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Structure TalkAuthor: Reuben Saltzman
Structure Talk is a podcast about houses, home maintenance, home ownership, buying and selling houses, and of course, home inspections. The show is hosted by Reuben Saltzman at Structure Tech and Tessa Murry, the House Coach.Our podcast is sponsored by Inspector Empire Builder.Email us at podcast@structuretech.com Language: en Genres: Business Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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How important is flashing? (with Eric Houseman)
Episode 4
Monday, 9 February, 2026
To watch a video version of this podcast, click here: https://youtu.be/0US0bHGynQoIn this episode, Reuben Saltzman and Tessa Murry once again welcome Structure Tech’s Service Manager, Eric Houseman, for a deep dive into one of the most debated topics in home inspections: flashing and exterior water management. Prompted by an email from fellow home inspector Chris, the discussion explores real-world challenges with flashing details, siding clearances, and the gap between best practices and industry standards. The episode highlights why these details are often overlooked, how that impacts homes, and what inspectors and homeowners should know to avoid costly hidden damage. Here's the link to Inspector Empire Builder: https://www.iebcoaching.com/eventsTakeaways“No damage yet” is not a valid reason to ignore improper flashing—problems can take years to surface.You often cannot confirm the absence of damage without intrusive inspection, so assumptions are risky.Even small, undersized, or poorly angled kick‑out flashings can increase water intrusion potential.Head flashing/drip caps above windows and doors are universally required by manufacturers—even if local builders claim otherwise.Context matters: overhangs, siding type, wall assembly, and home age affect how serious missing flashing is.Water‑resistant barriers and tape alone cannot replace properly installed rigid flashing.When in doubt, report the defect clearly and let the builder or homeowner decide the next steps.Home inspectors must balance clarity, liability, and real‑world practicality when writing reports.Builder and agent pushback is common—but manufacturer instructions are the ultimate authority.Good bedside manner and client communication can prevent inspectors from being labeled “deal killers.”Chapters00:00 Intro and episode setup00:27 Welcoming back Eric Houseman00:56 Show sponsor: IEB01:40 Listener Chris’s email and the topic of exterior water‑management defects02:47 Question 1: Kick‑out flashing05:23 Undersized or improperly angled kick‑outs06:15 “There’s no damage—why mention it?”08:06 When and why Structure Tech calls out inadequate kick‑outs09:43 Real‑world builder behavior and simple fixes11:11 How wording in reports focuses on increased potential for problems12:10 Balancing best practice and liability13:53 Question 2: Drip caps and head flashing17:12 Why windows and openings universally require rigid flashing18:37 Builder pushback: “It’s not required.”21:07 What siding manufacturers expect (and why it matters)24:03 Considering home age, siding type, and overhangs25:46 A continuum of concern: stucco vs. vinyl28:08 How Structure Tech phrases drip‑cap comments29:12 Question 3: Z‑flashing, drainage gaps, and siding clearance31:57 Manufacturer requirements vs. real‑world installations32:46 Structure Tech’s canned report language36:57 Should you mention missing kick‑outs on older homes? (Yes.)38:48 Reuben’s personal stucco repair story41:25 Why missing flashing matters even on pre‑1990s homes41:43 How to respond when builders say “No other inspector reports this”45:13 Handling pushback and the “deal killer” label47:26 How agents affect deal perception51:11 Improving client experience and reducing anxiety52:59 Understanding client “pain tolerance.”54:24 Closing thoughts and invitation for listener feedback
