Professional Kickout Flashing Installationin Canton GA
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About Kickout Flashing in Canton, Georgia
Understanding the Importance of Kickout Flashing in Stucco, EIFS, and Dryvit Systems
In the rolling suburbs and growing developments of Canton, Georgia, the use of stucco, EIFS (Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems), and Dryvit has become a common exterior finish for both residential and commercial buildings. These systems offer visual appeal, durability, and energy efficiency. However, behind their sleek appearance lies a lesser-known but crucial component that determines the longevity and integrity of the structure—kickout flashing. When properly installed and maintained, kickout flashing functions as a critical barrier between the elements and your building. Yet it is frequently overlooked or improperly implemented, leading to water infiltration, structural damage, and costly repairs. This article delves deeply into kickout flashing in relation to stucco, EIFS, and Dryvit, guiding property owners in Canton through its purpose, installation, benefits, and real-world applications.
The Function and Relevance of Kickout Flashing
Kickout flashing is a specific type of flashing designed to direct water away from the intersection where a roof line meets a vertical wall—commonly where roof runoff lands next to an exterior cladding system. In systems like stucco or EIFS, where the outer shell must remain sealed and waterproofed to preserve structural integrity, any intrusion from water can result in rot, mold, and decay beneath the surface. At these vulnerable intersection points, water channeled by the roof can stream down the edge and get behind the exterior wall cladding. Without kickout diverter flashing in place, the water often bypasses the moisture barrier flashing installed behind the stucco or EIFS and infiltrates the framing.
In the context of buildings found across Canton—particularly in the humid and rainfall-prone seasons—the need for kickout flashing becomes even more pronounced. Flashing installation isn't just a best practice; in many cases, it's required by code and demanded by insurance adjusters. It serves as the final defensive guard against water that would otherwise seep into a building's envelope, and when paired properly with moisture barrier flashing, can keep a structure dry for decades.
Kickout Flashing Versus Other Flashing Elements
Property owners frequently ask how kickout flashing differs from traditional flashing types, such as drip edge or step flashing. Unlike these, which manage water across roof transitions horizontally, kickout flashing acts vertically—intervening where roofs terminate against vertical surfaces. This specific piece of metal, if properly shaped and installed, diverts water that would naturally run down the cladding. The kickout scrolls the water away from the wall and safely into the gutter system, preventing absorption in the outer envelope.
The complexity of stucco and EIFS systems makes this divergence even more significant. Both claddings typically feature multiple layers, including foam insulation, fiberglass mesh, and a synthetic or cementitious finish. These layers are bonded tightly and allow little room for even the slightest water breach. Introduction of moisture behind these systems can result in trapped water, hidden damage, and expansive repairs—not to mention mold, mildew, or rot within wall cavities. It becomes clear that kickout flashing is not just a finishing touch but a keystone piece in water damage prevention for modern building envelopes in Canton.
Installation Process for Stucco and EIFS Applications
Proper installation of kickout flashing is an art and science, particularly when performed on complex surfaces such as stucco, EIFS, or Dryvit. First, old or damaged materials are removed to expose the sheathing beneath. If flashing repair service is required due to prior neglect or improper installation, professionals must inspect both the interior and exterior for signs of water damage. Rotted wood, moisture-compromised insulation, and staining inside walls can all point to prior kickout flashing failure or absence.
Installation begins before the final cladding is applied. The diverter flashing is securely fastened at the base of the roof-wall intersection, extending behind both the roofing material and exterior wall cladding. For stucco or traditional cementitious finishes, this involves embedding the flashing behind the waterproof paper or house wrap, ensuring the water barrier flows outward in all directions. For EIFS, which incorporates synthetic wraps and foam layers, precision is even more vital. Foam panels must be trimmed to accommodate the flashing profile, and sealant detail becomes critical to prevent breaches—including behind the diverter.
Once the flashing is seated, it must extend out beyond the wall so water has a clear runoff path into the gutter. Creasing and shaping the metal to angle outwards is what creates the “kickout.” Inexperienced installers might neglect this detail, laying it flush instead—and though seemingly minor, this mistake negates the entire purpose of the flashing. Canton property owners should rely on seasoned professionals like Advanced Stucco Repair to ensure these technicalities are met with precision and local code compliance.
Detecting the Absence of Kickout Flashing and Understanding the Consequences
Many homeowners and commercial property managers in Canton may not realize they're missing kickout flashing until it's too late. Signs such as bubbling paint, staining on interior drywall near roof-wall joints, soft or discolored wood trim, or vegetation growth on stucco surfaces often point to long-standing moisture intrusion. For commercial buildings, especially with larger EIFS surfaces and broad roof-to-wall intersections, the risk multiplies. These buildings typically channel many gallons of rainwater with every storm—and without properly placed flashing, that water has nowhere else to go but inward.
Kickout flashing repair is not only a remedy but a preventative upgrade with lasting financial advantages. In multifamily units, hotels, and business centers throughout Canton, contractors must often cut away large sections of EIFS to address concealed damage. But had properly designed kickouts been installed initially, these costly renovations may have been prevented altogether. In single-family homes, where small repair projects can run into thousands of dollars due to water damage creeping unnoticed for months or years, minor flashing fixes represent extraordinary value.
Whether addressing pressing issues or proactively auditing construction deficiencies, engaging a flashing repair service with experience specifically in stucco and EIFS systems is critical. Generic handyman repairs are not enough; specialized knowledge is crucial to reinstall exterior barrier systems that are complex by design.
Real-World Case Studies from Canton, Georgia Projects
Throughout the city of Canton, where housing growth is robust and the blend of modern construction with older developments creates a mix of exterior conditions, Advanced Stucco Repair has performed numerous assessments and installations related to kickout flashing. In one recent commercial project near Riverstone Parkway, a retail complex experienced interior leakage in multiple units. Investigation revealed the original construction lacked diverter flashing at numerous roof-wall transition points. Remediating the issue involved strategic removal of EIFS layers, installation of properly angled kickouts, sealing of adjoining moisture barrier flashing, and repainting. The property owner, who had previously faced insurance challenges due to perceived negligence, was able to document the upgrades, preventing future premium increases and adding to the value of the property.
In another residential cul-de-sac in the Bridgemill area, several homes constructed in the early 2000s were retrofitted with kickout flashing after signs of water damage appeared near bedroom walls. Homeowners reported musty odors and visible cracking around window joints adjacent to roof lines. Advanced Stucco Repair performed infrared moisture testing and removed sections of Dryvit for inspection. Once the missing flashing was added and the walls restored, residents saw not only improved air quality but aesthetic enhancement of their homes’ exterior value. These real-world applications highlight the tangible benefits of investing in proper flashing installation.
Common Misconceptions and Installation Mistakes
Among contractors unfamiliar with EIFS or stucco systems, there is a pervasive myth that kickout flashing isn’t necessary if gutters are installed. This belief is both inaccurate and dangerous. Gutters manage horizontal movement of water, not the vertical risk at intersections where runoff strikes wall surfaces. A properly installed kickout flashing diverts the intense vertical flow into the gutter in the first place—especially important during Georgia’s seasonal downpours, which can produce more than one inch of rain per hour.
Another common error is size and placement. Some metal pieces sold as kickouts are comically small or incorrectly shaped, offering little to no water redirection. Still others are installed after the fact, tucked behind stucco or EIFS without removing existing layers—another misstep which often leads to further hidden damage. Only a skilled team with expertise in stucco system layering, such as Advanced Stucco Repair, can guarantee that both the form and function of the flashing respect its critical role within the weatherproofing envelope.
Long-Term Benefits of Proper Kickout Flashing for Canton Properties
From a return-on-investment standpoint, homeowners and commercial property managers who invest in correctly installed kickout flashing enjoy multiple benefits that extend beyond just water protection. Enhanced curb appeal, better resale valuations, and energy savings are all indirect advantages of maintaining a dry and sealed building envelope. Moisture intrusion isn’t simply a cosmetic issue—once inside, water can degrade insulation values, encourage pest infestations, and weaken structural joists, all contributing to inflated utility bills and long-term hazards.
In particular, older homes in Canton that have undergone multiple upgrades and repairs often are missing this key flashing component because it wasn’t part of code compliance during the time of original construction. It becomes imperative to have properties evaluated by teams with local expertise to determine if kickout diverter systems are present, functioning, and correctly placed. For commercial structures, positioning this protective measure within ongoing maintenance plans is just as strategic—especially in high-traffic environments such as office parks, retail spaces, or schools, where long-term building performance is tied to daily operational efficiency.
Even small investments in preventative measures reap substantial gains down the line. In many cases, installing kickout flashing correctly costs a fraction of full wall repairs down the road. And for residents in rainfall-heavy Zip Codes across Georgia, especially those noticing dark streaks or signs of water channeling down outer walls, taking action sooner rather than later can prevent years of compounded damage.
Partnering with Experienced Professionals in Stucco and EIFS Systems
With myriad variables at play in how water, insulation, and wall systems interact, DIY solutions and generalized labor fall short. This is where a specialist like Advanced Stucco Repair proves invaluable—not only for their detailed understanding of cladding systems, but also familiarity with building codes, inspection requirements, and the unique challenges present in the Canton region’s climate and architecture. Their ability to locally source compatible materials, match finishes, and coordinate projects with minimal disruption sets them apart in a field that demands both technical competence and aesthetic sensitivity.
Advanced Stucco Repair brings experience in recognizing signs of damage that aren't immediately visible. Moisture sensors, thermal imaging, and knowledge of material behavior under stress all come into play. Their crew is equipped not only to repair, but to educate homeowners and building managers about long-term strategies that make buildings more resilient. Whether addressing a one-story cottage or a multi-level commercial campus, their approach scales responsibly—aligning both cost-efficiency and performance standards.
Ultimately, the goal with kickout flashing isn't just to meet minimum standards. It's to exceed them. It’s about preserving structures from the inside out, ensuring longevity, keeping inhabitants safe and comfortable, and minimizing downstream liabilities.
As property owners across Canton strive to protect their investments and enhance performance of their buildings, understanding details like kickout flashing becomes a mark of stewardship. While it may be unseen once installed, its presence is vital, silently fighting back the elements one rainstorm at a time. For those looking to evaluate or enhance their building’s defenses, partnering with an experienced firm like Advanced Stucco Repair offers not just peace of mind, but tangible, lasting protection tailored specifically for Georgia’s demanding climate and the nuances of stucco, EIFS, and Dryvit systems.
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About Canton, Georgia
Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the site where Canton would be founded lay in the heart of the original Cherokee Nation. During the first 100 years of Georgia's history, Northwest Georgia was generally considered "Indian Country" and was bypassed by settlers going West. Georgia reached an agreement with the federal government in 1802 shortly after the Revolutionary War to relinquish its Western Territory (it claimed the Pacific Ocean as its western boundary) in exchange for the removal of all Indians within its boundaries. Although other tribes had been removed, the Cherokee remained. Since this was the heartland of the Cherokee Nation, the state and nation were reluctant to disturb them. But following the Georgia Gold Rush in 1829, European-American settlers ignored the Indian problems and began to move into the area north of Carrollton and west of the Chattahoochee River and named it Cherokee.
Many members of the Cherokee Nation moved west in 1829, but the majority stayed until removed by federal troops sent into the area during the summer of 1838. The remaining Cherokee were gathered and held in forts until the removal could be completed. Present-day Cherokee County had the largest and most southerly of these forts, Fort Buffington, which stood 6 miles (10 km) east of Canton. Today nothing stands to identify its timber structure, but the area is marked by a large piece of green Cherokee marble quarried near Holly Springs. By autumn of 1838, the federal troops had accomplished their mission, and the Cherokee at Fort Buffington were marched off to join other groups on the infamous "Trail of Tears," a lengthy march in worsening winter weather to Indian Territory west of the Mississippi River.
The new settlers chose a site for a permanent county seat and courthouse in 1833, naming it "Etowah". The name was changed to "Cherokee Courthouse" in 1833. In 1834 it was changed to "Canton" (pronounced cant'n), after the Chinese city of Guangzhou, which was then known in English as Canton (pronounced can tahn). The name was chosen because a group of citizens had dreams of making the Georgia town a center of the silk industry, which was concentrated in China at the time. Though Canton never became a significant silk center, it did become a successful manufacturing community.
During the American Civil War, Canton, which had a population of about 200, was burned between November 1 and 5, 1864, by the Union Army under the command of Maj. Gen. William T. Sherman. Canton was destroyed by a foraging party of the Ohio 5th Cavalry under the command of Major Thomas T. Heath. At the time the Ohio 5th Cavalry was headquartered in Cartersville. The written order for destruction was given on October 30, 1864, by Brig. General John E. Smith. Union troops were ordered to burn the town because of Confederate guerrilla attacks coming from Canton and directed against the Western and Atlantic Railroad near the town of Cassville. The railroad was a vital supply line for the Union Army from the captured city of Chattanooga, Tennessee, to newly captured Atlanta. The Union troops identified the Canton home of Governor Joseph E. Brown for destruction. The same Union party destroyed Cassville, the county seat of neighboring Bartow County, on November 5, 1864, as it has also been a base of guerrilla actions. Cassville never rebuilt, but Canton survived to prosper, as it was the county seat.
Over the years, Canton evolved from unsettled territory to a prosperous mill town known the world over for its "Canton Denim". The original county of 1831 now includes 24 counties. The city of Canton remains the county seat.
Cherokee Poultry, founded by T.B.Bradshaw was built on Univeter Road in 1955; later sold to Central Soya in 1962. The Canton Cotton Mills, which produced the famous "Canton Denim", closed in 1981. Since then, Canton has grown as the suburbs of Atlanta have expanded northward, and is currently experiencing its period of greatest population growth, which nearly tripled between 2000 and 2010.
Canton is located near the center of Cherokee County at 34°13′38″N 84°29′41″W / 34.22722°N 84.49472°W (34.227307, −84.494727). The city lies just north of Holly Springs and south of Ball Ground. Interstate 575 passes through the eastern side of the city, with access from exits 14 through 20. Canton is 40 miles (64 km) north of downtown Atlanta via I-575 and I-75.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 18.7 square miles (48.5 km), of which 18.6 square miles (48.2 km) is land and 0.15 square miles (0.4 km), or 0.76%, is water. The Etowah River, a tributary of the Coosa River, flows from east to west through the center of the city.
| Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1870 | 214 | — | |
| 1880 | 363 | 69.6% | |
| 1890 | 659 | 81.5% | |
| 1900 | 847 | 28.5% | |
| 1910 | 2,002 | 136.4% | |
| 1920 | 2,679 | 33.8% | |
| 1930 | 2,892 | 8.0% | |
| 1940 | 2,651 | −8.3% | |
| 1950 | 2,716 | 2.5% | |
| 1960 | 2,411 | −11.2% | |
| 1970 | 3,654 | 51.6% | |
| 1980 | 3,601 | −1.5% | |
| 1990 | 4,817 | 33.8% | |
| 2000 | 7,709 | 60.0% | |
| 2010 | 22,958 | 197.8% | |
| 2020 | 32,973 | 43.6% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census 1850-1870 1870-1880 1890-1910 1920-1930 1940 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2020 | |||
Canton first appeared as a town in the 1870 U.S. Census and as a city in the 1960 U.S. Census. Prior to 1970 U.S. Census, the town absorbed the North Canton unincorporated community.
| Race / Ethnicity (NH = Non-Hispanic) | Pop 2000 | Pop 2010 | Pop 2020 | % 2000 | % 2010 | 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| White alone (NH) | 5,303 | 14,913 | 19,807 | 68.79% | 64.96% | 60.07% |
| Black or African American alone (NH) | 426 | 1,991 | 3,138 | 5.53% | 8.67% | 9.52% |
| Native American or Alaska Native alone (NH) | 28 | 74 | 77 | 0.36% | 0.32% | 0.23% |
| Asian alone (NH) | 46 | 298 | 345 | 0.60% | 1.30% | 1.05% |
| Pacific Islander alone (NH) | 5 | 21 | 9 | 0.06% | 0.09% | 0.03% |
| Some Other Race alone (NH) | 4 | 70 | 130 | 0.05% | 0.30% | 0.39% |
| Mixed Race or Multi-Racial (NH) | 68 | 435 | 1,389 | 0.88% | 1.89% | 4.21% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1,829 | 5,156 | 8,078 | 23.73% | 22.46% | 24.50% |
| Total | 7,709 | 22,958 | 32,973 | 100.00% | 100.00% | 100.00% |
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 32,973 people, 10,233 households, and 7,138 families residing in the city.
As of the 2010 census, there were 22,958 people, 8,204 households, and 5,606 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,234.3 inhabitants per square mile (476.6/km). There were 9,341 housing units at an average density of 502.2 per square mile (193.9/km).
There were 8,204 households, out of which 42.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.6% were headed by married couples living together, 14.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.7% were non-families. 25.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.8% were someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.77, and the average family size was 3.30.
The racial makeup of the city was 75.6% White, 22.5% Hispanic or Latino of any race, 8.9% African American, 1.3% Asian, 0.8% Native American, 0.2% Pacific Islander, 10.2% some other race, 2.9% from two or more races.
In the city, the population was spread out, with 29.7% under the age of 18, 9.0% from 18 to 24, 34.7% from 25 to 44, 17.1% from 45 to 64, and 9.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 30.6 years. For every 100 females, there were 96.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.0 males.
For the period 2010–12, the estimated median annual income for a household in the city was $46,691, and the median income for a family was $52,432. Male full-time workers had a median income of $36,971 versus $37,092 for females. The per capita income for the city was $20,705. About 13.4% of families and 18.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 26.6% of those under age 18 and 7.8% of those age 65 or over.
Education in Canton is run by the Cherokee County government and the Georgia state government.
The Cherokee County School District serves grades pre-school to grade twelve, with 23 elementary schools, seven middle schools, and six high schools. As of 2010, the district had 1,766 full-time teachers and over 28,434 students. Schools in Cherokee County include:
- Arnold Mill Elementary School
- Avery Elementary School
- Ball Ground Elementary School
- Bascomb Elementary School
- Boston Elementary School
- Canton Elementary School (Closed May 2018)
- Carmel Elementary School
- Clark Creek Elementary School
- Clayton Elementary School
- Free Home Elementary School
- Hasty Elementary School
- Hickory Flat Elementary School
- Holly Springs Elementary School
- Indian Knoll Elementary School
- Johnston Elementary School
- Knox Elementary School
- Liberty Elementary School
- Little River Elementary School
- Macedonia Elementary School
- Mountain Road Elementary School
- Oak Grove Elementary School
- R.M. Moore Elementary School
- Sixes Elementary School
- Woodstock Elementary School
- Creekland Middle School
- Dean Rusk Middle School
- Freedom Middle School- Next to Liberty Elementary School on Bells Ferry Road
- Teasley Middle School-
- Woodstock Middle School
- Mill Creek Middle School
- E.T. Booth Middle School
- Cherokee High School
- Etowah High School
- Creekview High School
- Sequoyah High School
- Woodstock High School
- River Ridge High School
- Chattahoochee Technical College (Canton Campus)