Soldering Copper Cap Flashing

Cap flashing, which is installed atop the head casing, is a window’s first line of defense against water infiltration. When bending  cap flashing, I like to use 20-oz. copper for both appearance and durability. Unlike aluminum, the folded copper ends can be soldered, so I don’t have to rely on caulk to seal the joint. I use 20-oz. copper because it is thin enough to work easily yet provides protection far beyond my lifetime. I use a portable sheet-metal brake, which can be rented at most home stores, to bend the flashing’s profile.

For the soldering work shown here, I use a propane soldering iron (as opposed to a torch) because an iron offers me more control over the heat, which I apply to the copper fold. You also can buy electric soldering irons at most hardware stores.

Prior to soldering the ends, I apply flux to the flashing. Flux enables the solder to adhere to the copper. I also mix 1 part Ruby flux ($4.95 for a pint) and 3 parts water in my dipping jar, which I use to keep the iron clean.

Bend The Profile, Then, The End Flaps

Bend a simple Z. Start with a 4-in. piece of copper 3 in. longer than the window’s head casing. Using a sheet-metal brake (FHB #190), bend the copper into a Z that fits over the trim.

Cut along the seams. On both ends of the flashing, cut approximately 1-1/2 in. in along both folds. This way, the distance between cuts equals the length of the head casing. Use tin snips, and take care not to crease the copper.

Bend in the flaps. To give the end a seamless look, bend down the top flap first, then the front flap back. Pliers work for these small bends.

Shape the end. With a smooth-faced hammer, gently tap the end to the shape you want. For this cap, the front corner was left with a slight roundness to ease the look. Finally, trim the excess metal from the folds.

Apply Flux, Heat, And Solder, In That Order

Clean up with a wire brush. Remove any extra solder on the outside with a wire brush. If you were too generous with the solder, you’ll pay for it now. Big globs of solder can take a while to brush off.

Snips: Don’t Cut Costs

Inexpensive metal snips are a curse on any project. You’ll end up with sloppy cuts, creases where the metal should be flat, and probably an extra nick or two on your fingers as you struggle through a project. The high-quality snips shown here (www.cooperhandtools.com) cost only $5 more than a generic brand. For only $14.95, you can afford to avoid frustration.

If you’re really into pampering yourself by buying more tools, then you can get two pairs, red ones and green ones. Using these snips, you’ll soon discover that the colors aren’t simply for fashion. The green-handled snips cut with the waste to the right, and the red cut with the waste to the left. This is convenient when cutting anything but the simplest profiles. Of course, once you buy two pairs of metal snips, you’ll have to buy two holsters ($14.95; www.bestbelt.com) to carry them around.

—John Ross, Web producer

Magazine extras: Everyone can get the basics by watching John shape and solder copper cap flashing. And FineHomebuilding.com members can go beyond the basics and learn how John applys additional bends with his brake to make a decorative copper cap flashing.

Photos by John Ross, except where noted.