What Is Kickout Flashing?

August 23, 2024

Kickout flashing is a small, L-shaped metal piece that fits into a gutter system and diverts water away from a building’s walls. These flashings are installed where water could run down a roof and make contact with a wall before running out through the gutters. 

Without kickout flashing, a building’s walls can become damaged over years of exposure to running water. Kickout flashing comes in different finishes to match a building’s exterior, and it’s required by the International Residential Code (IRC) for some dwellings. 

Why Is Kickout Flashing Needed?

A property’s gutter system is designed to catch rainwater and direct it away from a building. Kickout flashing works with the gutters to protect a building’s walls from excess water exposure. 

Over time, running water can erode rock, so it’s not difficult for water to erode the siding on a home or commercial property. In addition to surface-level damage, water hitting the wall can lead to mold and even structural damage as the issue worsens. 

When installed properly, kickout flashing blocks water from hitting the wall adjacent to a roof. Instead, rainwater and melting snow are redirected from the roof into the gutter system without touching the wall. 

This process protects a building’s exterior from water damage and extends the material’s life span. It saves you from costly repairs and helps ensure the building is up to code. Although kickout flashing is a small device, it can make a big difference in construction. 

Types of Kickout Flashing

Kickout flashing is typically made of metal, such as heavy-duty aluminum. The metal is resistant to UV rays and mold, so it can be exposed to the sun, rain and snow on the roof without breaking down. 

You can find both coated and uncoated kickout flashing. Although both types offer long-term protection to a building, coated kickout flashing has some additional advantages. The powder coating offers another layer of protection and can match the color of a building. 

However, some companies prefer the uncoated version because it’s more affordable. Both options will protect a building’s walls from water damage and can last for decades. Choosing coated or uncoated kickout flashing really depends on personal preference. 

You can find kickout flashing to fit against both right and left walls, depending on what you need for the building’s construction. Choosing a welded kickout flashing is important, as it doesn’t have a seam where water can eventually leak out.

Color Options for Kickout Flashing

Uncoated aluminum flashing is a shiny silver color. If you prefer powder-coated kickout flashing, you can find it in several popular colors, such as: 

  • Black
  • White
  • Bronze
  • Tan

These color options allow flashing to blend into the background of a building’s exterior, matching the roof, gutter or wall color. Kickout flashing is a small piece of equipment, so it doesn’t stand out much when uncoated. 

However, many homeowners prefer powder-coated kickout flashing that blends seamlessly with their home. The best color option depends on your customers and the common exterior home colors in your area. 

Who Needs Kickout Flashing? 

In 2009, kickout flashing was written into the IRC as a requirement for residential buildings. To meet code and maintain a trustworthy reputation, roofers and other construction professionals who work on homes must incorporate kickout flashing into their projects. 

Flashing is used in various places on a roof to redirect water and protect seams from leaks. Kickout flashing should be installed anywhere that a roof comes down along a wall. Without it, water will run down the roof along the wall and cause damage.

Meeting code isn’t the only reason to use kickout flashings, however. Installing kickout flashing on residential and commercial buildings just makes sense. It’s a low-cost item with a high-cost reward — for homeowners and the workers who install it. 

When you use kickout flashing, you’re investing in your reputation as a contractor. It shows that you care about the quality of your work and want your clients to enjoy a watertight structure for many years. Especially in areas with high rainfall, installing kickout flashing alongside gutters is a must.

When Should You Install Kickout Flashing? 

The best time to install kickout flashing is during new construction, when a building’s first roof and gutter system are being installed. By adding kickout flashing right away, you can protect new materials from water damage and meet code requirements. 

If you’re putting a new roof or gutter system on a property, you should add kickout flashing. Update the building’s roof and gutter system so that they’re up to code and the building’s walls are protected from any future water damage. 

The best time to install this piece of protective equipment is now — even if you have to fix water damage first. The earlier you install kickout flashing, the less damage and repair the building’s owners will have to deal with. Your reputation will also benefit since your work will last longer and make customers happy. 

Bulk Orders for Kickout Flashing

Ordering kickout flashing in bulk can increase your profit margin by reducing the cost of your order. At Kickout Flashing by PBZ, we offer deals on all bulk kickout flashing orders. Bulk orders come with the same finish color and orientation of flashing per case. 

However, you can change these details for each case to get the variety you need. For example, you can order one case of right flashing with a white powder coating and one case of left flashing with a black powder coating. 

To order in bulk, contact us over the phone or through email. We’ll take down your specific details and send you a bulk order with the right colors and flashing orientation, so you can save on costs and service more customers at the same time. 

Buy Aluminum Kickout Flashing Today

Looking for kickout flashing you can count on for your next roofing or construction project? At Kickout Flashing by PBZ, we offer heavy-duty aluminum kickout flashing options that come in powder-coated or uncoated models. 

Our powder-coated options come in a range of colors and are coated by a PCI 3000-certified company, Keystone Koating. Uncoated options are made of heavy-duty aluminum that will resist UV rays and mold growth. 

All of our kickout flashing is welded, ensuring there won’t be leaks where the flashing bends. Our products are high-quality and affordable, and we pride ourselves on exceptional customer service. 

Our flashing makes a difference for construction professionals and the people whose homes and businesses we protect from water damage. When you work with us, you’ll only ever receive quality products with the variety of colors you need to satisfy customers.

Contact us today to place a bulk order and save!

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