checking attachment to house- flashing

[keniz138]

recently reading an article about making sue decks are correctly attached to the home with bolts, etc... Article also mentioned flashing to prevent water damage...I can see that my deck is connected properly with bolts, but cannot determine if any flashing between the house and main beam is present...what should I be looking for?

[Hammylinky]

Flashing is shiny silver metal (think sheetmetal) which guides water away from your house where the deck is attached. If I look at the small space between some boards on top of my deck I can see the flashing. If you can't see it from above and there is room underneath, try to locate it from below.

[keniz138]

hhmm...that's what i figured...i will check.

however, i'm wondering...is flashing necessary for ALL decks where they attach to the house? My entire beam that is attached to the house is well-covered by the eaves off my roof and i cant see how much water (if any) could get in there.

Finally, if there is no flashing and you guys say "YES! YOU DO NEED IT", can it be done without detaching beam from house?

--ken