CSLB General Building (B)Finishes and Building EnvelopeHard

A roofer is installing step flashing along a sidewall intersection where the composition shingle exposure is 6 inches. Code requires each step flashing piece to overlap the piece below it by a minimum of 2 inches. What is the minimum overall length of each step flashing piece measured along the roof slope?

  1. A10 inches
  2. B8 inches
  3. C6 inches
  4. D4 inches
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B. 8 inches

Each step flashing piece must span the full shingle exposure plus the required overlap with the piece below it, so the minimum length equals the 6-inch exposure plus the 2-inch minimum overlap, totaling 8 inches.

Why the other options are wrong

  • A. Exceeds the minimum required length calculation.
  • C. Covers exposure only, omitting the required overlap.
  • D. Too short to cover even the shingle exposure.

Step Flashing Length Sizing

Step flashing pieces at roof-to-wall intersections must be long enough to cover the shingle exposure plus overlap the piece below to prevent water infiltration.

  • Minimum overlap between pieces: 2 inches
  • Length = shingle exposure + overlap
  • Also requires minimum 4-inch height up wall and onto roof

Memory trick: 'Exposure plus overlap equals no leak gap.'

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