Greetings All,
I am having a new addition built (I can hear the saws as I write this) and I have a question about window installation and Tyvek (I know, it’s the trade name for housewrap). Most of the times that I’ve seen Tyvek used, it was put over the exterior sheathing and under the window flanges. Windows were installed with overlapping roofers felt on top of the window flanges. My framing contractor tells me he like to install the windows and put the Tyvek over the flanges to act as flashing. Is this the accepted way to flash a window? Many thanks in advance, Mark
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If he does it that way he should tape the Tyvek to the flanges with Tyvek tape or "contractor's sheathing tape". (NOT duct tape!)
does he caulk the flanges?
I like the window wrap, self stick..window over housewrap or felt, but if he has a good reason for his way????
Either way, selfstick window wrap OVER a caulked flange is the best plan IMO.
Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations.
mark.
Please get access to your window brand installation procedure. Many now are requiring the "window tape" sphere mentions. It is a very good way (done right) to properly flash the windows to the sheeting/housewrap, while providing a self healing membrane for when siding is nailed on. I use the 6" wide variety. We used to cut Ice and Water Shield down to 6", but it was pretty thick, screwed with the siding somewhat. Never had a window leak with that method. Have replaced many windows installed with TP as the flashing method. If the corners and laps are done well, this does work. With the advent of the thinner window flashing tape, wouldn't bother with TP now. Same idea, better product. It adds maybe 6 or 7 bucks in mat. cost per window. Have also replaced many whole window units/rotted sills because of poor detailing on the install. It's an important thing, you're smart to wonder how. Best of luck.
Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
Quittin' Time
Big Cal, remember when Goodwrench Bob first got here? His window were leakin like seives, he never heard of or could locate the "windo wrap" so I sent him a roll, and a tube of Lexel..guess what? No more problems..it is really good stuff, I had it sent up from NC, cuz I couldn't get it here..now it's at a local yard..8'' wide IIRC, I still have a roll of 12''..
If anyone can't get it, lemme know, I can hook up.
Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations.
yessir, great stuff.
some of the manufacturers think its a little greater than we think, with their price. But you can still find a reasonable price on several brands. Some have a split paper on the back, comes in handy on occasion.
so did bob send you some beer?Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
Quittin' Time
nah, no beer. He insisted on an Outback Gift Cert. I didn't want anything, he just sent it..great guy, what with helping Dinosaur out an all ( well he wasn't the ONLY one, LOL).
It was good timing, I lost a meal to Mike Smith from the Super Blow..it all works out.
Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations.
I thought after I posted that bob might be the mechanic for dino's tranny. Great way to "repay" the pleasure of some help here at BT. Nice when these things happen. Another reason to come here!Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
Quittin' Time
Look at it this way...assuming all you have is Tyvek and window flange and not sticky membranes...
(1) with the flange over the Tyvek, water was to get between the siding and the window frame and travel sideways over the flange and then sideways back under the flange to get to wood.
(2) with the Tyvek over the flange, water only has to travel one way between flange and Tyvek to get to the wood.
Does this guy put the Tevek over the bottom flange too?
I like the idea of thse self-adhesive membranes. Next time I install a window, I'll put on the house wrap first, the the window (with wrap over top flange and under bottom flange) and finally membrane under bottom flange and over side and top flanges.
Al Mollitor, Sharon MA
Hi Mark,
We used Tyvek house wrap and Tyvek window flashing on our house. Tyvek makes an 8" Flex Wrap that is applied to the window rough opening across the bottom and up about 12" on the sides.
The opening is then caulked on the sides and top. The window is installed per the manufacturers instructions. The side window flanges are flashed with 4" wide Tyvek Straight Flash. Along the top of the window the house wrap is cut and lifted so that the TSF can be applied to the top window flange and sheathing. The house wrap is then brought down over the TSF and the cuts are sealed with Tyvek tape.
It feels like a very good material, seals well and is self healing. Any moisture that might get in can drain out of the bottom. I don't think just pulling the house wrap over the flanges would do that.
The Tyvek web site is: http://construction.tyvek.com/en/index.shtml
kestrel