Y’all know how Texas weather can be rough on our homes. Between those Hill Country downpours and scorching summer heat, proper water management isn’t just important—it’s essential. But what if I told you that your “leaking gutters” might not be the real culprit behind those water stains?
The Real Deal with Kickout Flashing
Let me share a recent situation we encountered that’s all too common in our neck of the woods. A builder was quick to blame the gutters for water damage and even charged the homeowner for brick cleaning. Sound familiar? Here’s the kicker—the problem wasn’t the gutters at all.
What Is Kickout Flashing and Why Should Texas Homeowners Care?
Kickout flashing is that crucial piece of metal that’s supposed to direct water away from your walls and into your gutters. It needs to extend:
- 4 inches up the wall
- 4 inches onto the roof decking
- With proper overlap to prevent water penetration
The Hidden Trouble Spots
During our investigation, something we see often in homes from New Braunfels to Boerne became clear. While the gutters were perfectly sealed (we tested them extensively), water was sneaking behind that kickout flashing. This is particularly troublesome because:
- The damage isn’t immediately visible
- It can affect your home’s structure over time
- Repairs can be costly if left unchecked
- Many builders overlook proper installation
Protecting Your Texas Home
Here’s what every Hill Country homeowner should know:
- Don’t automatically assume your gutters are the problem
- Have a professional inspect your kickout flashing
- Watch for water stains on exterior walls
- Get proper documentation of any builder-related issues
The Bottom Line
“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” When it comes to protecting your home from water damage, proper diagnosis is key. Don’t let anyone tell you differently—your home deserves a thorough inspection before any blame gets thrown around.
Got questions about your home’s water management system? Lessard’s Rain Gutters has been serving the Texas Hill Country for 25 years. Give us a call at (830) 293-3910 or visit www.lessardsgutters.com to schedule an inspection.
