Kick-Out Flashing: A Simple Fix That Stopped a Bathroom Leak
Water intrusion during heavy rain is one of the most frustrating problems a homeowner can experience. In many cases, the source of the leak is not immediately obvious. In previous case studies, we’ve covered common flashing failures and improper repairs, including
vent pipe flashing issues and mistakes made during flashing repairs.
In this case, a homeowner contacted us after repeated water leaks appeared inside a bathroom during heavy rainstorms. The water was running down the drywall on an exterior wall, raising concerns about hidden damage and mold growth.
The Problem: Water Intrusion During Heavy Rain
The leak only occurred during significant rainfall, which often points to a flashing or exterior water-management issue rather than a roofing material failure. Because intermittent leaks can be difficult to trace visually, we performed a detailed inspection using infrared thermal imaging.
Finding the Real Cause with Infrared Inspection
The infrared scan confirmed that the roofing surface itself was intact. However, it also revealed moisture traveling behind the exterior wall. Further investigation showed that the home was missing a critical component: kick-out flashing.
Kick-out flashing is designed to divert water from the roof edge directly into the gutter, preventing runoff from flowing behind siding or stucco. Without it, water can travel down the wall system and enter the interior of the home—especially during heavy rainfall.
The Solution: Installing Kick-Out Flashing
To permanently resolve the issue, we installed properly sized kick-out flashing at the roof-to-wall intersection. This redirected water safely into the gutter system and eliminated the pathway that allowed moisture to enter the wall cavity.
After installation, the homeowner reported that the bathroom remained completely dry—even during subsequent heavy storms. The leak was permanently resolved without unnecessary roof replacement or invasive interior repairs.
Why Kick-Out Flashing Matters
This case highlights how small construction details can have a major impact on long-term water protection. Kick-out flashing is a simple, inexpensive solution that prevents serious damage when installed correctly.
- Prevents water from entering wall systems
- Reduces the risk of mold and structural damage
- Stops recurring leaks caused by heavy rain runoff
If you’re dealing with an unexplained roof or wall leak, a professional inspection can identify issues that are often missed during standard evaluations.
Contact us to schedule a roof leak inspection and get answers before water damage spreads.
Jon transitioned into custom residential home construction with an opportunity to become a working partner with Mike Evangelist. Since roofing had been a large part of my past work experience, it was a natural fit. Finding and detecting hard-to-track roof leaks is our specialty.
- Roof Leak Repair Case Study: Garage Ceiling Leak Caused by Missing House Wrap - January 28, 2025
- Kick-Out Flashing Repair: Solving a Bathroom Leak During Heavy Rain - November 29, 2023
- Proper Vent Pipe Flashing: The Key to a Leak-Free Roof - October 31, 2023