Reglet
A narrow groove or channel cut into masonry or concrete to receive the top edge of counter flashing or apron flashing. Creates a mechanical lock that secures the flashing without relying solely on sealant.
What Is a Reglet
A reglet is a narrow horizontal groove cut into masonry, brick, stone, or concrete at a roof-to-wall or roof-to-chimney junction that receives and mechanically secures the top edge of counter flashing or apron flashing, providing a weather-tight connection that does not rely on surface-applied sealant alone. The flashing is bent to fit into the groove, inserted, and then the groove is sealed with urethane caulk. If the sealant eventually fails, the mechanical lock of the reglet still holds the flashing in place.
Reglet Installation
A reglet is cut using a masonry saw or grinder, typically into a horizontal mortar joint on a brick chimney or wall. The cut is about 1 to 1.5 inches deep and wide enough to accept the flashing edge. On new construction, reglets are sometimes formed into the concrete during the pour using embedded reglet strips. On existing masonry during a re-roof, the roofer cuts a new reglet or cleans out and reuses the existing one if it is in good condition.
Reglets in Insurance Estimates
Reglet cutting is a separate line item from counter flashing installation in Xactimate. The labor to cut or clean the reglet, the sealant to fill it, and the counter flashing that inserts into it are all individual line items. Adjusters sometimes include counter flashing but omit the reglet work, assuming the flashing will be surface-mounted with sealant only. Surface mounting without a reglet is inferior workmanship. If the original installation used a reglet, the replacement should as well, and the reglet line item should appear in the estimate.
Frequently asked questions
A reglet is a groove cut into a masonry wall, chimney, or concrete parapet to receive the top edge of counter flashing or apron flashing. The flashing is inserted into the groove and sealed with caulk. The reglet provides a mechanical connection that holds the flashing in place even if the sealant fails.
When counter flashing or apron flashing needs replacement on a masonry chimney or wall, cutting a new reglet (or cleaning and reusing the existing one) is part of the scope. Reglet cutting is a separate line item from the flashing itself. If the estimate includes counter flashing but omits the reglet work, the estimate is incomplete.
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