Flashing Tape
Flashing tape is a self-adhesive, waterproof membrane strip used to seal window and door rough openings, roof-to-wall transitions, and other joints where traditional metal flashing is impractical.
Flexible Waterproofing for Tight Spots
Flashing tape is a self-adhesive waterproof membrane strip used to seal joints, transitions, and openings where traditional metal flashing cannot conform to the surface or where a low-profile seal is required. Available in various widths and formulations, flashing tape provides a waterproof barrier at window and door rough openings, roof-to-wall transitions, skylight curbs, and other joints. It conforms to irregular surfaces and bonds directly to substrates like plywood, OSB, housewrap, and metal.
On insurance claims involving both roofing and siding or window damage, flashing tape is a separate line item that should appear in the estimate.
Applications in Restoration Work
After storm damage, flashing tape is commonly used during repairs at roof-to-wall intersections where the siding must be removed to install step flashing. The tape is applied to the wall sheathing behind the step flashing and siding to create a continuous moisture barrier. Around windows and doors being replaced or re-flashed after damage, tape is applied to the rough opening before the unit is installed. Each of these applications is a separate scope item that should be captured in the estimate.
Flashing tape is also used for temporary weatherproofing during construction, sealing exposed joints until permanent materials are installed.
Estimating Flashing Tape
Xactimate includes line items for flashing tape applications at various locations. The tape is priced by linear or square foot, depending on the application. When writing an estimate, specify where flashing tape is being used and the width required. Window and door flashing tape applications are under the siding or exterior trade categories, while roof applications are under roofing. Separating these items by trade category and location produces a cleaner, more defensible estimate.
Frequently asked questions
Flashing tape is used where flexibility and adhesion are more important than rigidity: around window and door openings, at roof-to-wall transitions behind siding, at skylight curbs, and at irregular joints where metal flashing cannot conform to the surface profile.
In many jurisdictions, flashing tape or equivalent self-adhesive membrane is required at window and door rough openings and at certain roof transitions per the building code. The specific requirements vary by local code adoption.
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