Professional Kickout Flashing Installationin Smyrna GA
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About Kickout Flashing in Smyrna, Georgia
Understanding Kickout Flashing in Stucco and EIFS Installations
In the heart of Smyrna, Georgia, where summer rains and seasonal humidity are all too common, effective water management in building exteriors is non-negotiable. Among the many components crucial to a watertight structure, kickout flashing often goes unnoticed by homeowners and even some contractors. Yet, this seemingly small installation plays a powerful role in protecting residential homes and commercial buildings from devastating water intrusion. When working with exterior finishes like stucco, EIFS (Exterior Insulation and Finish System), and Dryvit—a proprietary brand of EIFS—the correct use of kickout flashing becomes essential to ensuring long-term structural health.
Kickout flashing, also known as diverter flashing, is installed at the junction where a roof edge meets a vertical wall—typically where a roof terminates into a wall system finished with stucco or similar materials. Its job? To divert rainwater safely away from the wall and into the gutter system, preventing water from entering the wall cavity. While this detail might seem small in the grand scheme of construction, improper or missing kickout flashing is one of the most common reasons behind moisture intrusion and subsequent structural damage, particularly in finishes like EIFS and Dryvit which, though energy-efficient and aesthetic, are less forgiving when moisture management is neglected.
The Silent Saboteur: When Kickout Flashing Is Missing
Many building owners in Smyrna are unaware of the extensive damage that can occur from an absent or poorly installed kickout flashing. A home may appear pristine from the outside while hidden moisture works silently behind the cladding. The consequences can be dire—rotted plywood sheathing, mold colonization in wall cavities, and corrosion of metal framing can compromise both safety and investment value. In commercial settings, the stakes are even higher, with potential interruptions to business operations, mounting repair costs, and liability risks.
Consider a retail plaza in central Smyrna where stucco had been installed without adequate roof-wall intersection flashing. Over time, water seeped behind the finish, leading to a weakening of the substrate and extensive mold remediation requirements. Not only were repair costs steep, but tenant businesses also suffered from the disruption. Conversely, a nearby office building using proper moisture barrier flashing, including correctly installed kickout diverters, maintained its structural integrity and cosmetic appeal even during periods of heavy precipitation, illustrating the stark contrast that this small feature can make.
Why Stucco, EIFS, and Dryvit Systems Require Extra Vigilance
Stucco and exterior insulation systems like EIFS provide excellent durability, insulation, and aesthetic appeal, but they are inherently reliant on correctly layered installation systems. These finishes do not "breathe" in the way traditional claddings like brick or wood might; therefore, water intrusion can be unforgiving and difficult to detect early. Since these materials are applied in multiple layers—with an outer finish coat, base coats, insulation board (in EIFS), and underlying sheathing—any breach in water management can trap moisture within the wall assembly, leading to progressive degradation.
This is especially important in the humid climate of northern Georgia, where trapped moisture does not easily evaporate. Moisture barrier flashing systems are designed to shepherd water down and out of the wall system. But without properly placed kickout diverter flashing at those high-risk roof-to-wall intersections, water bypasses the drainage paths and becomes a trapped hazard. This is why Advanced Stucco Repair in Smyrna makes kickout flashing a standard part of both new installation and exterior wall restoration protocols for residential and commercial properties alike.
The Process Behind Proper Kickout Flashing Installation
The effectiveness of kickout flashing hinges not just on its presence but on proper installation as part of an integrated exterior moisture control system. The process begins with a careful assessment of the exterior wall layout, roof slope, and potential moisture exposure zones—especially around eaves, dormers, and chimneys. For retrofitting or repair jobs, this may also involve removing portions of stucco or EIFS to expose the substrate and inspect for existing damage.
Once the location is identified, flashing materials—typically formed metal or engineered plastic—are shaped and installed at the junction of the roof edge and adjacent vertical wall. This diverter is positioned beneath the shingles on the roof side and extends outward enough to funnel water directly into the gutter. It is then lapped under or integrated with stucco and water-resistant barriers to form a tight seal that guides moisture out and away. Crucially, the flashing must work in tandem with other weather-resistant components, including house wrap, waterproof membranes, and metal lath, depending on the wall system used.
Advanced Stucco Repair follows a detail-oriented procedure tailored to existing site conditions, ensuring that the flashing system is not just installed but interlaced correctly into the wall assembly. For full stucco system installations or repairs, their team also performs substrate evaluations and integrates kickout flashing with weep screeds and additional moisture barriers, thereby enhancing durability and water resistance throughout the building envelope.
Repairing Existing Deficiencies: A Smyrna Case Study
One example of a successful flashing repair service involved a historic craftsman home in Smyrna Heights. The house had undergone EIFS cladding in the early 2000s by a now-defunct contractor. Over time, the absence of kickout flashing led to visible staining and bulging in one corner facade. The homeowner contacted Advanced Stucco Repair to diagnose and respond.
Upon inspection, moisture readings confirmed the presence of trapped water behind the façade. Carefully removing portions of the EIFS system, the team found rotted OSB sheathing and compromised framing. The repair entailed replacing the damaged substrate, drying the cavity, installing a rigid moisture barrier, and integrating new kickout diverters to the roof-wall juncture. Once sealed and finished with a matching EIFS texture and color, the structure was restored—visually seamless and functionally secure. The homeowner not only salvaged the aesthetic charm of the home but also gained peace of mind knowing that future water damage was mitigated.
Commercial Applications and Building Code Compliance
In commercial buildings throughout Smyrna, kickout flashing plays an essential role not only in performance but also in building code compliance. With modern Georgia building codes emphasizing energy efficiency and moisture management, the proper design and implementation of flashing systems—including at all roof terminations—is no longer optional for contractors or builders. Especially in multi-story office buildings, retail centers, and hospitality venues with complex rooflines, even a single point of water entry at an unprotected wall joint can lead to extensive remediation costs and building envelope failure.
In fact, the International Building Code (IBC), which is enforced locally in Smyrna, specifically calls for flashing to be installed at all wall-roof intersections, referencing kickout flashing as a necessary water diversion element. For commercial property managers, entrusting these details to experienced specialists like Advanced Stucco Repair ensures adherence to code as well as long-term performance. Their team regularly collaborates with architectural consultants to execute flashing systems that fully integrate with Dryvit and other EIFS materials, promoting both structural integrity and aesthetic continuity across larger builds.
Prevention Over Correction: Long-Term Value and Maintenance Insights
One of the most compelling arguments for correctly installed kickout flashing is the long-term savings it affords. Preventing moisture entry at critical areas dramatically reduces the risk of costly rot, mold remediation, and cladding replacement. For property owners, particularly in an area like Smyrna where sudden downpours are frequent, this preventive measure creates a strategic advantage.
Moreover, routine exterior maintenance should always include an inspection of all flashing systems—including those often overlooked. Homeowners and commercial managers should look for staining near the wall bottom, discoloration, or stucco detachment as potential signs of failure. Any area where rooflines converge with vertical wall surfaces should prompt closer review. If damage is suspected or the flashing is missing altogether, it's advisable to engage a skilled contractor for evaluation.
Advanced Stucco Repair offers such evaluations as part of their comprehensive repair service packages. Their team is trained not only in solving existing problems but also in architecting optimal moisture barrier systems for new installs. Whether for contemporary applications or the restoration of decades-old structures using Dryvit or stucco, thoughtful flashing design remains central to their process.
Why Trusting the Right Experts Matters
With so much depending on proper enclosure detail, selecting the right team to oversee flashing installation and repair becomes critical. A poor installation not only risks future damage but may also void warranties on exterior insulation systems or roof components. That’s why the residents and business owners of Smyrna turn to experienced professionals who understand the interplay between materials, codes, and climate.
Advanced Stucco Repair brings not just technical know-how but also a deep familiarity with the unique needs of Georgia’s weather patterns and building styles. From suburban homes to commercial plazas, they treat each project with an attention to detail that ensures both code compliance and visual excellence. Their expertise includes retrofitting kickout diverters into structures that were built before these important details were better understood, as well as integrating flashing systems seamlessly into the original design during new construction.
This commitment to excellence, coupled with their specialization in stucco, EIFS, and moisture barrier systems, offers reassurance to clients who need more than a patch—they need a partner in the building’s long-term health.
Final Considerations and Moving Forward
In Georgia’s humid climate and especially across the neighborhoods of Smyrna, protecting a building’s shell from moisture infiltration should be a top priority. And while materials like stucco, EIFS, and Dryvit offer unparalleled performance and appeal, they also place particular importance on strategic detailing. Chief among those elements is the proper integration of kickout flashing—at once subtle in appearance, yet vital in function.
Whether you’re a homeowner who’s beginning to spot stains near a roofline, or a commercial property manager planning exterior cladding upgrades, it’s worth investing in expert evaluation. When professionally installed by teams like those at Advanced Stucco Repair, kickout diverter flashing offers a lasting shield against water damage, preserving not only structural longevity but the aesthetic appeal of any investment.
More than just a technical detail, effective roof-wall intersection flashing is a sign of conscientious craftsmanship and comprehensive building design. By ensuring that every drop of water is directed safely away from your structure, you can rest assured that what's behind your walls is as secure and well-constructed as what’s in plain view. Contacting trusted local experts allows you to safeguard your valleys, eaves, and vertical intersections with confidence—and stay ahead of the next storm that rolls through Smyrna.
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About Smyrna, Georgia
Cherokee Indians live in the area.
Pioneers began settling the area in 1832. By the late 1830s, a religious encampment called Smyrna Camp Ground had become a popular travel destination and was well known throughout Georgia. It is a Greek name for the Biblical city of Smyrna, modern day İzmir in Turkey, the home of the Christian martyr Polycarp. After the completion of the Western and Atlantic Railroad in 1842, the area began to grow. It was known by several names until 1872—Varner's Station, Ruff's Siding, Neal Dow, and Ruff's Station. The city was incorporated with the name Smyrna in 1872.
Two Civil War battles occurred in the area, the Battle of Smyrna Camp Ground and the Battle of Ruff's Mill, both on July 4, 1864. The area's businesses, homes, and 1849 covered bridge (since rebuilt and still in use today) were burned by Sherman's troops.
The nearby Bell Bomber plant that produced B-29 bombers during World War II was reopened by Lockheed in 1951, and became a catalyst for growth. The city's population grew during the next two decades, from 2,005 in 1950 to almost 20,000 by 1970.
Smyrna is part of the Atlanta metropolitan area, located about 1 mile (1.6Â km) northwest of the Atlanta city limits, and with Smyrna's downtown approximately 16 miles (26Â km) from downtown Atlanta. Smyrna is located just west of the northern intersection of I-285 and I-75, which is the site of the edge city Cumberland and the Cobb Galleria.
Smyrna is bordered by Vinings to the east, Marietta to the north and west, and Mableton to the south and southwest. The city of Sandy Springs and the affluent Atlanta neighborhoods of Paces and Buckhead are approximately within 10 miles of Smyrna's center.
The center of Smyrna is located at 33°52′19″N 84°31′06″W / 33.871854°N 84.518380°W.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 15.4 square miles (39.9Â km), of which 15.4 square miles (39.8Â km) is land and 0.04 square miles (0.1Â km), or 0.23%, is water. The general terrain of the area is characteristic of the Piedmont region of Georgia, characterized by hills with broad ridges, sloping uplands, and relatively narrow valleys.
The city's official symbol is the jonquil (a flower). Known as the "Jonquil City", it derives this name from the thousands of jonquils that flourish in gardens and along the streets in early spring.
| Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1880 | 259 | — | |
| 1890 | 416 | 60.6% | |
| 1900 | 238 | −42.8% | |
| 1910 | 599 | 151.7% | |
| 1920 | 791 | 32.1% | |
| 1930 | 1,178 | 48.9% | |
| 1940 | 1,440 | 22.2% | |
| 1950 | 2,005 | 39.2% | |
| 1960 | 10,157 | 406.6% | |
| 1970 | 19,157 | 88.6% | |
| 1980 | 20,312 | 6.0% | |
| 1990 | 30,981 | 52.5% | |
| 2000 | 40,999 | 32.3% | |
| 2010 | 51,265 | 25.0% | |
| 2020 | 55,663 | 8.6% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census 1850-1870 1870-1880 1890-1910 1920-1930 1940 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2020 | |||
| Race | Num. | Perc. |
|---|---|---|
| White (non-Hispanic) | 24,159 | 43.4% |
| Black or African American (non-Hispanic) | 17,032 | 30.6% |
| Native American | 103 | 0.19% |
| Asian | 3,698 | 6.64% |
| Pacific Islander | 21 | 0.04% |
| Other/Mixed | 2,985 | 5.36% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 7,665 | 13.77% |
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 55,663 people, 24,736 households, and 13,669 families residing in the city.
At the 2018 census, there were 56,271 people, with 35% growth since 2000. There were 23,002 households. The population density was 3,300 people per square mile (1,300 people/km). The racial make-up of the city was 29.3% African American, 46% White, 0.4% Native American, 7.71% Asian, 0.10% Pacific Islander and 3.1% from two or more races. 14.9% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
The population was distributed by age as follows: 22.6% under the age of 18, 18.8% from 18 to 29, 20% from 30 to 39, 14.9% from 40 to 49, 14.2% from 50 to 64, and 9.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33 years. For every 100 females, there were 92.2 males.
52.6% of Smyrna residents lived in families with an average of 2.2 people per household.
In 2012, 52.2% of Smyrna residents had a college degree and 91.3% of residents had a high school diploma. This is one of the highest rates in the state of Georgia.
The city is governed by a seven-member council, elected by wards, and a mayor elected at-large. Max Bacon served as the mayor of Smyrna starting in 1985; in July 2019 he announced his retirement from city politics. The current mayor is Derek Norton, who took office January 6, 2020. Norton previously served on the City Council since 2015.
The city operates the Smyrna Public Library, the only library in the county which is not a part of the Cobb County Public Library System.
Public schooling in Smyrna falls under the jurisdiction of the Cobb County School District. The city's students are served by 12 of the district's schools. The largest schools by enrollment are:
- Campbell High School
- Campbell Middle School
- Nickajack Elementary School
Several private schools are inside Smyrna's city limits, including St. Benedict's Episcopal School , Covenant Christian School, Whitefield Academy, and a satellite campus of Buckhead Preparatory Academy.