What's The Right Way?

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To hang new construction windows? Some say no tape at the bottom, some do? Also when the house is going to be brick vener do you install flashing to your window sill and let it hang down and under your rowlock to serve as flashing?

curapa

I always put tape on the bottom first, sides then the top. I can see where people would say not to tape the bottom now that I think about it. I remember the first time I was handed the tape (when i ran a framing crew),.. I said "what the hell do I need this for", when I got the answer I said, "and why the hell is this my job?", never did get an answer but they expected me to put it on for free.

RobertCDF

Around here most of the guys (not us... WE HATE WINDOWS and I will beg before I start doing windows again) put the tape on the bottom BEFORE the window is set. Then set the window and do the sides then the top that overlaps the sides and then some.

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Why are you directing me there?

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I see now. Thanks!

curapa

This way sounds the best to me. I never considered putting it under the window before.

neolitic

In the olden days, we always "flashed" the sub sill with felt, then ran strips over that and up the sides, behind the brick mold.
I figure the tape is just high tech felt.

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72chevy4x4

just to back neo up, when flashing around window's for vinyl, you layer in order to shed water out if it get's in high in the window. the purpose of tape isn't as a water shed, it's as an air infiltration device-if you leave it off the bottom you open it as a air channel which can then allow vapor to travel back and forth...not sure how much of a problem in the real world it would be but theoretically it could cause mold or rot.

I would still tape from teh bottom up, only b/c it's where I'm working from first (as the ladder/boards are raised).

BuiltByMAC

A better reason to give would be :
Taping from bottom up would have all tape seams overlapping in such a manner that water couldn't run behind the seam.

When I framed, I used the same method as Robert - tape the bottom RO, install the window, tape the sides, then the top.

Mac

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I agree that you should tape the bottom of the window but also understand why you would leave it off to allow what if any water that got behind the window to drain out. But I also agree that that would not give an air tight seal and could creat problems. Seems to me if you tape all sides of the window correctly then there should be no water entry period, and therefor you should not need to tape the bottom of the rough opening before putting the window in.

concretemasonry

Isn't anyone here a Certified Window/Door Installer?

There is such a thing and some builders with hire a certified sub for installation instead of using the old habits of their employees that may or may not be good. They found it is better beacause of the problems and law suits. There is a time to tape and a time not to tape.

The class takes about 2 days and explains things most installers never think about, like pan flashing.

I took the certification class because I get work because of mold and moisture problems, which is usually related to improper installation. Usually, a couple of properly located moisture probes can eliminate a tear-off or a complete water test before the attorneys settle.

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Patrick

AAMA Certified Installation Master here The guys say im such a nerd. The sad part is in all two days of the class we never once touched a window. It was all on the overhead projector

curapa

Patrick, where are you located?

Patrick

Massachusetts

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Well....Mr. AAMA Master, how do you do it?

Patrick

Regardless of when the building paper is put on. The bottom should be taped BEFORE the window is installed. After installing the window, tape the jambs and then the head. All tapes should over lap a full 9" . You are also required to caulk the backs of the nail flanges on the jambs and head before installing window. The are however 3 totally different methods for installing flashing depending on when the paper is put on. I highly recommend the class, it will give you so many big nerdy words to use when your on an estimate, that the customer will hire you right away. BTW We are "fenestration product" Installers, not window installers lol

curapa

Patrick, I thought you may have been someone I know here, same name, same profession.

I always thought the tape was more for an R value to prevent outside air penetrating the house rather than a water sealer. It does make sense to me that water can sit on or penetrate the bottom tape and work its way under the window.

Both ways to apply the tape seem to have their merits.

BTW, how well does the tape you guys use stick to the osb? On a cold day I would have to put a button cap on the corners to keep it from falling.

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I've never had a problem with my tape not sticking.

Patrick

You also want the tape under the window so that if water leaks through the window it will exit on top of the tape rather than under. Tape never sticks well even in the summer. We always staple it with T50's