Flashing (weatherproofing)

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Flashing is the weatherproofing shielding put around objects which protrude from the roof of a building (such as pipes and chimneys, or the edges of other roofs) to deflect water away from the seams. It is also used on the top edges of doors or windows where they protrude from a wall.

Its name likely derives from the fact that metal flashing (typically copper or aluminum) reflects flashes of sunlight. Historically lead was also used for flashing, but this caused health and environmental problems. Modern flashing may also be rubber or other waterproof synthetic materials, but metal is still frequently used.

References: Lead phased out in new buildings [1]