Properly installing step flashing

Before installing your step flashing, you should first install the drip edge. The drip edge must be installed before you roof or apply the step flashing.

Step 1 - Corner Flashing

Step flashing is not a hard process for you to complete. In fact, it can save you money if you are having your roof re-shingled. If you choose to rip off the existing shingles, you may want to tackle this as well. The first part of installing the step flashing is the installation of the corner flashing. You will start by snipping one of your pieces of step flashing at a forty five degree angle. You will want to place the lower portion of the step flashing against the roof and the other edge goes around the corner edge. Nail the piece of flashing in place and lay some caulk around the edges.

Step 2 - Step Flashing

Now that the corner flashing is installed, the first row of shingles should then be ran. After your shingles are laid down, you can than begin to lay your step flashing. You should place the next step of flashing approximately 1/4 inch above the next row of shingles, which will prevent the flashing from being seen. After you have laid down your first row of step flashing, you will continue this same process until you reach the top of the roof. You will not need the caulk until you begin installing the step flashing at the top of the roof, known as the roof peak.

Step 3 - Roof Flashing

After you have completed the flashing up to the peak of the roof, it is then time to install the flashing on the roof peak itself. You must first design a piece of flashing that will fit on your peak. Once you have customized a piece of flashing for your peak, you can then nail it in place and put some caulk along the edge of the flashing as well as run it along the wall. You will then continue this same process as you go along the peak of the roof. Make sure that your caulk beads are straight and even so you don’t have excessive drippage. After you have completed running your roof flashing, you are now ready to allow the roofing company to come in and run the rest of the shingles although considering what you have done so far, shingles are very simple.