DIY Window Flashing

Rainwater sheets off exterior walls naturally. However, doorways and windows offer points through which the sheeting water can seep into the house. To guard against this, the edges of window frames are covered with sheets referred to as flashing. Over time, metal flashing tends to corrode and synthetic flashing tends to deteriorate. The more extensive the corrosion or deterioration, the greater the likelihood of leaks. Most homeowners can replace damaged flashing without the assistance of a professional.

Pry bar
Claw hammer
Putty knife
Paper towel
Metal snips
Silicone caulk
Caulking gun
Flashing nails

Instructions

- 1
  Insert the tip of a pry bar between the underside of the siding piece directly above the flashing, and pry the siding away from the flashing just enough to access the flashing nails.
- 2
  Remove the flashing nails by prying them out of the flashing with a claw hammer.
- 3
  Pull the old flashing away from the window.
- 4
  Remove any old caulking from the edge of the window frame by scraping the residue with a putty knife and wiping down the window edge with a damp paper towel.
- 5
  Cut a new length of window flashing with metal snips, using the old flashing piece as a measuring tool.
- 6
  Apply silicone caulk along the entire length of the window edge with a caulking gun.
- 7
  Slide the new flashing under the shingle and press the flashing into the caulk.
- 8
  Drive new flashing nails through each hole within the flashing to secure it in place.

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Window & Door Repair