Today’s construction projects incorporate hundreds—if not thousands—of materials and products within the building enclosure. Among the most critical, yet often overlooked, components is flashing. Commonly referred to as “that little L” at the base of a wall or above an opening, flashings play a vital role in collecting and directing water back to the exterior. When improperly designed, detailed, or installed, the results can include water intrusion, material deterioration, costly repairs, and project delays. This presentation examines real-world project experiences from across North America, highlighting the consequences of missing, misplaced, or improperly installed flashings. Attendees will review common flashing materials, understand how flashing interfaces affect adjacent enclosure components, and explore case studies demonstrating the impact of flashing failures on building performance, owners, and contractors.

Learning Objectives:

1. Review common masonry through-wall flashing materials used in today’s construction market.
2. Understand how improperly installed flashings can negatively impact the performance of adjacent enclosure materials and systems.
3.  Identify where continuous flashings are required within masonry, metal panel, and other wall assemblies.
4. Analyze project case studies demonstrating how flashing deficiencies can lead to water intrusion, rework, increased costs, and owner dissatisfaction.

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Melissa Payne, BECxP, CxA+BE, CDT, Building Enclosure Consulting – Forensics, Owner, Midwest Enclosure Consulting, LLC 

Melissa I. Payne is the founder of Midwest Enclosure Consulting, LLC, established in September 2022, where she provides independent, third-party building enclosure consulting services. She works with clients across all phases of a project –design, construction, and operation – to mitigate risk and deliver effective, high-performing building envelope solutions.
Ms. Payne has a strong foundation in building envelope commissioning, commissioning authority services, building science, construction observation, performance testing, and project management. Her experience spans institutional, K-12, higher education, government, healthcare, hospitality, and industrial facilities.
With a background that includes owner representation, forensic investigation, commissioning provider services, and manufacturer-side consulting, Melissa brings a comprehensive, well-rounded perspective to the design and construction industry. She collaborates closely with owners, architects, engineers, construction managers, and enclosure trades to promote durable, high-performance building enclosures. Known for fostering collaboration, she focuses on bridging the gap between design and construction through design reviews, development of project-specific details, construction observation and documentation, and proactive risk mitigation strategies related to building enclosure systems.