All roof penetrations need to be properly flashed to prevent water damage. This is especially important with dormers because they expose a large wall area to the weather and create many linear feet of vulnerable roof-wall intersections.
Here’s a step-by-step look at how to flash a dormer so that water is carried away from those vulnerable areas.
[1] Install roof underlayment up to the dormer, cutting it a few inches short of the roof-wall joints at the front and side walls. Apply peel-and-stick membrane to the front wall of the dormer, making sure it overlaps the roof underlayment and wraps up onto the wall 6 or 8 inches. Then do the same at the dormer sides, either stretching the membrane (or folding it, after making a small cut) around the corner.
[2] Install the rest of the roof underlayment, making sure to roll it up the side walls. Both the peel-and-stick membrane and the underlayment should extend up the wall higher than the vertical leg of the step flashing.
[3] Install roof shingles to the base of the dormer, notching around the corners as needed. Lay a bead of roofing cement along the shingles just below the dormer and bed the metal base flashing into it. Ideally, this custom flashing will have soldered corners, but if not, carefully notch the metal at the dormer corners and wrap the vertical leg around the corner onto the side wall. Fasten this flashing to the dormer walls, keeping the fasteners as far from the roof-wall joint as you can.
[4] The first piece of step flashing should extend over the base flashing. Carefully cut it at the bend and turn the vertical leg around the corner onto the front wall. Fasten only the roof leg, nailing through the flashing and the shingle into the roof sheathing. Fastening only the roof leg will avoid problems that may be caused by movement at the roof-wall joint.
[5] The next asphalt shingle overlaps the first piece of step flashing, completely concealing it. Install the next piece of step flashing on top of this shingle, aligning the bottom edge just above the nailing strip. Again, fasten only to the roof with a nail through the flashing and the shingle. Repeat—shingle, step flashing, shingle, step flashing—all the way up both sides of the dormer.
[6] At the top, roll the roof underlayment up onto the soffit and use peel-and-stick to seal the roof-soffit connection. Cover the membrane with a metal closure flashing. This area won’t get a lot of bulk water, but the flashing layers will keep windblown rain and snow from getting behind the roofing.
[7] Finally, install housewrap on the dormer wall, being careful to overlap the top of the step flashing and base flashing by several inches.
Comments (6)
Add new comment
Related Stories
Webinar: Project and Trade Management Musts—The New American Remodel 2023
Access the webinar here to learn project and trade management lessons from The New American Remodel 2023
How to Attach a Patio Roof to an Existing House
A graceful integration may mean more work but improved functionality and aesthetics
How To Improve Energy Performance in Existing Attics
There’s more to insulating the attic than attic insulation; there’s venting, air sealing, and misery
Model ReModel 2022: A Case Study in Sustainable, Thoughtful Construction
The eighth annual Model ReModel project features an accessory dwelling unit, designed for aging in place, attached to a 19th-century Victorian
Installing a Curbless Shower
Model ReModel 2022 features an ADA-compliant bathroom. The contractor shares the install process
How to Install PVC Bevel Siding Over Rainscreen
It’s a lot like installing wood bevel siding, except it won’t warp or rot. And it expands and contracts differently and for different reasons
Understanding How PVC Trim Moves
Anybody who’s used PVC in an exterior application knows that it moves seasonally. Just like wood, right? Not exactly
Step-by-Step Install of a High-Performance Cathedral Ceiling
See how Model ReModel 2022 constructed its vaulted ceiling
Diagnosing Cracked Concrete
These quick questions (and solutions) will allow you to determine if a crack is aesthetic or structural
Dormer Flashing Detail
Submitted by Ann Moran (not verified) on Wed, 06/29/2022 - 10:16
Dormer Flashing Detail
Hi There -
Just curious - the flashing is exposed across the "front" of the dormer? Or should it be covered by a row of shingles? Until now, I've never seen exposed flashing like this, and I think it looks "unfinished". Is this a new normal?
Re: Dormer Flashing Detail
Submitted by Peter (not verified) on Thu, 12/22/2022 - 11:29
In reply to Dormer Flashing Detail by Ann Moran (not verified)
PermalinkRe: Dormer Flashing Detail
Hi Ann,
You can install a "beauty strip" (or "beauty shingle") over the flashing to give it a more finished look. There are a couple different methods for that and there are a few videos on Youtube you can watch to see how it's done. Just search "shingle beauty strip" and check out some videos.
height of flashings
Submitted by tj turner (not verified) on Fri, 02/03/2023 - 07:06
height of flashings
Hello, how high should the flashings be at the side of the dormer? Thank you.
5"
Submitted by JD Sitton (not verified) on Tue, 04/04/2023 - 12:07
In reply to height of flashings by tj turner (not verified)
Permalink5"
Shingle Tins should be about 5" tall - and in a perfect world, the waterproofing underlayment would extend up behind the shingle tins about 5" as well. If the perimeter edge is brick, you need step flashing above - otherwise, you lap a weather resistive air barrier and your lap siding (whatever cladding you want, I suppose)
Valley Transition
Submitted by JD Sitton (not verified) on Tue, 04/04/2023 - 12:05
Valley Transition
Love to see this flashing explained.....what is unfortunate is that you never see how to flash the fascia board/transition from valley at the top above the metal closure flashing that closes off the soffit. That transition from valley to rake/frieze board can be argued as just as important as any of the shingle tins/step flashing.
Fascia boad
Submitted by Stephen Nelson (not verified) on Wed, 09/06/2023 - 01:31
Fascia boad
On a dormer window where the sub fascia meets the roof, do you install flashing before the final fascia board is installed and is there a standard go that is left on the fascia to tuck the shingles up under?