Cost lever
Flashing
The layered, overlapping water barrier wrapped around a window opening that directs rain away from the wall. The difference between a dry wall and a hidden leak.
What it means for you
Invisible once the trim's on, which is exactly why a cheap install skips or fakes it. Ask how the opening gets flashed — it's where corners get cut.
Where you'll see it
Buried in the install; almost never a visible line item, which is the problem.
Related terms
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