When they built an addition (c. 192?) on our c. 188? farm house they left the existing siding and shingles in place and just built up against them. Where the new(er) roof meets the existing siding there’s no break in the siding to allow step flashing to be installed. It’s a real mess now with years of tar and caulk and whatever used to try to stop leaks – see the attached photos.
I’d like to make this right, which as far as I can tell will involve removing the shingles that run up against the wall, cutting the siding where it meets the roof underlayment, then cutting it again 3/4″ higher, then installing step flashing and shingles.
Anyone have a better idea? Any hints on how to cut the siding? I’m thinking one of those offset trim saws, but even though there’s only about 6′ of roof line to deal with it sounds like a lot of knuckle scraping.
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I don't want to discourage you but I've been there and done that. Used a cordless trim saw and a 10' 1/4" steel plate as a guide for the saw(on the shingles), I cut 1'' of the siding and tucked the step flashing under. I could only get 3" of flashing behind the siding. Ended up stripping and residing, and used 8"X 8" colored flashing, plus a one piece primary piece...like used for valley flashing...to eliminate the problem. But that was due to fierce wind driven rain.
It would take more than that to discourage me at this point. Sounds like you made what was essentially a valley running along the wall. I'll keep that in mind for sure.
I don't forsee a problem loosening up the siding, or even taking it off to get the step flashing in. I've been replacing and repairing enough of it as I go along. I'm still not sure how make a cut flush with the underlayment. Maybe one of those flexible japanese saws. Been looking for an exuse to buy one anyway.