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Shop Class

Video Series

Installing a Nail-Fin Window Over Housewrap

By Jake Bruton

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 covered in housewrap—in this case, Benjamin Obdyke Hydrogap. In the first episode, Jake prepares the opening in the wall by cutting through the Hydrogap and taping it back to the studs inside the rough opening. Next, he adds a bead of sealant before inserting, plumbing, squaring up, and fastening the window in place. The third episode outlines the methods for taping over the flanges to create the primary waterproofing details. Finally, he applies foam and sealant 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 Housewrap

    After installing the water-resistive barrier, cut the window opening and then use bevel siding and tape to create a positive-slope sill.

  • Part 2: Install a Nail-Fin Window over Housewrap

    Use a manufacturer-approved type of sealant to bond the window to the water-resistive barrier before setting, squaring, and fastening the window to the framing.

  • Part 3: Flash a Nail-Fin Window over Housewrap

    Apply and roll strips of a compatible flashing tape up the sides and across the head of the window for a weathertight installation.

  • Part 4: Air-Seal and Insulate a Nail-Fin Window over Housewrap

    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, Zip System sheathing, Peel-and-stick Membranes, and Fluid-applied WRBs

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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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