Install Step Flashing at a Sidewall

A. Finished-Work Specification

Deliverable: one continuous sidewall flashing assembly consisting of a correctly installed kickout piece at the base, one individual step-flashing piece integrated with each shingle course up the sidewall, upper flashing legs integrated with the wall drainage layer or approved counterflashing, and a completed upper termination detail, all photographed before concealment.

B. Governing Documents

Document	Confirmed Current	Notes
Roof-to-wall detail
Step-flashing dimensions and metal specification
Wall WRB or counterflashing sequence
Kickout-flashing detail
Siding-clearance requirement
Fastening restrictions / schedule

C. Acceptance Standards

Check	Standard
Kickout flashing	Installed at the lower termination before standard step flashing begins, draining onto the lower roofing layer or gutter, not behind it
Step-flashing pieces	Cut and formed to the specified length, width, bend, and corrosion resistance; no cracked, overbent, or incompatible pieces installed
Fastening	Each piece fastened only in the approved upper area and to the permitted substrate; no fastener placed through both roof and wall legs unless the approved detail requires it
Course-by-course lap	Each flashing piece laps the shingle course below by the required amount, and each subsequent piece laps over the shingle placed on the prior piece by the required vertical and horizontal amount
Wall-leg integration	Upper legs integrated beneath WRB, counterflashing, or siding-system components in the approved shingle-lap sequence
Siding clearance	Required clearance between roofing and siding or trim maintained along the full sidewall run
Upper termination	Completed using the approved headwall, counterflashing, or transition detail
Documentation	Photographs of the flashing sequence taken before concealment by siding or counterflashing

D. Required Project Sequence

1. Review the approved roof-to-wall detail, step-flashing dimensions, metal compatibility, wall WRB or counterflashing sequence, kickout flashing, siding clearance, and fastening restrictions. Confirm the revision or date on each document before using it as a reference, and record the confirmation on the governing-documents table above.
2. Confirm that the sidewall, roof deck, underlayment, membrane, and lower drainage outlet are ready. Verify these items were accepted under their governing chapter before beginning flashing work at this sidewall.
3. Verify that the wall drainage layer can lap over the upper legs of the step flashing or that approved counterflashing will provide equivalent protection. Identify which method applies to this sidewall and record it on the flashing record before cutting any pieces.
4. Install or verify the required kickout flashing at the lower roof-to-wall termination before standard step flashing begins. Confirm the kickout piece directs water away from the wall base and into the gutter or off the roof edge, not behind either.
5. Establish the first shingle course and step-flashing position from the eave reference. Confirm the course position matches the layout lines established in Chapter 6 as they cross the sidewall.
6. Prepare individual step-flashing pieces to the specified length, width, bend, and corrosion resistance. Cut and form the full run of pieces needed for this sidewall before beginning installation, and reject any piece that does not meet the specified dimensions or bend angle.
7. Position the first flashing piece so its lower edge drains onto the lower roofing layer or kickout flashing. Confirm the roof leg bears fully on the roof deck and the wall leg sits flat against the sidewall before fastening.
8. Fasten each step-flashing piece only in the approved upper area and to the permitted substrate. Use the fastener type, quantity, and location specified in the fastening schedule, and keep fasteners out of the lower, exposed portion of each piece.
9. Do not fasten through both the roof and wall legs in a way that restricts movement or creates exposed leakage paths unless the approved detail requires it. Confirm each piece can move independently with normal building movement before covering it with the next shingle course.
10. Install the corresponding shingle course over the roof leg of the flashing. Fasten the shingle using the fastening zone and pattern established in Chapter 8, keeping shingle fasteners out of the flashing's prohibited zones identified in Step 13.
11. Place the next step-flashing piece over the shingle with the required vertical and horizontal lap. Confirm the lap dimension against the approved detail before fastening the piece.
12. Continue alternating shingle and flashing pieces one course at a time. Do not install two shingle courses before placing the intervening flashing piece, and do not stage multiple flashing pieces ahead of the shingle courses that support them.
13. Keep shingle joints, nails, and cut edges out of prohibited flashing zones. Verify no shingle fastener penetrates the step-flashing metal and no shingle joint lands directly over a flashing lap.
14. Fit flashing around wall transitions without flattening the upturned leg or creating reverse laps. Form each piece individually at inside corners, outside corners, or changes in wall plane rather than bending a straight piece to force a fit.
15. Integrate the upper flashing legs beneath WRB, counterflashing, or siding-system components in the approved shingle-lap sequence. Confirm the wall drainage layer or counterflashing overlaps each wall leg from above, never from below.
16. Maintain required siding and trim clearance above the roof surface. Measure the clearance at representative points along the sidewall and record any shortfall as a deficiency.
17. Complete the upper termination with the approved headwall, counterflashing, or transition detail. Confirm the top of the step-flashing run ties into the governing detail for the upper wall or roof condition, coordinating with Chapter 11 where a headwall condition is also present.
18. Inspect kickout direction, individual laps, flashing height, fastener placement, WRB integration, siding clearance, and drainage continuity. Complete this inspection before any siding, trim, or counterflashing conceals the assembly.
19. Correct omitted pieces, short laps, exposed fasteners, blocked kickouts, or reverse-lapped wall layers. Remove and replace any piece that fails inspection rather than adding sealant to compensate for a missing or misplaced piece.
20. Photograph the flashing sequence before siding or counterflashing conceals it. Label each photograph with its location along the sidewall and attach it to the flashing record.