The title says it all. I’m installing a 4 foot diameter non-opening round window high up on the gable end of a living room with a cathedral ceiling. The other windows in the joint are rectangular, and I have had no problems flashing the openings with 30lb felt. Does anyone have any tips for how to approach using the felt on the round opening?
Thanks,
Loach
Replies
Don't think I have ever relied upon felt alone to flash any penetration. Not to say it won't last a good while, especially on a wall. Depends on the "area weather" a good deal as to what might be acceptable. Around Denver I always have a drip cap (aluminum) under the wrap and then overhang any exterior casing a minimum of 1/2". You sure the window manufacturer doesn't have a premoulded flashing to match the window?
Failing that get a roll of aluminum about 12" wide and long enough to do at least 1/2 of the window circumference plus enough to cover the cuts you make next--they will be straight cuts but appear pie shaped when you curve the flashing over the window.
Use a Magic Marker to run a straight line far enough back from one edge so that when arced or bent, it will protrude over the window trim. Use that 8' "break" you always carry on your truck (or a 2X4) and bend the aluminum. Cut the long side from the edge almost to the bend.
Curve the bent and cut aluminum so the long leg goes under the 30# paper and the short leg goes out over the window and trim (assuming you are siding and trimming allow for both thicknesses AND the overhang. Don't staple or nail too close to the window. Cut the remaining aluminum into pie shaped pieces larger than the ones on the long leg attached to the the wall. Cut these so the small end does not come to point but is a flat for a couple of inches. Bend the small end to match by hand. Cover the edges of the pie shaped gaps with Silicone II. Apply the small pieces and attach. Pick up your check.
Tyr
Edited 11/5/2004 1:03 pm ET by Tyr
Edited 11/5/2004 1:04 pm ET by Tyr
Edited 11/5/2004 1:06 pm ET by Tyr
get a roll of lead flashing very malleable, cuts w utility knife blade no sharp edges
Lead is the righrt answer in my book
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I have seen some plastic flashing used, but don't know if I would use it. Ideally, if I were to design a round window into a home, I would protect it from above with sufficient overhang in addition to flashing.
This may help:
http://www.minihttpserver.net/sl_tools/showid/choosing_flexible_flashings_ID_311.htm
MES
You cut small pieces of pre-bent window flashing. Start at the bottom of the curve on both sides. Your pieces may only be 2" - 3" depending on the radius. A successive piece of flashing overlaps the first and so on until you hit the top, just like step flashing a dormer. You just have to figure the flashing pieces to fit the curve so each piece fits nicely over the other and overlaps about 1/2".
Beat it to fit / Paint it to match
Loach,
A long time ago in a galaxy far away, I used to have some copper working tools. One of those tools was a pair of pliers that would crimp the outer edge of a flashing. By relief cutting the back side and Crimping the front, you could make any radius you wanted. I would always flash the relief cuts with some water and Ice shield. never took to long and I never had one leak. Just be careful as aluminum tears easier and sometimes the coating flakes off when you crimp. We only ever used copper when we did it that way.
A high quality urethane caulk will do it nicely.
Mr T
I can't afford to be affordable anymore
or, a bitithane self-sticking window wrap...we use Window Wrap from mfm 1-800-882-7663 Don't worry, we can fix that later!