Window Flashing is a Tape that Waterproofs a Window Frame in an Opening
Flashing is a water-proofing material that we fix around joints e.g. in a roof, to prevent moisture leaking through. Window flashing adheres to this principle too, although it works slightly differently. Many city ordinances insist on flashing around windows nowadays, so it is actually important to get it right.
More About the Principles of Window Flashing
Window flashing is a tape that waterproofs a window frame on the outside, within an opening in a wall Although in this case it’s an elegant solution, as opposed to lead, aluminum, copper, stainless steel, zinc alloy, or another material. However, even more importantly flashing tape is essential for two reasons:
- It prevents wind, rain and dust whistling in through a gap between the window and the opening in the wall.
- Installing the flashing helps avoid an insurance claim-rejection for storm damage, and keeps your home legal too.
Principles for Flashing Exterior Windows in a Wall
Exterior tape flashing serves as a membrane surrounding the outer edges of a window fame, but also a door and other opening in an outside wall. It’s role is to keep rainwater and wind where they belong, that’s outside even in a driving storm.
We remove all existing building paper at Valiant Exteriors, and install new window flashing tape on all window and door flanges. To do so, we follow a tried-and-trusted procedure, which helps keep our client’s homes dry and warm.
How to Apply Waterproofing Flashing Around Windows
The first, and perhaps most important principle is to apply quality flashing tape, that follows the contours and adheres well. There are cowboy contractors in Calgary from out of town. We often find we have to remove all their tape, and start over again when called in to attend to a failed job.
- We begin by fixing the sealing tape across the bottom of the window.
- Because we want the side tape to overlap this because of water running down.
- Then we follow up with the side tape leaving some surplus length at the top.
- And finally we finish by sealing the top of the window with a side overlap.
The Small Things that Count at Valiant Exteriors
You’ll probably never notice this level of attention to detail, once we install the siding around the windows. However, we still insist on making every detail perfect, because customer satisfaction is most important for us. It’s also what drives the referrals that keep our business growing. Please contact Valiant Exteriors now, and discover that quality does not have to cost more.
More Information
Using Metal Flashing with Asphalt Shingles