How to Flash a Deck Ledger Board
If you cut out your siding to install a ledger board, careful steps must be taken to ensure that moisture cannot reach your house. Infiltrating rainwater can travel downward, sideways and even upward, so special flashings must be used. In the past, metal flashing and extra layers of roofing felt (tar paper) were often used, but nowadays, vinyl “Z” flashing and rolls of vinyl back flashing do a better job.
Ideally, the house’s sheathing should be triple protected from moisture - with building paper or roofing felt stapled to the sheathing; then with back flashing; and then the Z flashing, which also protects the ledger itself.
The deck flashing configuration shown in this article is quite common. However, your codes may call for other methods, so check with your building department before you start work. For instance, some inspectors may prefer self-adhering flashing (which is much the same as self-stick ice and water shield often used at roof eaves) instead of vinyl back flashing.
It's dangerous whenever using a razor knife. Be sure to clamp a straight edge to the surface to ensure a straight line. This is just a score, not a cut. You do not want to cut through the flashing. Cutting halfway through will allow it to bend very easily.
In this example, we used back flashing that is as wide as the exposed building paper, plus 3". Mark for cutting to length with a square and pencil, and cut with tin snips. To make a bend at an inside corner, clamp a straight edge onto the piece and score with a knife, and bend carefully.
Slip the back flashing under the siding at least 3" at the top and the sides. You may need to pry out siding first. If nails are in the way, pull them out. Pry the siding out near a nail, then push the pry bar against the nail as you partially tap the siding back in. That should pop the nail head out far enough so you can pry it out. Take care not to tear the building paper or tar paper while you do this. Attach the back flashing with as few nails as necessary to keep it lying flat.
[TIP]
At this point, you will need to go to here to cut and attach the ledger. Then, come back and install the Z flashing.
[Tip] When nailing your vinyl Z flashing to the house, be sure to nail every 12" along the house with roofing nails. The nails should not be nailed tight to the flashing. You should allow the flashing to move from side to side in the slotted hole provided. Do not notch the flashing around joists.
At an inside corner, slide the first piece in so its bottom lip slips in between the two boards. (If the boards are too tight and you cannot do that, cut the lip to fit.) Snip a notch out of the second piece as shown, and slip it into place. If the second piece cannot sit flat, you may need to cut the notch a bit larger.
To keep water and ice from building up between the first deck board and the flashing, use an EPDM foam, such as Trex RainEscape Wall Flash.
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Explore Articles by Topic
Footings
Information related to installing frost footings for decks
Framing
Learn structural framing methods
Decking
Learn about wood and composite decking materials
Stairs
An in-depth look at the complex issue of how to build stairs
Railings
How to install guardrails and handrails to meet IRC code
Features
An overview on water drainage, benches, planters and lights
Design
The basics of deck design
Planning
Learn about permits and working with contractors
Porches & Patios
Build a covered deck to enjoy all seasons
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Proper attachment techniques
Care
Maintain your deck to maintain your investment
Materials
An overview on water drainage, benches, planters and lights