Roof and wall intersections can pose substantial challenges for builders and contractors, as these areas provide open routes for water and moisture to enter residential buildings. A properly installed roof corner rain diverter is essential to prevent rainwater and moisture from causing expensive damage to a home. That’s where kickout flashing comes in.
Roofers, contractors and wholesalers alike can benefit from investing in durable, expertly constructed kickout flashing products. Below, we dive into:
Kickout flashing is a thin, L-shaped piece of metal that seamlessly directs rainwater away from wall cladding into a gutter and through the downspouts. It’s installed at the edge of a roof where the eaves meet the wall.
When installed correctly, the kickout flashing extends out from a wall or the side of a chimney stack, protrudes away from the siding and reroutes water away from the wall. This product is compatible with various siding materials, including vinyl, stone and stucco.
Kickout flashing helps prevent water penetration, leaks and damage to the structure’s roof, vertical wall and interior. Rainwater is more likely to enter areas of a wall with missing kickout flashing and improperly installed gutters.
The International Residential Code (IRC) requires flashings in areas vulnerable to moisture intrusion, such as roof and wall intersections. This code first addressed the need for flashings in 2000, though it didn’t specify kickout flashing.
In 2009, however, the IRC updated this regulation, stating that kickout or diverter flashing should be installed to direct rainwater away from the point where an eave intersects with a vertical sidewall.
Per this code, flashing should be installed at a 110-degree angle and extend at least 4 inches up the sidewall. A sharper angle could cause trapped debris or even ice dam formation during colder months. You can reference the 2021 IRC Code for more information.
While there are exceptions in several areas, IRC kickout flashing guidelines apply to one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses up to three stories. Essentially, kickout flashing should be installed anywhere on a multistory home where the roof and gutter terminate into a wall. Because kickout flashing comes in both left and right configurations, it can generally be installed on any side of a building.
With the exception of concrete block or brick, kickout flashing is required for any type of exterior wall covering or roof-covering material. Exterior wall-covering product manufacturers typically don’t provide specific sizes — they just require kickout flashing to be installed. Consult your local building department to determine whether your project requires kickout flashing.
Whether you’re a roofer or building product wholesaler, understanding the basic installation steps for kickout flashing can help you provide the highest-quality services or knowledge for your customers. Kickout flashing can be added to an existing roof, though the process involves loosening and removing parts of the building’s siding.
Kickout flashing goes under the roof’s shingles behind the exterior wall’s siding. To effectively divert rainwater, it should go directly above the gutter at the bottom of the roof’s corner, where it meets the vertical wall.
Installation complexity can depend on the condition, quality and materials of both the roof and siding. It also varies by the specific kickout flashing product and manufacturer, so roofers should always reference these guidelines during installation.
That being said, installing kickout flashing usually involves these steps:
It’s important to inspect the kickout flashing both immediately after installation and at regular intervals. You can use this inspection checklist as a general guide:
If you’re looking for effective roof corner water diverter solutions, turn to Kickout Flashing by PBZ. We are your go-to source for durable, long-lasting kickout flashing products for both new construction and remodeling projects. Our inventory includes:
A quality, reliable corner roof diverter is crucial for many residential roofs. It helps direct rainwater away from the wall and into the gutter, thwart significant damage behind the exterior cladding, avoid extensive future repairs, and ultimately, protect your business’s reputation. By choosing Kickout Flashing by PBZ as your supplier, you can get the high-performing solutions you need at affordable prices.
To inquire about our kickout flashing products, fill out our contact form or request a quote today — one of our representatives will be in touch shortly. To get volume discounts, you can also use our bulk order form or call 717-436-2056. We look forward to assisting you!