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I just read the article in FH about installing vinyl-clad windows in wood frame construction. It correctly points out how important it is not to rely solely on caulking to weatherproof the windows; use flanges, housewrap, flashing, etc.
Here’s the question. What do people do when replacing windows in masonry? If it’s a solid brick wall, presumably there’s nothing to be done but rely on a good caulking, but here in Toronto we have a lot of older brick-veneer on wood frame construction. Typically there’s a cast concrete sill, but it’s sometimes a brick soldier sill. Is there anything one can do to ensure that there’s a back-up protection for the sheathing and wood frame on the other side of the single layer of brick?
I hate the thought that it’s just the work of chemical company R&D guys on my side, and physics, hydraulics, and ultraviolet rays on the other.
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I just read the article in FH about installing vinyl-clad windows in wood frame construction. It correctly points out how important it is not to rely solely on caulking to weatherproof the windows; use flanges, housewrap, flashing, etc.
Here's the question. What do people do when replacing windows in masonry? If it's a solid brick wall, presumably there's nothing to be done but rely on a good caulking, but here in Toronto we have a lot of older brick-veneer on wood frame construction. Typically there's a cast concrete sill, but it's sometimes a brick soldier sill. Is there anything one can do to ensure that there's a back-up protection for the sheathing and wood frame on the other side of the single layer of brick?
I hate the thought that it's just the work of chemical company R&D guys on my side, and physics, hydraulics, and ultraviolet rays on the other.
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This is a really good point you're bringing up John. I have always used a good urethane caulk (NP-1, by sonneborn) when retrofitting windows in brick, or for that matter most other applications as well. I,like yourself, have always had some trepidation about relying on this as the sole barrier, and would also like to hear any suggestions for a peace of mind solution.