Walls & chimney flashing | Tile Roofing USA

Identify the type of junction

A sloping sidewall and a horizontal headwall encounter water differently. A chimney combines several conditions on one obstruction. Ask the roofer to mark each junction on the roof plan rather than pricing them as one generic flashing item. Ludowici publishes separate sidewall and headwall prototypes, showing why the selected tile and adjacent construction need their own details.

Distinguish base and counterflashing

The lower flashing manages water at the roof-wall connection. Counterflashing protects its upper edge and connects that detail to the wall or masonry condition. In Ludowici’s Calais example, step flashing and counterflashing are separate components. Ask which parts will be removed, retained or replaced, and what condition must be exposed before the contractor can make that decision.

Arrange access to concealed layers

Flashing must connect with the wall’s drainage layer, which may require removing siding or opening another wall finish. PNNL recommends assessing existing framing and repairing damage encountered at these junctions. Include the necessary wall work in the scope, with a named trade responsible for restoring it. A surface bead of sealant cannot demonstrate that the concealed connection has been made.

Finish the runoff path

Where a roof-wall junction ends, a properly integrated kick-out directs concentrated water away from the wall, commonly into a gutter. Plan that outlet with the siding and gutter installers. Our suggested review is a photograph before the wall is closed and another after the roof and gutter are complete, so the connection and discharge point can both be understood later.

Bring roof and wall water control together.

Identify the type of junction

Distinguish base and counterflashing

Arrange access to concealed layers

Finish the runoff path

Related questions

Further reading & technical sources