The “Replacing Windows in Stucco Walls” thread under Construction Techniques reminded me of something nagging at me for some time. Does anyone have a trim or finish detail to allow windows to be more easily replaced in a stucco or EIFS structure? Removal in a conventional installation is not only a pain, patching after replacement seldom looks good.
It may be wishful thinking, but I am guessing that some new technologies that have been demonstrated in labs will hit the market and be so energy efficient that I will want to replace windows long before they have failed.
Replies
Sure, here's one way to do it --
If you install the window just like usual with the normal attention to housewrap, flashing, drainage, and all that, then put a 3/4" CDX ground around the window that is a little narrower than the finished width of the trim (allowing for the reveal at the window), install the trim over the CDX ground, mask it, and stucco up to it, it looks great, and you can pull the trim off any time you want to and replace the window with no damage.
I think a piecs of Z-bar flashing over the head is a good idea to keep the water out, too.
DRC