Help please with window flashing and housewrap [Archive] - Home Construction Forums

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BuildingInPA
04-20-2006, 08:30 PM
I was referred over here - wow this is another wonderful building forum!

Our new home is just about ready for drywall. However, I am very worried about the installation of our housewrap and window flashings. The front of the house is stone & stucco, siding in the back. The stucco has begun, but I took some pictures from the back side of the home. The flashing certainly isn't installed as laid out on as I've seen.. and how can they put housewrap on AFTER windows were installed?

The superintendent has seemed very competent and honest to us so far, so I talked to him first, this morning. He said they always install windows first, with strips of Tyvek around them, after which they wrap the house from the bottom up and (I think) retape around the windows. He claims between the flashing and this wrap there is no possibility of water getting in. He then suggested scheduling a meeting with him, us, and the Pella rep - he said the Pella guy could tell us if it's good or bad. (Should I expect this Pella rep to be objective??)

I'm assuming I also need to get a structural engineer out there right away to inspect - just wanted confirmation first from you all. I'll talk to my attorney as well.

One other general question - how black and white is this? If the builder says there are just different ways to do it, is that true? The instructions I've seen on the web all seem to be similar (and not what I'm seeing on my house) but could it be that there ARE other ways to adequately protect from water?

Here are the pictures: http://tdtd.smugmug.com/gallery/1384191/1/65399081

Any comments/ideas are truly appreciated!

Cole
04-20-2006, 08:35 PM
I have always installed Tyvek before the windows and then tape the windows when I get done.

I think he has his methods wrong, but it just makes since to install all of the Tyvek before any windows get set.


Copy and past this into your browser:
construction.tyvek.com/pdf/K02107HRBeforeInstall.pdf

Vector
04-20-2006, 11:35 PM
I've seen it done both ways. If the Pella rep agrees that it's done in an acceptable fashion for their products, that's the big thing, since that will determine if their warranty will cover any problems.

BuildingInPA
04-21-2006, 04:27 AM
But Pella wouldn't be responsible if there's water damage in 5 years right? Actually I need to look into what the Pella warrany does cover.

woodall83
04-21-2006, 08:28 AM
We put windows in before tyvek (well, we use tar papar actually) and sometimes before framing is even completed. But I'll have to find out why that is...

Cole
04-21-2006, 08:58 AM
But Pella wouldn't be responsible if there's water damage in 5 years right? Actually I need to look into what the Pella warrany does cover.

No, they would not be if nothing was wrong with the window.

Rich
04-21-2006, 04:03 PM
I put the Tyvek on before windows but don't staple around the windows.. so the flange of the window is behind the Tyvek. Well - just looked at the link Cole posted - I do just that. Flexible flashing under sill then window, Tyvek, and flexible flashing in that order from wall out.
Looking at your pictures - it's not the best or easiest method of installing Tyvek and flashing - but as long as the seams from the new Tyvek to the strips of Tyvek is taped - it should be alright.

CThomp
05-01-2006, 11:41 AM
I always thought you wanted tyvek on the inside of the window sill. Thats how it looks from the directions.

Sweep
05-08-2006, 11:41 AM
The best instructions for window installation take into account the ability of water to move behind the housewrap and into the rough opening. Tyvek still does not recognize this possibility so you need to look at window manufacturers' instructions. The current state of the art is:

JELD-WEN aluminum clad Double Hung
http://www.jeld-wen.com/_pdf/resources/installation/JII002.pdf

JELD-WEN all wood Double Hung
http://www.jeld-wen.com/_pdf/resources/installation/JII003.pdf

This was pointed out to me by the W R Grace rep.

stuccoman
06-13-2006, 10:11 AM
Do not put any stucco on before the sheetrock is hung.

grumpydasmurf
06-20-2006, 01:44 PM
www.marvin.com you can find window excellent installation videos. See how the manufacturers suggest then make sure yours is properly done.