What is Base Flashing?

If you follow my videos you’ve seen one where I talk about a brick ledge in a foundation. This is where the first course of bricks gets set when building a wall.  Base flashing is a vinyl material about 16 inches wide that is installed on top of the brick ledge ( overhanging it just a bit) and is fastened to the studded wall behind to protect it.  The bricks are laid directly on top of this base flashing so that when moisture accumulates behind the wall it finds its way to the flashing and drains out the weep holes.  

Without it, moisture could affect the sill plate and framing. Code calls for the flashing to extend through the masonry. This is why you can often see the edge of the flashing sticking out from under the first course of bricks. Meticulous builders will go around and cut the flashing off or use a propane touch to melt it back flush against the brick so that it’s invisible unless you are really looking for it.

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