QIS Contruction News

Some of the most frequent callback and warranty issues for builders are water leaks at windows. Water can not only leak through windows themselves but also around the window at the interface between the rough opening and the window frame. When moisture enters a wall cavity it can easily find its way into a rough opening even through the smallest of holes. Moisture that leaks into a wall cavity can cause mold to grow…and mold is certainly something that builders would like to avoid.

These days every housewrap, flashing-tape, and window manufacturer has a specific set of installation guidelines that must be followed to uphold each respective product’s warranty. So what do you do when they contradict one another? At a minimum follow the window manufacturer’s instructions. The International Residential Code (R613.1) requires windows to be "installed and flashed according to manufacturers’ instructions." If there’s ever a problem, you’ve done what was required by the building code.

As an alternative, when the window manufacturer shows no flashing details, the standards of practice for the installation of windows as referenced in AAMA 2400-2 should be followed. The AAMA is the American Architectural Manufacturer’s Association and the source of performance standards and product certification for the fenestration industry.

The following PowerPoint presentation illustrates the proper method of window flashing based upon AAMA 2400-2. The presentation was made available through Quality Focus, LLC.

Click here to view.

Qualified Inspection Services provides engineering and third party residential inspection services designed to keep builders code compliant. To find out how our services may benefit your company, please contact us today.