Step flashing is a series of small, bent metal pieces, one per shingle course, that overlap like steps where a sloped roof meets a vertical wall. Repair means replacing damaged or missing pieces and re-weaving them correctly into the shingles and wall covering. It is one of the building blocks of flashing repair services in Folsom, CA.
What step flashing repair involves
Each piece of step flashing is bent into an L, with one leg under a shingle and the other against the wall. Because each piece laps the one below, water follows the steps down and out onto the roof surface. The system only works if every piece is in place, the right length and covered by the wall material above it.
Failures are usually hidden. Pieces rust where wall siding traps moisture, nails puncture the metal, or a re-roof leaves old pieces in place under new shingles. Siding installed tight to the roof surface can also hide a step flashing that was never installed. Repairs often require pulling a section of siding and shingles to expose the metal.
Common problems this repair solves
- Rusted or pinholed steps hidden behind siding
- Nails or sealant used instead of overlapping metal
- Pieces too short, so water slips past the overlap
- Wall cladding that covers the metal without a gap above the roof
- Old flashing reused under a new roof
Signs you may need step flashing repair
- Stains on interior walls beside a roof-to-wall joint
- Peeling exterior paint or swollen siding near the roof line
- Rust streaks on the wall above the shingles
- Soft or discolored trim where the roof meets the wall
- Leaks that appear only in wind-driven rain
How the repair process works
- Expose the joint. Siding trim and nearby shingles are carefully lifted to see the existing step flashing.
- Replace damaged pieces. Rusted or missing steps are removed and new pieces are installed from the bottom up.
- Re-weave and cover. Shingles are laid over each step and wall cladding is re-set so it overlaps the metal without touching the roof.
- Check the end of the run. The bottom of the wall run is inspected for a diverter or kick-out and sealed accordingly.
What a good repair achieves
- Keeps water out of wall cavities beside roof junctions
- Prevents hidden rot in sheathing and framing
- Can be done in sections without redoing the whole roof
Why step flashing failures stay hidden for years
Step flashing sits between the shingles and the wall, covered by both. Water that gets behind a failed step does not run down the visible surface. It follows the wall sheathing into the cavity, where it can soak insulation and framing for a long time before a stain appears inside. By then, the damage is often larger than the leak itself.
That is why the exterior clues matter. Look for paint peeling in a diagonal line where the wall meets the roof, dark streaks running down siding from the joint, or soft trim at the bottom of the wall. Any of these deserves a closer look, even without an interior stain.
What should happen to step flashing when a roof is replaced
During a re-roof, step flashing should be inspected, and in most cases replaced, because the metal has already aged as long as the old roof. Reusing it saves a small amount on the job but risks leaving a weak joint under brand-new shingles. Another common problem is a roof covering installed against a wall with no flashing at all, only caulk, which will work for a season or two and then fail.
If your roof was replaced and you now have a leak along a wall, ask the roofer to confirm whether step flashing was installed and whether it was replaced or reused. Photos from the original job, if you have them, are very helpful.
Siding, stucco or brick: the wall decides the repair
Step flashing is only half of the joint, and the wall material above it matters just as much. On lap siding, the bottom course is lifted or the siding trimmed back to leave a gap above the roof surface, so the metal can sit behind the wall covering. On stucco, the stucco may need to be cut back to expose the metal, with a plaster stop or termination at the roof line. On a brick wall, the metal is usually topped with counter flashing set into the mortar.
The wall repair is part of the job. When you compare quotes, check that each one says who will repair and finish the siding, stucco or paint after the metal is replaced.
Step Flashing Repair in Folsom: local considerations
Folsom's mix of lap siding, stucco and stone veneer means step flashing details vary from house to house. On stucco walls, the stucco often has to be cut back to expose the metal, so the repair is a roofing and wall-finish coordination job. The 1990s-era neighborhoods like Natoma Station and Prairie Oaks may have original flashing that has reached the end of its service life.
Where the wall run ends at a roof edge, the same leak pattern relates to roof wall flashing repair. For the full list of services, visit our Folsom roof flashing repair services page.
Cost considerations
Step flashing repair cost depends on the length of the wall run, the wall cladding (siding, stucco, brick), how many shingles must be lifted and whether wall repairs are included. Replacing a few pieces is a small job; rebuilding a long run behind stucco is more involved. Prices vary by job.
Ask whether wall finish repair is included in the quote so you are not surprised by a separate stucco or paint bill.
When to call a professional
Call a professional because step flashing sits behind finished surfaces and needs both roofing and siding skills. Prying siding or shingles without experience can damage them and the water barrier behind them.
Step Flashing Repair FAQs
Does step flashing wear out?
The metal can corrode and the fasteners or sealant around it can fail, usually well before the shingles are fully worn.
Can step flashing be repaired without removing siding?
Rarely. The piece sits behind the cladding, so some of the siding or trim typically needs to be lifted.
Is step flashing the same as apron flashing?
No. Step flashing runs in pieces along a sidewall, while apron flashing is a single piece along the lower edge of a wall or chimney.