I am replacing a window in a stucco wall. The original window has 2” exterior trim around it. The new window will be an Anderson full frame Series “A” with a nailing flange (also call fin) all around. I will purchase it with 2” brick molding already assembled. Ships with the window and installed separately.
The above said, I have done a lot of research on replacing/installing windows and a lot of research on the stucco aspect. Below are the steps I figure on taking. I will try to provide detail without writing a dissertation. I thank everyone on this forum in advance for critique and suggestions…good and bad.
1. Remove existing window inside and outside trim. Remove entire window and frame.
2. Remove any shims and any additional framing which may have been done to the real rough opening.
3. Measure and cut back stucco around the rough opening. Here’s the important part…the stucco will be cut back 8” from the measurements of the edge-to-edge of the new window’s brick molding .
4. Stucco and lathe will be cut with a mini circular saw with diamond blade for a clean cut. Care taken NOT to damage existing home wrap.
5. Install flexible window flashing on sill.
6. Cut and fold up/tape 4” of existing home wrap at top of the rough opening.
7. Install window [BARRIER OR DRAIN METHOD…OPINIONS?]. Shims on sill. Shims on sides as required. Straight flash on sides.
8. Caulk bead along flange angle, install drip cap. Then straight flash across top and unfold/tape previously cut home wrap.
9. Apply minimum expanding foam around the window from inside.
10. Install 2” brick molding over the flashed flange.
At this point…I consider the window installation complete.
Ignorant question…Does the drip cap install before the brick molding or after? If after is it on top the entire length of window + molding ?
Now…finishing the stucco.
11. Cut/fit/install strips of Fortifiber 2 ply paper barrier over existing home wrap exposed when the existing stucco and lathe was cut out. Wiggle a bit of Fortifiber under the edge of the cut lathe. Other edge of Fortifiber to meet outer edges of brick molding .
12. Install casing bead or j channel around edge of brick molding .
13. Install new lathe between cut lathe and j channel
14. Stucco as necessary.
Assuming the above is correct for the most part, the part I don’t completely feel comfortable understanding is the brick molding .
1. Does the drip cap get installed over the window and flashed/taped and the brick molding then installed over all of that? [This seems logical]
2. Or does the drip cap get installed over the brick molding across the entire window and molding ?
3. Does the 2nd layer of water protection (new Fortifiber) get installed up to the edge of the window BEFORE the brick molding ?
4. Or as described up to the already installed brick molding .
Again…Thanks for reading this dissertation. This is my first window retrofit and I want to do it the proper way!!!