Sheet Metal Association Contractors (SMACNA) newlstter warns about deck coating and flashing problems

From a 2001 newsletter, still relevant today though...

Most Residential Construction Defect cases start as a result of actual leaks in roofs, walls, decks, doors or windows. Some cases get started as a result of a clever attorney convincing a homeowners’ association that they might have leaks later on. Regardless, if you did any exterior sheet metal work, they want you. Short of not doing that work, your best protection is to do it right and to document your work with photos and written correspondence concerning flashing details, including any and all suggestions you might make as to improving flashing, especially those buried in deck or hot-mop roof assemblies. If you see a bad detail in the plans, discuss it, document it, suggest your improvement and price it. Any documented rejections of this type of proposed improvement could be your ticket out of a lawsuit if that flashing is questioned later on. Also document with photos and correspondence any problems with the work of related trades that touch your work, i.e., roofing, siding, stucco, deck coating, windows and doors.