Window Flashing Advice

colotimber

I have a client that wants new Pela windows for his log home. This is one of the log homes with square logs. How do you flash the brick molding to the log without using 1 tube o caulking per foot. That is what they have now and here in Colorado the harsh sun and extreme temperature changes the caulking doesn't work anyhow. I had thought of making a slot for the flashing to go into the log but I still have an exposure from the flashing into the log. I am at a loss as to a long term solution.

W-Tinc

If you mean setting the window so that the brick mold rests against the logs that does sound like a really bad idea.

You could remove the brick mold or use a replacement style window, setting it further back into the jamb.

Or you could cut into the logs the width and depth the brick mold extends past the new window jamb. Add a little to the depth so you can seal it up better.

colotimber

I talked yesterday with a neighbor and the solution that we came up with is remove the existing paint caulk and crap then install the window and then to use Grace Ice and Water shield over the window fin about 4" above the fin and then cap that with like a 1x4 cedar cap. I would like anyone else's suggestions as to solutions.
Thanks Tinc for the suggestion I may try a combination of your idea and the one above.

Patrick

I would route out the logs so the flange has somewhere to sit.

__________________
Originally Posted by Celtic
Like I said...I'm sure you are very good at what you do ~ whatever that is and where ever it happens.

thom

Follow Patricks advice. The ice and water shield is probably not an approved method. You are relying on the adhesive to make a water tight seal that will last 30 years or more. Moisture will penetrate the log above the I&W shield and push it away over time.

Ideally you would use a replacement type of window, no brickmold or flange, and set it into the opening with flashing at the bottom, and possibly the sides.

neolitic

It's been a long time, but I think
logs probably still shrink.
If you plant windows and doors
like a frame house they get crushed.
We built a full 4 sided frame out of 2X
and mounted that in the opening with
screws in slots in the frame.
Allowing space between the log "header"
and the frame head, stuffed with
fiberglass to take up the slack.
We nailed the flange to the 2X,
covered it with 1X and caulked the
**** out of everything.
The head flashing was meant to
slide freely down over the window.
I think it was wedged into a slot
in the header log.)
Good luck, but I'd suggest doing
some research into log construction,
everything you are used to doesn't
necessarily translate.

__________________
Put your location in your profile!
(Sorry....it seems there really are dumb questions)

Patrick

Or under sized, with brickmold, to fit into a framed opening inside the logs, similar to what you would see on a brick house. Called a block frame install per AAMA

__________________
Originally Posted by Celtic
Like I said...I'm sure you are very good at what you do ~ whatever that is and where ever it happens.

neolitic

It's like a "block" frame, but
block is stable.
There is major vertical shrinkage
in a log wall. I think that we had to
allow an inch gap for a 3' opening.
Like I said this was 20 years ago,
but logs are still logs.

__________________
Put your location in your profile!
(Sorry....it seems there really are dumb questions)

colotimber

Thanks for the input, I know that I failed to specify that the logs are squared off. I like the idea of the inset window, except as mentioned as to the natural movement of the wood. The problem that I have with routing a slot for the fin is there is still nothing keeping moisture from running down the side of the house and getting into the routed slot with the exception of sealant and then we still have the longevity issue.

neolitic

It's a log cabin, caulk is gonna be
a fact of life.
You just can't do things like
a conventionally framed house.
Can't really find anything with
goods illustrations, but here is a
start.

Check page #7....
http://www.nfs.unl.edu/documents/rur.../alogcabin.pdf
This one has some video...
http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/ho_log...273597,00.html

Try some Googleing around.

__________________
Put your location in your profile!
(Sorry....it seems there really are dumb questions)

Jason Whipple

Try this advice from Tennessee Log Homes.

__________________
Jason E Whipple, General Manager
Historic House Restoration, Cincinnati, Ohio
Facebook | Twitter