Windows do so much more for our houses than just give us spaces to see our neighborhoods or scenic views. They also bring in natural light, provide us with insulation, and achieve visual appeal. Windows even help us feel less confined. All of these factors play into our increased happiness and productivity. Essentially, windows make our house a home. And they are an incredibly wise investment. You are able to choose from a wide variety of sizes, shapes, and styles when building your home in Great Hills or remodeling your current one.
When to Install Window Flashing
Every residential and commercial property needs to install window flashing. As a Great Hills remodeling company installs your window unit, they will also install the window flashing. The window manufacturer will have recommended the best method of flashing for that particular unit. This way, you are able to maintain the warranty. But, typically, window flashing occurs as a two-part process. Your remodeler will first prep the rough opening for the installation of the unit. Then, they will secure and square the window within the rough opening.
Main Types of Window Flashing
Overall, window flashing is a critical part of your home project. But there are advantages and disadvantages to each type of window flashing. Great Hills remodelers should be well-versed in all of them, for the sake of fulfilling unique window requirements. To avoid undesirable chemical reactions, material compatibility needs to be at the top of your contractor’s list of considerations. Here is a quick look at each type of flashing:
- Sheet Metal: Protect your windows with the low-maintenance product of sheet metal flashing. This is made up of materials like galvanized and stainless steel, aluminum, copper, and zinc. Although it can be a more challenging type of flashing to work with, sheet metal is very durable.
- Molded Vinyl: This is a rigid type of window flashing. Molded vinyl is commonly used during the installation of vinyl-clad windows and is often inexpensive. Product warning labels will inform you of whether your vinyl material will react negatively with materials like sealant.
- Flashing Tape: Create air barriers to improve air quality and lower AC costs with flashing tape. Due to its flexibility, flashing tape conforms easily around your windowsill. This flashing type is actually in the transition from being an optional building material to a required product.
Vapor Barrier Benefits
Harmful chemicals can enter your home through your walls, roof, foundation, and crawl spaces. An example is radon, which is an invisible, odorless gas that comes from the natural decay of uranium in soil. Radon is known to enter buildings through small cracks and holes. Some areas are considered high-risk radon zones. Luckily, Great Hills does not have that title, given that it falls under the zone with the lowest risk of exposure.
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Pay Attention to Local Requirements
For any home remodeling project, you need to be aware of local building codes. This way, all of your work is legally compliant and you ensure long-term safety. Great Hills remodeling experts must also be familiar with energy efficiency expectations. This is the primary reason why the majority of homeowners in Texas replace their old windows. In fact, Texas has now adopted and required the Energy Star standards. Every window should meet these standards.
Window flashing already offers a way to protect you from high energy costs. But Energy Star windows, in particular, reduce your carbon footprint. During the summer, they block unwanted heat. Alternately, during the winter, they keep the heat indoors. They even require less maintenance because less condensation is present. That means, just like with vapor barriers, a lower chance of mold issues!
Common Window Flashing Errors
If you have never tried to install flashing before, it is in your best interest to leave it to the professionals. After all, you do not want to accidentally experience water leakage due to faulty flashing. Windows must be flashed in a specific sequence, so although it isn’t necessarily a difficult process, it must be executed very carefully. A Great Hills remodeling company will know not to succumb to these errors:
- Not following the specs provided by the manufacturer
- Adhering the flashing tape without a flashing membrane roller
- Stretching the flashing tape (results in a gap where water can enter)
- Not cleaning and drying the substrate before installation
- Improperly cutting the flashing
- Placing the upper layers beneath the lower layers (reverse shingling)
How to Install Window Flashing
As you know, every window manufacturer has specific flashing instructions. Still, the best way to install window flashing is by starting with a weather-resistive barrier. Once your window unit is ready to install, you will cut this barrier back. From there, with your window flashing, you will move along the bottom, then to the sides, and finish at the top. Professional Great Hills remodelers will follow the outlined steps to ensure that your window is secured on all sides. They must also insulate the unit, either using expanding spray foam or fiberglass insulation.
Bat City Builders is an Austin-based design-build company. We offer our code-compliant services to neighborhoods throughout the area. From concept to completion, we ensure that all of our clients will have an enjoyable, efficient, and safe experience with home remodeling. Ready to kick off your own Great Hills remodeling with a team of transparent hard workers? Send us a message so that we can discuss your unique needs.