The importance of flashing components

by sadia_badhon | November 6, 2020 10:34 am

[1]

By Steven Fechino

Flashing must not be taken for granted, as one can only get away with so much before leaking walls destroy a reputation and a completed project.

In the 1980s, flashing was typically a thin copper membrane with brown paper and tar sandwiched together to which masons used to add a bit of mastic. Professionals in the field anchored the flashing in the backup wall, typically a concrete masonry unit (CMU) substrate. Masons would lay the edge of the flashing in the bed joint of the CMU coursing, and it would be held in place once the mortar between units set.

In 1989, masonry professionals were introduced to end dams and drip edges. Prior to that, flashings were often cut to fit the face of the wall with a trowel—an irregular, jagged cut that could allow water to flow back into the wall. The flashing was often placed in the block work before the brick, creating the need for trimming once the brickwork started, and it had to be cut to be somewhat even with the face of the wall.

Flashing components are as important as the membrane is to the whole system when it comes to keeping the building dry. Flashing cannot be installed somewhat correctly; it has to be precise. The money and time it takes to ‘re-do’ flashing is straight out of the contractor’s pocket.

[2]

Components

End dams were seen as new back in the 1980s. They were added to the flashing system and seemed to have a purpose. The current practice of using prefabricated components is not the only way to flash a building. However, in some cases, they can give installers with less training the same ability to flash a building as more experienced mechanics.

One can pull and fold an end dam, but this can easily be installed upside down, thereby creating a leak. Another method is to pull the end of the flashing and place it in the head joint, once it is trimmed. However, this too can sag out of place, creating a leak. The solution is to use a prefabricated end dam. In the author’s experience, the cost of using the proper component is comparable to the pulling or folding method.

In all flashing termination methods discussed above—where the flashing is tucked or the end dam is made from a scrap piece of flashing—the actual flashing creates the termination. When using an end dam, figuring the flashing length becomes quick and simple. If the window rough opening is 2.44 m (8 ft), one would use 2.74 m (9 ft) of flashing, grab two end dams, term-bar, anchors, and some sealant. This way there would be 0.15 m (0.5 ft) of bearing on both sides; the end dam will be long enough to bond to the flashing and fill the required head joint by sliding the end dam out a little bit. It is quick and requires less thought than creating an end dam or pulling and tucking the flashing. Time is money, and since labour is expensive, every decision to make improvements helps the bottom line.

It has been said by bricklayers the amount of water collecting on the flashing is minimal, and it is best to let it fall off the ends of the flashing because it will dissipate in the cavity and not cause any problems. It may work once or twice, but this practice is unsustainable. In the author’s experience, it is not recommended to do a flashing on a house without an end dam.

[3]

Materials

End dams typically are made out of synthetic rubber or stainless steel. The stainless steel ones are formed and soldered, and are a bit more difficult to trim. A pair of shears would be necessary to make the cut. Carborundum blades are not recommended for cutting stainless steel because they can leave residue, which could tarnish exposed brick or stonework post-installation due to the passage of moisture. Synthetic rubber end dams are injection-formed and require simple trimming with a knife to pre-fit the required dimensions. Depending on the membrane chosen for the project, bonding the end dam to the flashing can create additional issues. Many polymer-modified flashings require sealants or adhesives that bond to materials with a higher surface energy. An example of conflicting surface energy is when the marker ink does not stick to plastic—an incompatible sealant has similar adhesion problems with polymer-modified membranes.

A question asked sometimes is, “If you have run out of material and I think I used an incompatible sealant to bond my laps, what can be done?”

First, know exactly where to start and stop using the specified materials if a change needs to be made. This will help determine the location of a future problem and the repairs that would have to be undertaken. Second, let someone know what the daily high and low temperatures are along with the membrane being used on the project as well as if the substrate is clean and dry or cold and wet. All of this information gives the manufacturer a chance to help masons continue working until the specified materials can be delivered to the site. In most cases, the project will be better off if the contractor simply covers the work area with a tarp and keeps it clean and dry while working on another location until the required materials arrive.

If polyurethane or silicone is used under the drip edge and behind the term bar, a good bond on a dry substrate is likely. However, if it is wet, then one needs to wait. If a polyether sealant is employed in the same application, then it will work on the wet and dry substrate and behind the term bar, and there is a good chance to seal the laps if the sealant is matched to the flashing. Butyl sealant can help with these issues. It is compatible with ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), polypropylene, polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO), and metal flashings, which covers the spectrum of available flashings. Many of the mastics used in the late 1990s and early 2000s will not be compatible with the polymer-modified flashing membranes available today. Compatibility should be investigated before use by contacting the technical department of the manufacturer.

Corner boots fall into the same economic considerations as end dams. As a contractor, the evaluation of cost is made by the time it takes to make them against the purchase cost and reliability of the product. Installation of the corners also make fitting the flashing membrane easier as it allows for terminations to be sealed on top of the corner boots, which, in turn, can save on the risk and the dollars.

Conclusion

It is important to understand changes typically come with uncertainties and a perceived increase in material cost. However, it is not the case always. As mentioned earlier, prefabricated components cost the same as pulling or folding flashings. It is not risky to try something new.

Prefabricated components enable installers with less training to flash a building like more experienced masons.

Flashing components are as important as the membrane is to the whole system when it comes to keeping the building dry.

[4]Steven Fechino is the engineering and construction manager for Mortar Net Solutions. He provides engineering support services and product training. Fechino has a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering technology and two associate degrees in civil engineering and drafting and design specializing in building construction. He can be reached at sfechino@mortarnet.com[5].

Source URL: https://www.constructioncanada.net/the-importance-of-flashing-components/

---