HouseChalk
Back to glossary
Pan flashing
Pan flashing is a waterproof detail at the bottom of a window that directs any leaked water back out.
Why it matters
Windows can leak. Pan flashing turns a leak into a drain instead of a rot problem.
Where people get this wrong
Caulk is not a pan flashing strategy. A pan must have a path out or it becomes a bathtub.
Real-world example
A wind-driven storm pushes water past the trim. With a proper pan, the water exits. Without it, the sill framing soaks and starts rotting quietly.
Where this hits your build
This affects how your home handles water. Water damage is one of the most expensive problems to fix, and it often starts with details that seem small.
Most people do not just struggle with terms. They struggle with the decisions tied to them.
See how HouseChalk helps with the decisions behind terms like this