Hey everyone,

Finishing up a new construction walkthrough in Georgia and need an opinion on a flashing issue.

🔍 The Issue

Where our exterior lap siding meets the lower-level brick foundation ledge, the home inspector flagged the metal apron flashing for poor installation. The horizontal segments are loose, lifting, and overlapping poorly with visible gaps.

• Inspector's Note: He's concerned that wind-driven rain will push right into these loose horizontal overlaps and joints. He suggested adding a silicone sealant to the edge.
• Builder's Pushback: The builder refuses to fix it, claiming it is "per code" and that the gap is designed that way so the wall cavity can weep moisture.

❓ My Questions:

1. Is the builder right? Does code allow the horizontal flashing segments to bow and lift apart at the joints just because the system needs to weep at the bottom?
2. What is the correct fix? Should the horizontal metal overlaps be fastened flat and sealed together where they intersect, or is it normal to leave them gapping?

Thanks!