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Eaves flashings for metal roofing: the two pieces people confuse

18.08.2026

Short answer. There are two different flashings at the eaves, and they are the ones people confuse. The lower one catches condensation from the underlay membrane; the upper one — the eaves flashing — catches water off the metal. Swap them, or run the membrane under the lower flashing, and the water goes not into the gutter but onto the fascia and into the soffit. The metal stays sound while the soffit rots.

The two elements people confuse

FlashingWhere it sitsWhat it catches
Membrane drip flashingon the fascia, under the counter-battenscondensation running down the underside of the membrane
Eaves flashingover the battens, under the sheetrainwater off the surface of the metal

Both discharge into the gutter, but from different planes. Membrane and metal are two independent drainage paths, and each needs its own outlet.

The order of layers at the eaves

Bottom to top, in the order they are installed:

LayerKey condition
1Fascia boardstraight, nothing tucks in behind it
2Membrane drip flashingfixed first, edge turned into the gutter
3Underlay membranebrought out over this flashing, never under it
4Counter-battensclamp the membrane and form the ventilation gap
5Battensspacing to suit the profile
6Eaves flashingover the battens, edge also into the gutter
7Profiled sheeting or metal tileoverhanging the eaves flashing

The mistake is nearly always the same: the membrane is tucked under the lower flashing. Condensation then bypasses the gutter and runs straight onto the fascia. Over one season nothing shows; after three the board darkens and starts rotting from within, and the cause is looked for in the roof covering.

How many flashings you need

It follows from the eaves length and the lap between flashings. A typical lap is 100 mm, which reduces the working length of each piece.

Flashing lengthWorking lengthFor 10 m of eavesFor a 10 m house, two eaves
2,000 mm1,900 mm6 pieces11 pieces
1,250 mm1,150 mm9 pieces18 pieces

The 2,000 mm length wins on joints: over the same 20 metres of eaves it takes 11 pieces instead of 18 — seven joints fewer. Every joint is a place where water can get behind the flashing.

Why the flashing should come from the same coil

Flashings are the one item in our components range that we make ourselves: we fold them on automatic Schröder folding equipment from the same steel as your sheet. Colour and coating do not merely look alike — it is one and the same coil.

The difference tells precisely at the eaves: the flashing runs as an unbroken line along the whole facade at eye level. A shade from another batch shows there better than anywhere on the roof.

ParameterValue
Flashing length1,250 or 2,000 mm
Blank width before foldingfrom 57 to 1,250 mm
Steelthe same coil as your profile
Equipmentautomatic Schröder folder

How to order

Step 1. Measure the eaves

The total length of all eaves. On a gable roof that is two sides; on a hip roof, the perimeter.

Step 2. Choose the flashing length

2,000 mm means fewer joints. 1,250 mm is easier to handle single-handed and to transport.

Step 3. Order flashings with the sheet

That way they come from one coil. Call (067) 077-56-77, Mon-Fri 08:00-17:00.

What we do not do

We do not install, design eaves details or visit sites. We fold flashings to your dimensions from your own steel.

FAQ

Can the lower flashing be skipped? If there is no underlay membrane, yes — there is nothing for it to catch. With a membrane it is mandatory.

How far should the sheet overhang the eaves flashing? Far enough for water to fall into the gutter rather than past it. The exact figure is set by where the gutter sits, not by the flashing.

Do you fold non-standard shapes? Blank width from 57 to 1,250 mm; angles and the number of folds are open to discussion. Complex profiles are a question for the manager, with a drawing.

Can I use another maker flashings? You can, but the colour will match only approximately. At the eaves that shows.

How long is the wait? Production 1-2 working days, delivery a further 1-5 days.

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