Water Damage & Your Home

Water damage is often the worst type of damage. The only two ways to fix these issues are either by avoiding them all together or completely removing the damaged infrastructure.

Let's talk about a $16 piece of flashing. In the event of a storm or heavy rainfall, this little missing link has caused millions of dollars' worth of damage to homes just like yours.

Think of your own house. The last thing you want is your vertical siding getting exposed and worn down because of the runoff from rainfall. It may not happen overnight, but you could be facing an example like the one below.

Interested in this $16 piece of flashing? This specific piece is called a "diverter" or "kick-out." Diverters need to be installed at the junction of roof edges and the vertical siding. If not installed, water will slowly leak behind the wall regardless of the type of siding material. Over time, this affects the sheathing and the structural framing of the building.

Here is what it looks like.

So why do builders ignore this critical device?

I've found that on any given job site, there are often multiple independent sub-contractors who are being paid by the job -- not by the hour. That means there are overlaps between services and contractors who assume it is another contractor's responsibility to install the device.

Is it the siding contractor's responsibility? Is it the roofing contractor's responsibility?

The bottom line is that it really doesn't matter. If it is not installed, the area will most likely leak. Ultimately, it is the general contractor who should supervise and coordinate with the sub-contractors to make sure it is properly installed.

Over the years I have found multiple homes with either missing diverters and improperly installed flashing that actually causes more damage.

Be advised -- because this omission is a direct result of faulty workmanship and not high winds, rain or storms, this type of damage is not covered under your homeowner's insurance policy.

So whether it is buying a home or inspecting an existing building, this issue requires an experienced and qualified home inspector to evaluate flashing installations. After all, regardless of the profession or trade, it's all in the details.