Apparatus and method for preventing moisture accumulation

Abstract

According to one embodiment of the invention, a flashing is adapted for installation to protect a ledger board from environmental conditions. The flashing comprises an insertion lip, a support section, a base section and an extension section. The support section coupled to the insertion lip. The base section is coupled to the support section and is substantially in parallel with the insertion lip. The extension section is coupled to the base section and includes a first part and a drip edge. The drip edge includes a kick extending away from the first part and a hem extending from an edge portion of the kick back toward a rear surface of the extension section.

1 . A flashing adapted for installation to protect a ledger board from environmental conditions, the flashing comprising:
 an insertion lip;   a support section coupled to the insertion lip;   a base section coupled to the support section, the base section being substantially in parallel with the insertion lip; and   an extension section coupled to the base section, the extension section including a first part and a drip edge including a kick extending away from the first part and a hem extending from an edge portion of the kick back toward a rear surface of the extension section.   
   
   
       2 . The flashing of  claim 1  wherein the base section is downwardly angled from a first intersection between the support section and the base section to a second intersection between the base section and the extension section. 
   
   
       3 . The flashing of  claim 1  wherein the base section is situated on and flush against a top surface of the ledger board. 
   
   
       4 . The flashing of  claim 3 , wherein a width of the base section is greater than a width of the ledger board so that the base section extends beyond the top surface of the ledger board. 
   
   
       5 . The flashing of  claim 2 , wherein the first intersection and the second intersection are bull-nosed. 
   
   
       6 . The flashing of  claim 3 , wherein the insertion lip is one and one-half inches from the top surface of the ledger board. 
   
   
       7 . The flashing of  claim 1  wherein the base section includes a predetermined curvature so as to the base section angularly extends over the top surface of the ledger board and contacts a front corner edge proximate to a front surface of the ledger board. 
   
   
       8 . The flashing of  claim 1  being made of a continuous piece of metal. 
   
   
       9 . A flashing adapted for attachment to a ledger board that is attached to a wall of a structure, the flashing comprising:
 a support section;   a base section coupled to the support section and extending from an area proximate to the wall of the structure beyond a width of the ledger board; and   an insertion lip coupled to and perpendicular with the support section, the insertion lip being positioned one and one-half inches above the base section for attachment to a grooved section of the wall.   
   
   
       10 . The flashing of  claim 9  wherein the base section is substantially perpendicular to the support section and in parallel with the insertion lip. 
   
   
       11 . The flashing of  claim 9  wherein the support section is positioned to be flush against the wall of the structure. 
   
   
       12 . The flashing of  claim 9  wherein the base section is oriented to be downward sloping to create a gap between the flashing and a deck board. 
   
   
       13 . The flashing of  claim 9  further comprising
 an extension section coupled to the base section, the extension section including a first part and a drip edge including a first portion extending at an angle from the first part and a hem extending from an edge of the first portion and curving back toward a rear surface of the extension section.   
   
   
       14 . The flashing of  claim 9  being made of a continuous piece of metal. 
   
   
       15 . A metal flashing adapted for installation to protect a ledger board from environmental conditions, the flashing comprising:
 an insertion lip oriented horizontally;   a support section coupled to the insertion lip and substantially perpendicular to the insertion lip;   a base section coupled to the support section and substantially in parallel with the insertion lip;   an extension section coupled to the base section, the extension section including a drip edge that includes a first portion extending away from the support section and a curved second portion extending from an edge of the first portion and returning toward a rear surface of the second portion.   
   
   
       16 . The flashing of  claim 15  wherein the base section is downwardly from a first intersection between the support section and the base section to a second intersection between the base section and the extension section. 
   
   
       17 . The flashing of  claim 15  wherein the base section is placed on and flush against a top surface of the ledger board. 
   
   
       18 . The flashing of  claim 17 , wherein a width of the base section is greater than a width of the ledger board so that the base section extends beyond the top surface of the ledger board. 
   
   
       19 . The flashing of  claim 17 , wherein the insertion lip is one and one-half inches from the top surface of the ledger board. 
   
   
       20 . The flashing of  claim 17  wherein the base section includes a predetermined curvature so as to the base section angularly extends over the top surface of the ledger board and contacts a front corner edge proximate to a front surface of the ledger board.