How to Replace Roof Step Flashing

Over time step flashing can become damaged or corroded. As a result, it is important to check your roof a couple of times a year to look for shingle and step flashing damage. When you find damaged step flashing it is vital that you repair it quickly to prevent water from entering the home.

To replace roof step flashing, you need a few basic tools, step flashing, and a ladder. You can buy step flashing as small flat metal sheets, or pre-bent to a 90o angle.

For tools and materials you will need a pair of tin slips, hammer, flatbar, work gloves, roof cement, and a few galvanized roofing nails. You may also need a few galvanized siding nails if you need to remove siding from the home.

Instead of removing the old step flashing, it is usually less effort to simply install a new piece over the old one. The first step in installing new step flashing is to measure the length of flashing necessary and to cut it to length using your tins snips, if necessary. Make sure you wear work gloves when cutting metal flashing as it is extremely sharp.

After cutting the roof step flashing, bend it to form a 90o angle, if you bought the flat type step flashing.

Next, slide the vertical side of the flashing up and underneath the vertical wall home siding, while at the same time sliding the horizontal side up and underneath the adjacent roof shingle. Make sure you slide the horizontal side over the existing damaged step flashing. Use a little roof cement to hold it into place.

If you are unable to easily slide the piece of roof step flashing up and underneath the siding or shingles, you may need to remove a little of the house siding. In some cases, you may also need to remove a couple of shingles to get access to the old roof step flashing.

Once you have removed the necessary house siding and shingles, remove the old piece of step flashing. Then slide the new step flashing into place, up underneath the shingle if it was not removed, and against the vertical wall. Note that the flashing should go up the vertical wall by approximately 2 inches. Fasten the step flashing to the vertical wall with one galvanized roofing nail.

Do not put any nails into the horizontal side of the flashing that is resting on the roof. Again, use a dab of roofing cement to hold the flashing up against the backside of the shingle and to seal any seams.

Finally, nail the house siding back onto the house and replace any removed shingles. Again, use a dab or two of roofing cement to hold the shingles flat against the roof.