Kickout Flashing

Kickout flashing is installed at the bottom of a roof-to-wall intersection where step flashing ends and the gutter begins. Although it is one of the smallest flashing components on a roof, it plays an important role in protecting the exterior wall from water damage.

Without kickout flashing, rainwater can travel down the roof, follow the wall, and run behind the siding instead of flowing into the gutter. Over time, this can damage the wall sheathing, housewrap, insulation, and even the interior of the home.

Kickout flashing "kicks" the water away from the wall and directs it into the gutter where it belongs.

Where Is Kickout Flashing Used?

Kickout flashing is commonly installed:

• Where a roof meets a sidewall

• At the lower end of step flashing

• Just above the gutter

• At roof-to-wall intersections where water needs to be directed into the gutter

It is commonly used on homes with vinyl siding, fiber cement siding, engineered wood siding, wood siding, brick, and other exterior finishes.

Why Is Kickout Flashing Important?

Roof-to-wall intersections collect a large amount of water during rainstorms. If that water is not directed into the gutter, it can run behind the siding and cause damage that often goes unnoticed for years.

Properly installed kickout flashing helps:

• Direct water into the gutter

• Protect wall sheathing

• Help prevent wood rot

• Reduce the risk of mold and moisture damage

• Protect siding and trim

• Improve the performance of the entire roofing system

Because the damage usually occurs behind the siding, homeowners may not realize there is a problem until repairs become extensive.

Typical Cost

Kickout flashing is typically included as part of a complete roof replacement when required by the roof design and applicable building codes.

If a home does not currently have kickout flashing, it can often be added during a roof replacement to improve water management and help protect the exterior walls.

Benefits

• Directs water into the gutter

• Helps prevent water from running behind siding

• Protects wall sheathing from moisture

• Reduces the risk of wood rot

• Helps prevent hidden water damage

• Improves overall roof drainage

• Supports a complete flashing system

Why It Matters in Michigan

Michigan homes experience heavy rain, snow, and repeated freeze-thaw cycles throughout the year. Roof-to-wall intersections receive significant amounts of water, making proper drainage especially important.

Kickout flashing helps move water into the gutter before it has a chance to run behind the siding. Combined with step flashing, housewrap, and proper siding installation, it provides another layer of protection against moisture damage.

Our Recommendation

At VanderLaans, we inspect every roof-to-wall transition during a roof replacement.

Where required by the roof design and current building codes, we install kickout flashing to help direct water into the gutter and away from the home's exterior walls. Although it is a small component, it provides valuable protection against one of the most common causes of hidden water damage.

Did You Know?

Many cases of siding rot and wall damage don't begin because the siding failed, they begin because water was never directed into the gutter. A properly installed kickout flashing can help prevent years of hidden moisture damage by sending water exactly where it belongs.