Flashing Systems

What Is Step Flashing?

Step flashing is a series of small metal flashing pieces installed where shingles meet a vertical wall.

Understanding Step Flashing

Step Flashing: Step flashing is a series of small metal flashing pieces installed where shingles meet a vertical wall.

Published: June 4, 2026 Reviewed: June 4, 2026 Updated: June 4, 2026 By Exterior Echelon

Step flashing is used where a sloped shingle roof meets a vertical wall. Instead of one long strip, it uses individual metal pieces that work with each row of shingles.

Why It Matters

Roof-to-wall areas handle a lot of water. Proper step flashing gives water a path back onto the shingles instead of letting it run behind siding, trim, or wall materials.

Common Problems

Problems include missing pieces, reused damaged flashing, exposed fasteners, short metal pieces, heavy caulk repairs, and siding that hides a poor flashing detail.

Exterior Echelon Notes

Exterior Echelon reviews step flashing carefully during roof and siding work because this detail connects two major exterior systems.

Step flashing installed where roof shingles meet a wall
Step flashing helps redirect water at roof-to-wall intersections one shingle course at a time.

Related Terms

Continue learning with connected glossary definitions.

Counter Flashing

Roof Components

Counter flashing covers the top edge of base flashing to help keep water from getting behind roof-to-wall or chimney flashing.

Kickout Flashing

Flashing Systems

Kickout flashing is a flashing detail that directs roof runoff away from a wall and into the gutter at a roof-to-wall intersection.

Roof-to-Wall Flashing

Flashing Systems

Roof-to-wall flashing protects the joint where a roof meets a vertical wall.

Headwall Flashing

Flashing

Headwall flashing is metal flashing installed where the top of a sloped roof meets a vertical wall.

3-Tab Shingle

Roofing Materials

A 3-tab shingle is a flat asphalt shingle with cutouts that create the appearance of three separate tabs.

Actual Cash Value (ACV)

Insurance & Claims

Actual Cash Value, or ACV, is an insurance valuation that generally reflects replacement cost minus depreciation.

Glossary Note

This glossary is provided for general homeowner education. Actual roofing, siding, gutter, window, and exterior remodeling conditions should be evaluated by a qualified contractor before making repair, replacement, or insurance claim decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Finding our content helpful?

Google Search preference

Add Exterior Echelon as your Preferred Source

Want to see more of our roofing, siding, gutter, and homeowner education content while researching future projects? Add Exterior Echelon as one of your preferred sources on Google.

Add Exterior Echelon on Google

This opens a Google preference page controlled by you. It does not indicate Google endorsement, approval, certification, accreditation, or partnership.

Need help with your roof?

Exterior Echelon can inspect your roof, explain what we find, and help you understand your repair or replacement options.

Get a Free Estimate

Related services

Residential Roofing

Residential Roofing

Roofing services that protect your home and boost curb appeal
Siding Installation

Siding Installation

Exterior siding solutions for curb appeal and protection