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Installing a Nail-Fin Window Over a Fluid-Applied WRB

By Jake Bruton
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As we add thicker insulation and more water-sensitive materials to the walls of our houses, it becomes increasingly important to detail our exterior walls to keep water out. Window flashing is one of the parts of a house where this matters most. Getting flashing details right for the common nail-fin-style window means making leakproof transitions between the water-resistive barrier (WRB) and the flanges that fasten the window to the wall.

In this Fine Homebuilding Shop Class video series, professional builder Jake Bruton demonstrates the crucial steps for getting the flashing details right when installing a flanged window in a wall with a fluid-applied WRB, where the entire wall is covered in a liquid sealant to keep air and moisture out. In the first episode, Jake prepares the opening in the wall by applying sealant onto the edges of the rough opening and the entire surface of the studs inside the opening before troweling it to create a flat, continuous moisture barrier. Next, he adds a bead of the same sealant around the sides and top of the opening before inserting, plumbing, squaring up, and fastening the window in place. The third episode outlines the methods for masking the window frame with painter’s tape and then covering the top and side window flanges with the liquid sealant to create the primary flashing details. Finally, he applies foam and quality caulk in the gaps between the window and the interior side of the rough opening to wrap up this airtight, energy-efficient installation.

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Videos in the Series

  • Part 1: Prepare a Rough Opening for a Nail-Fin Window Over a Fluid-Applied WRB

    Use the liquid WRB and a piece of bevel siding to build a sloped sill before liquid-flashing the entire surface.

  • Part 2: Install a Nail-Fin Window Over a Fluid-Applied WRB

    Dry-fit the window, then run a bead of liquid flashing that provides an extra layer of protection against water intrusion.

  • Part 3: Flash a Nail-Fin Window Over a Fluid-Applied WRB

    Mask off the window to keep things clean when you flash the window flange to the wall.

  • Part 4: Air-Seal and Insulate a Nail-Fin Window Over a Fluid-Applied WRB

    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 Zip System sheathing, Exterior Rigid Foam, Housewrap, and Peel-and-stick Membranes

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About Video Series

Fine Homebuilding is constantly producing new videos to provide you with the details and techniques you need to build beautiful, high-quality homes. Watch all of our videos to see builders, remodelers, and other tradespeople demonstrate how to do a top-notch job when installing foundations, roofs, and everything in between.

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  • Installing ZIP System Sheathing: Penetrations

    Installing ZIP System Sheathing: Sealing Penetrations

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