What is the best way to do Stucco/E.I.F.S exterior window wraps?
Pat EstesJuly 17, 2020Last updated: Sept. 25, 2020
Ive been a Plasterer for 30yrs and always wrapped and flashed windows to protect from water intrusion. Yet I see roofers doing it wrong, painters attempting it and the issues always effected stucco. Is there a licensed or certification for pan flashing or air barrier installation?
Responses (1)
Emmanuel CosgroveJuly 21, 2020, 9:32 a.m.
Installing a window properly to avoid air and water leaks is left up to the installer, there is no certification that we know of. There are different ways to install windows that work, so one would hope that a window detail would be properly drawn by a designer. We agree with you that some installation techniques are bound to fail, or simple mistakes that could have been easily avoided can lead to higher energy bills from heat loss (usually air leakage around the frames), and water infiltration and damage if there wasn’t a strategy in place to avoid standing water and repel driving rain. Here is our page on window installation with some easy to follow tips that will improve the performance and durability –
I know the page doesn’t cover stucco specifically, but window installation should direct all water to the building exterior no matter what type it is.
You will see on that page two methods of air sealing we tried and we were really happy with how little air leakage we found when we relied not on caulking but rather on a high-performance building tape.
You can either purchase a flashing pan to collect and divert water or you can build your own with the right materials like we did in the window installation video on that page.
Top Tips for installing windows & doors to prevent water leaks & air infiltration, helping them perform better & last longer, especially in LEED, Passive House…
The energy efficiency of your home is greatly affected by doors and windows, so choose well. Here are some tips about what to look for and what to avoid. Mater…
A blower door test identifies air leakage in a home; you can find and fix those air leaks for a more airtight, mold & rot-free and energy-efficient sustainable…
Replacing old windows in all but the most extreme cases will not save money in your lifetime. Repairing old windows or adding layers may be a more cost-effecti…
Tips for preparing your house for winter: how to make your house more efficient to save money on heating, more durable to save disasters & maintenance issues &…
Fitting extra insulation to an older home when renovating can be a great idea, but when insulating exterior walls from the outside take care to do it right. Ec…
Vapor retarder latex based primers can be twice as effective as the requirements laid out in many building codes regarding vapor barriers requirements. Vapor B…
Installing a window properly to avoid air and water leaks is left up to the installer, there is no certification that we know of. There are different ways to install windows that work, so one would hope that a window detail would be properly drawn by a designer. We agree with you that some installation techniques are bound to fail, or simple mistakes that could have been easily avoided can lead to higher energy bills from heat loss (usually air leakage around the frames), and water infiltration and damage if there wasn’t a strategy in place to avoid standing water and repel driving rain. Here is our page on window installation with some easy to follow tips that will improve the performance and durability –
How to install windows properly
I know the page doesn’t cover stucco specifically, but window installation should direct all water to the building exterior no matter what type it is.
You will see on that page two methods of air sealing we tried and we were really happy with how little air leakage we found when we relied not on caulking but rather on a high-performance building tape.
You can either purchase a flashing pan to collect and divert water or you can build your own with the right materials like we did in the window installation video on that page.