In an earlier post we talked about the drainage plane and why it's important. Windows are an obvious penetration to the drainage plane and you want to flash properly to keep the moisture on the outside of the structure instead of inside. Green builders in Columbia SC are being re-educated about flashing during their green training. Here's how it works. There are two kinds of rubber tape flashing that they use. One is ultra flexible and goes in before the window unit. It bends around the bottom corners of the opening. Watch your installer the first time so he stretches it instead of cutting it with a knife. Then you install the window over it and use the other regular flat tape to seal the sides and top. By using the correct installation order, the window and the tape funnel the water down and out like shingles on a roof. Do it wrong and you help to funnel water inside and behind your windows. Now your windows protect your drainage plane, and look how well the openings have been sealed against air infiltration!
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