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Windows & Doors

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Chapter
  • Choosing Windows
  • Installing Windows In New Walls
  • Retrofitting Windows
  • Window Repairs
  • Door Basics
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  • Exterior Doors
How-To

Part 4: Air-Seal and Insulate a Nail-Fin Window in a Wall with Zip System Sheathing

Spray foam and high-quality sealant bridge all of the gaps between the framing, shims, and window for a durable and energy-efficient installation.

By Jake Bruton

With window flashing done, the next step in any window installation is to air-seal and insulate. This work happens from the inside, and is the same regardless of water-resistive barrier (WRB). In this video, builder Jake Bruton walks through the theory of air-sealing and insulating, its importance to the overall function of a window installation and the comfort of the home, and the materials and methods needed to do the work well. Highlights include tips about how much foam to spray into the gap between window frame and rough opening, and how to tackle problematic details, like air-sealing around shims.

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Videos in the Series

  • Part 1: Prepare a Rough Opening for a Nail-Fin Window over Zip System Sheathing

    Use a piece of bevel siding and some carefully fitted pieces of Zip System tape to flash the sheathing to the framing.

  • Part 2: Install a Nail-Fin Window in a Wall with Zip System Sheathing

    Run a bead of sealant around the sides and top of the rough opening before setting, squaring up, and fastening the window to the framing.

  • Part 3: Flash a Nail-Fin Window in a Wall with Zip System Sheathing

    Wrap the sides and head of the installed window with Zip System tape, but leave the bottom flange of the window untaped for drainage.

  • Part 4: Air-Seal and Insulate a Nail-Fin Window in a Wall with Zip System Sheathing

    Spray foam and high-quality sealant bridge all of the gaps between the framing, shims, and window for a durable and energy-efficient installation.

  • Have a different type of wall? Check out the full video series

    See additional window-flashing details for walls with Exterior Rigid Foam, Housewrap, Peel-and-stick Membranes, and Fluid-applied WRBs

Previous: Part 3: Flash a Nail-Fin Window in a Wall with Zip System Sheathing Next: Part 1: Prepare a Rough Opening for a Nail-Fin Window over Exterior Rigid-Foam Insulation

Guide

Windows & Doors

Chapter

Installing Windows In New Walls

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Windows & Doors

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Choosing Windows
  • Window Types
  • Design and Materials
  • Energy-Efficient Windows
Installing Windows In New Walls
  • Installation, Start to Finish
  • Head Flashing for Windows
  • Video Series: Nail-Fin Window over Zip System Sheathing
  • Video Series: Nail-Fin Window over Exterior Rigid-Foam Insulation
  • Video Series: Nail-Fin Window over Housewrap
  • Video Series: Nail-Fin Window over Peel-and-Stick Housewrap
  • Video Series: Nail-Fin Window over a Fluid-Applied WRB
  • Video Series: Weatherproof Window Installation
Retrofitting Windows
  • Removing the Old, Installing the New
  • Video Series: How to Replace a Window
  • Video Series: Install a Full-Frame Replacement Window in a Brick Wall
  • Video Series: Install an Insert Replacement Window in a Brick Wall
  • Video Series: Retrofit a Flanged Window
Window Repairs
  • Restoring Old Windows
  • Repairs and Upgrades
Door Basics
  • Tools & Jigs for Door Hanging
  • How to Install Doors
  • Hinges
  • Handles, Knobs, and Locksets
  • Fixing Door Problems
Interior Doors
  • Prehung Doors
  • Pocket Doors
  • Other Types of Doors
  • Custom-Built Doors
Exterior Doors
  • Door Choices and Design
  • Installing Entry Doors
  • Building Exterior Doors
  • Installing French Doors
  • Replacing a Door
  • Adding Weatherstripping and Sweeps

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