[JFM constr]

Help Contractor I hired to build spec used tyveck wrap...

Hi, I built and sold my first spec, I was the gc. I hired a guy to build the home, under a builder's contract. Sold the house, now 4 months later I have frost coming in the bottom right and left corner of each window. I found out he used tyveck tape to flash windows instead of flashing tape...

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what exactly is going on here .i take it the frost is appearing do to air movement . what i suspect is the window frame/flange is allowing air to pass . this would seem to be a reason for cauking between building paper and framing and again between window flange and building paper .
as for tyvek tape ,i would prefer at least 4" around window due to leaks i have seen in the lower corners of windows when doing repairs . problem with what i would like is that in remodels or window replacement i just do not get that much space to work with . the tyvek tape doesn't seem to be sticking well ,doesn't seal around additional fastners going through it .it will not seal well over fastners heads on the flange due to it's stiff nature .
not so much concerned about the head flashing being on top of building paper due to the eves -though seriously it is not doing much .
am i missing anything else .
this is real world situation , worth asking for more insight .

 

[Warren]

Bottom of windows were taped which is a no no. Any moisture must be allowed to escape there. Sill gets taped prior to window install, but never after. Also think there was not an adequate gap for insulation around the framing.

 

[onmywayup]

Bottom of windows were taped which is a no no. Any moisture must be allowed to escape there. Sill gets taped prior to window install, but never after. Also think there was not an adequate gap for insulation around the framing.

Seriously? Man if that's true then I think I've been phucking up window installs for a long time.

I always put flashing tape around the rough opening, folded over and overlapping onto the tyvek, then caulk the window flange, install, then tape over the flange all around the window.

Have I been screwing people over accidentally?

 

[Warren]

Think about it. What's the point of preparing the sill to shed the water outward if you're gonna block it once it gets there?

 

[Lettusbee]

Taping the bottoms is considered an acceptable practice per AAMA installation methods.

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[MarkJames]

I'm not convinced those windows have nailing flanges. The tape is hiding the situation. Or if they do, the tape has peeled away, like it was already doing in one of those pics on top of window.

Watching a house flip (no permits) next to ours, that's going to be their problem with the second floor windows. No flanges, and taped up like they were. Perhaps I should have called the county, but I held back.

 

[builditguy]

I'm not seeing any pics, if there are any.

If the windows were installed using spray foam or caulking and no fiberglass insulation, as per 2012 Energy Act, there will be no frost coming in.

There is always a possibility of extreme humidity in the house??

 

[builditguy]

Ok. Saw the next post, with pictures.

There is a gap in the foam. Air is getting through.

Technically, regarding the frost only, the tape on the outside doesn't even matter. The tape is for water sealing. Not air sealing. The frost is from air entering the space.

 

[SamM]

Seriously? Man if that's true then I think I've been phucking up window installs for a long time.

I always put flashing tape around the rough opening, folded over and overlapping onto the tyvek, then caulk the window flange, install, then tape over the flange all around the window.

Have I been screwing people over accidentally?

Same. Flash the rough opening, install window with caulking, then flashing tape, drip cap, and tape it all to the tyvek. Water stays on top of the window, and of water gets behind the tyvek then it gets kicked back out.

It's how I was trained and how every inspector I've know wanted it.

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[Adamthebuilder]

Ok. Saw the next post, with pictures.

There is a gap in the foam. Air is getting through.

Technically, regarding the frost only, the tape on the outside doesn't even matter. The tape is for water sealing. Not air sealing. The frost is from air entering the space.

I wonder they caulked, spray foamed or insulated just along the inside edge of the window jamb/framing, and left a void toward the outside? Also want to check the humidity levels inside the house. Malfunctioning or power humidifier not set correctly?

Put me down as one who doesn’t think this is a taping issue.

 

[SLSTech]

Not a taping issue for the frost part but flashing is highly suspect / potential problem area - with that cold air is concentrated in that spot which looks like it could easily be solved with some caulking, better sealing with foam, etc... or then again those could be some really crappy windows

 

[hdavis]

Those cold corners could be as simple as little room for insulation. I'd also suspect air infiltration.

 

[ScipioAfricanus]

A fix could be as simple as removing the interior trim or side casing and air sealing behind it a little better, then replace the trim.

Andy.

 

[VinylHanger]

A foam gun with a very thin tube may do the trick.

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