Hi.
I’m new here. We just bought a house and wanted 3 windows installed and one replaced as new construction. Our carpenter said he could do the new windows but said let the window people just install the replacement and he would do the stucco because he had matched our stucco so nicely with some other projects.
The window people replaced the window first and left the stucco for him with about 3-4″ of stucco busted away around the window, and a wide swath of paper sticking out.
When the carpenter finished installing his windows, the opening in the stucco is just an inch or so wider than the window and the paper is all cut off. He said he’s going to “caulk it real well”. This doesn’t sound right to me. Should I require he redo them, or should I just get the window people to come out and re-install them before I pay him to do the stucco? Or is what he’s saying okay? I don’t relish the idea of having to pay double for the installation, but I really don’t want any leaks.
Any advice you can give would be a big help.
Thanks,
Caat
Replies
Not enough information.
To install new windows into stucco, you need to break back the stucco while preserving the wire mesh and felt without damage. The new window needs to be integrated into the felt and flashing needs to be installed at the top. Maybe the window people only broke out what they needed for their purposes and the stucco patching person will have to break out more...
My concern isn't with the replacement
My concern isn't with what the window people did, it's with what the carpenter did. He didn't break the stucco back at all and he plans to restucco in the next couple of days. The flashing paper that the window people left is about 5 inches wide, the flashing that the carpenter put in there is cut way back towards the window so it will not be under any part of the stucco.
I would say
you have good reason to be concerned.
IMO, the original felt should be covered by the window flanges. If it was damaged during demolition then new felt should be tucked well under it and wrapped into the rough opening. There should be a sill pan detail at the bottom that this ties into. The window flanges should be covered by self-adhesive flashing tape that laps onto the original felt at least 6" if not more.
If any of the installers do not appear to understand industry-standard window installation details, then don't let them work on your house. It is likely that good instructions are shipped with the windows.
Post some pics if you can.
Pics
The window people came today to re-install and stucco.
Thanks,
Caat