Since we are on the subject of flashing. My roofers always step flash and then counter-step flash, but I also see a lot of straight line counter flashing over the typical step flashing. Which of these two methods are better and why?
Thank you someone for bringing this up.
Either is acceptable IF and only IF they are cut into the masonry. Most guys around here are going european style, meaning it's a straight piece of flashing caulked on the top but not cut into the masonry. I knew a guy from Michigan that did a straight piece of counter flashing but it was cut into the brick first using a circular saw and masonry cutting blade. I find this method to be acceptable, but I do not accept the european style since the flashing will leak when the caulk cracks, since the caulk is the only thing keeping the water out. Expect leaks on a european style counter flshing within 5 years.
Then there is the stepped counter flashing where the flashing follows the countour of the brick mortar joint. If the stepped counter flashing is done properly the mortar joint will be ground into about 3/8" to 1/2" deep. On each one of those steps, a metal flap will be bent about 3/8" to tuck into the chimney then be caulked. This is called "raggling". This in my opinion is the only proper way to flash a masonry wall or chimney. However I have seen many guys fake it and never grind the joint or bend the flap. At first glance it looks proper, but when the caulk cracks = leaks.
The only time we do the straight flashing is at a stucco wall, or when the existing flashing is straight and the masonry already cut (not often).
Why do you think more guys do the straight flashing and/or european style? It's faster, and that's cheaper, and you don't have to pay a skilled roofer, and that too is cheaper.