What is the purpose of flashings in exterior panel joints?

• A. Flashings hold tiles in place.
• B. Flashings are decorative trim.
• C. Flashings help direct water away from joints to prevent infiltration.
• D. Flashings add color.

Answer: (C)

Flashings at exterior panel joints are all about water management. Joints between panels are vulnerable paths for moisture to seep behind the siding or cladding. Flashings are metal or plastic pieces installed at these seams to shed water away from the joint and into the weather exposure, forming a barrier that keeps moisture from infiltrating the underlying structure. They work with the surrounding weather-resistant barrier and sealant to prevent water from getting behind the panels during rain or melting snow, and they accommodate some movement between materials as temperatures change. They’re not primarily for holding tiles, they aren’t simply decorative trim, and they don’t add color—their job is to direct water out and keep the structure dry.