Replacing Step Flashing Behind Siding: How to Document It

Step flashing along a sidewall or dormer is often covered by siding, stucco or trim. When the crew opens the junction and finds the old flashing rusted through, bent or missing, the replacement may need extra labor around the wall covering. The way to document it is to photograph the junction, the condition of the metal and the access work, record the length, and write down plainly why the old pieces cannot be reused. The carrier decides what to pay.

Disclosure: we make Supplement Snap, which helps roofing crews document damage found at tear-off and export a report. It does not decide coverage, negotiate claims or guarantee approval. This page is general guidance, not legal or claims advice.

Flashing behind siding is out of sight, so the original estimate often does not know its condition. A reviewer may also ask whether the existing metal could have been reused, and whether the work behind the siding was necessary. A clear photo and a factual reason answer both questions before they are asked.

Take a wide photo of the wall where it meets the roof, with the roof slope and the wall covering in the frame. Note which wall it is: left sidewall of the main roof, dormer front, chimney side. Our flashing and vents guide covers the full count of small items.

Lift or remove only what you need to see it, then photograph the flashing close up with a tape. Rust through, holes, pieces that crumble or lift, and missing sections should each have a close photo. If a piece cannot be reused because it breaks when lifted, photograph it breaking, or photograph the broken piece beside the tape.

Write the linear feet along the wall. Note what had to be cut, lifted or removed to reach the flashing, such as a section of siding trim, a row of stucco, or a counterflashing. Photograph the access work. The labor to reach and restore the area is part of the finding.

A short note is enough: Existing step flashing corroded with holes along 22 linear feet. Pieces broke when lifted. Replacement installed to match the new shingle course. Avoid saying it is always required. Local code and the shingle maker's instructions may say how flashing should be installed, so check them. Building codes, manufacturer instructions, policy wording and carrier practice vary, so confirm the details for your job with the building department and the claim documents.

On a roof with a stucco sidewall, the crew exposes the step flashing along 22 feet and finds holes and crumbling edges. The lead photographs the wall, the metal with a tape, and a piece that breaks in his hand. He notes that a strip of stucco was cut back to reach the flashing and photographs that too.

The office makes one finding for the flashing with the length and photos and a second for the stucco work, so each can be reviewed separately. The numbers are invented for the example.

Step flashing, left sidewall of main roof: 22 linear feet corroded with holes, pieces broke when lifted. Stucco cut back and restored to reach it. Photos 24 to 31 show the wall, condition and access. Replacement and restoration requested.

Separate the flashing from the wall work so the reviewer can say yes or no to each.

Name the one you are describing, so the reviewer can match your note to your photo.

Sometimes, but not always. It depends on how the wall is covered and how the old flashing was installed. Some installers lift or cut a strip of siding or trim to reach the metal, and some work with the wall covering in place. The right method follows the siding maker's guidance, the shingle and flashing manufacturers' instructions, and local code. Whatever you did, photograph it and write it down, because the access work is part of the finding.

Old flashing in good condition, with the right profile for the new shingle courses, can sometimes be reused. If yours is sound, say so, and do not claim it needs replacing. A reviewer who sees honest notes on the good pieces is more likely to trust your notes on the bad ones. Building codes, manufacturer instructions, policy wording and carrier practice vary, so confirm the details for your job with the building department and the claim documents.