.ncwhomeinspections.com