Missing or Failing Flashing
Stucco Flashing Repair
If you’re installing synthetic stucco, it’s important to make sure that all the necessary flashing is in place. Otherwise, water can seep behind the stucco and cause serious damage. Common areas where flashing is often missing or failing include around windows, doors, roofs, porches and brick ledges. The flashing should always be installed to the substrate, (plywood or OSB), never the outside of the synthetic stucco. All too often we find the EIFS stucco comes all the way down to the brick or stone ledge without flashing installed. For more information on brick and stone ledge flashing click here.
Porches
Porches that are installed to an Exterior Insulation and Finish System wall are notorious for failing.
Windows
A lot of windows these days are self flashed, but there is nothing better than flashing installed behind the system and down over the window.
Roofs
When a roof terminates into a stucco wall there is supposed to be a kick-out flashing used. We have an entire article about the use of kickout flashings here. Make sure to check these areas carefully and install flashing as needed. And if you have any questions or concerns about EIFS flashing, be sure to consult with a qualified contractor for expert advice.
Kick out Flashing Stucco
If you are considering installing EIFS on your home, it is important to understand the importance of kick out flashings. This article will discuss what a kick out flashing is, why it is important, and how to install it properly.
Kick out flashing is a metal flashing that is installed at the base of the roof where it terminates to an EIFS stucco wall. It diverts roof runoff water into the gutter system.
Kick out flashing is an important part of the EIFS system because it helps to keep moisture from infiltrating the back side of the synthetic stucco. If moisture enters the system, it can cause damage to the wood substrate, which can lead to mold growth and rot.
The best way to install kick out flashing is to use a manufacturer approved kick out which is designed for this specific purpose. The two main things are to install the flashing to the substrate not on top of the stucco, and the second is to make sure the kick-out is under the roof card flashings. It is important to make sure that the flashing is properly sealed around the stucco to prevent moisture from entering.
EIFS is an acronym for Exterior Insulation and Finish System also known as synthetic stucco or Dryvit
Flashing at brick/stone ledge
The synthetic stucco is caulked directly to the ledge, which is not a good practice, because if moisture were to get behind the system it would be trapped with no way to escape. If a flashing is installed at the brick ledge and the stucco system were to become compromised it could not affect the wall below that the stone or brick is attached to. This affects commercial buildings as well as homes.
Decks
Mostly due to the fact that the deck guy has no idea what the synthetic stucco manufacturer specifications are for installing a deck, and just installs the deck like he would with brick or siding. As it turns out, that’s not such a good idea.
Flashing at concrete
Flashing at window/door header
Parapet wall flashing
Porch and Deck Flashing
Why are so many decks and porches not flashed when it comes to the EIFS stucco application?
Well, it’s mostly due to the fact that the deck guy has no idea what the synthetic stucco manufacturer specifications are for installing a deck, and they just install the deck like they would with brick or siding. As it turns out, that’s not such a good idea. If you do not want moisture intrusion down the road you must properly flash any boards that penetrate the EIFS. The deck mounting boards and brackets should always be installed to the substrate, not the synthetic stucco.Best practice is to check the manufacturers specifications for installing a deck or porch.
