It all depends on how long you want your wall to function with the flashing. The plastic flashings are normally good for between 10 to 20 years, but the flexible metal flashings will last the life of your wall.  

The best longevity for through-wall flashings are the more noble metals on the galvanic chart such as stainless steel and copper flashings. Aluminum, steel, and galvanized steel should never be used in masonry flashing applications due to the fact that they corrode due to the alkalinity in the mortar and water. The plastic flashings have a dramatically lower life expectancy than the noble metals.  

The typical gauge for rigid through-wall flashing is 26 gauge for stainless steel or 16 oz for copper. 

Type 316 stainless steel is recommended within one mile of the coastline or in areas exposed to direct salt air. Its increased corrosion resistance helps protect against the combined effects of salt and moisture. With inlets and brackish water, your safest bet is to use type 316 stainless steel if you are within a mile of the ocean or tidal tributaries.  

Yes. Muriatic acid can remove copper's natural patina and temporarily restore a brighter appearance. Under normal brick-cleaning conditions, it will not damage copper. While prolonged immersion in muriatic acid can cause corrosion, this is not a concern in typical field applications. 

• Base flashing

• Under sill 

• Above fenestration 

• Shelf angle 

• Veneer material transition 

• Top of wall 

• Roof to wall connection 

Utilizing a termination bar is common practice in today’s masonry installation practices. You may also tuck the flashing into the backer wall like we did decades ago, but this installation practice makes it difficult to apply an air barrier and leaves the flashing exposed to the rigors of the jobsite for many months, which causes damage to the flashing. 

It depends on the type of adhesive your flashing is using. All substrates must be clean, dry, and free of any contaminants. Butyls and acrylics typically do not require a primer, unless the substrate requires it, but most common wall systems that TWF is applied to they do not need to prime. Most rubberized flashings and some hot melt flashings require a primer on all surfaces. 

Flashing needs to extend at least 6” above the mortar deflection device and if there is no mortar deflection device then the flashing should go up the backer wall a minimum of 8”. 

York Flashings metal flashings can span a maximum unsupported gap of 6 inches. Flashings must be installed tightly to prevent moisture from pooling and extra care must be taken at lap joints. Lap joints should be reinforced. Preferably, the flashing will be install with no lap joints in a monolithic piece. 

Yes, the building code requires flashings for all fenestrations (openings in the wall, like windows, doors, etc.), plane changes, and floor level breaks. 

The old saying “a chain is only as strong as it’s weakest link” is true in through-wall flashings. Depending on the application, York can provide sealant, preformed end dams and corners, drip edge, termination bars, mortar deflection device, transition membranes, and more. York also has an expert team that can assist you with any questions you may have regarding what is recommended in certain applications.

Termination bars should be fastened every 8 inches on center. Screws must attach directly to the backer wall supports. For example, on a steel stud wall with studs spaced 16 inches on center, blocking should be installed between the studs so the screws have a secure attachment point. Fastening only into the exterior sheathing can create wall openings over time due to differential movement, potentially leading to water intrusion. 

10 mils total 

There are some specific types of paint that work best for flexible vinyl. Paints that are mostly acrylic-based are the best as they stick to the vinyl better without cracking or chipping off. Urethane-modified acrylic paint also works well. Do not use poor-quality latex or oil-based paints. This will not expand and contract with the surfaces and will crack and chip. In my experience, spray paint works best when applied in multiple light coats. 

Polyurethane glues come in many forms and are very versatile. Polyurethane glue is ideal for gluing thinner flexible vinyl together, as well as gluing vinyl to other surfaces like wood or plastic. When using these types of glues, it is wise to prepare the surfaces with abrasion. Sandpaper works well in creating a surface texture that the glue will bite into. This increases the bond between the two materials. 

Butyl tapes have excellent UV resistance; however, proper installation should not leave them exposed to direct sunlight. When installed correctly, butyl tapes can provide a service life of 25+ years and are compatible with painted metals, including Galvalume®, Zincalume®, and Kynar®-coated products