Avoiding Window Leaks: How to Flash Window Jambs | ZIP System sheathing and tape

Zip System Sheathing

8 Feb 201701:45

Summary

TLDRIn this video, Ben from Huber Engineered Woods demonstrates the use of Zip System flashing tapes for quick and leak-free window flashing. He explains the process of installing temporary shims, applying exterior-grade sealant, and installing the window according to manufacturer's specs. Ben then shows how to apply Zip system flashing tape to the window jam flanges, ensuring proper overlap and shingling pattern for optimal sealing. The video concludes with a teaser for the next part, focusing on header flashing installation.

Takeaways

🔧 Flashing tape is used to prevent window leaks.
🛠️ Begin by flashing the sill pan before installing the window.
📏 Place temporary shims at each corner of the rough opening and along the nail pattern.
🧱 Use exterior-grade sealant, preferably 100% silicone or polyurethane, for a strong bond.
🔨 Install the window according to the manufacturer’s specifications, ensuring it's square, plum, and level.
🚪 Fasten the window to the opening, then remove the temporary shims.
📑 Apply flashing tape to the window jamb flanges, ensuring overlaps to prevent leaks.
🧰 The jamb flashing should overlap the sill flashing and extend up to the midpoint under the header flashing.
🛑 Ensure proper shingling pattern with the jamb flashing to direct water away from the window.
🛞 Use a Zip system roller to seal the flashing tape, addressing wrinkles and air pockets to avoid water infiltration.

Q & A

What is the primary purpose of using Zip system flashing tapes?
-The primary purpose of using Zip system flashing tapes is to prevent leaks around windows by sealing the rough opening, ensuring a watertight barrier.
Why are temporary shims placed at each corner of the rough opening?
-Temporary shims are placed at each corner of the rough opening to help properly position and level the window during installation.
What type of sealant is recommended for installing the window?
-An exterior-grade sealant, such as 100% silicone or polyurethane, is recommended for installing the window to ensure a strong, durable bond.
What should be checked after installing the window to ensure correct positioning?
-After installing the window, it is important to check that the window is square, plumb, and level to ensure correct positioning.
When can the temporary shims be removed?
-The temporary shims can be removed after the window has been properly fastened to the opening.
What is the correct technique for applying Zip system flashing tape to the window jamb flanges?
-The correct technique involves overlapping the jamb flashing over the sill flashing at the bottom and extending it up to the midpoint where the header flashing will go, ensuring a proper shingling pattern.
Why is it important to use a shingling pattern for the flashing tape?
-A shingling pattern is important to ensure that water is directed away from the window and does not accumulate behind the flashing, which could lead to leaks.
What tool should be used to seal the flashing tape to the sheathing?
-A Zip system J roller should be used to press and seal the flashing tape to the sheathing for a secure bond.
What are 'fish mouths,' and why should they be avoided?
-Fish mouths are wrinkles or air pockets that form in the flashing tape, creating potential areas where water can seep in, leading to leaks. They should be avoided to ensure a watertight seal.
Where can you find additional information on installing header flashing?
-Additional information on installing header flashing can be found by visiting the Zip system website at zip system.com, as mentioned in the video.

Outlines

00:00

🔧 Introduction to Flashing a Window

Ben from Huber Engineered Woods introduces the topic of using Zip system flashing tapes to flash a window effectively to prevent leaks. He briefly outlines the first step—flashing the sill pan—and prepares for the demonstration of flashing the window jams.

🛠 Preparing the Window Opening

The process starts with placing temporary shims at each corner of the rough window opening where the jam meets the sill. Additional shims are placed along the nail pattern of the window. Using an exterior-grade sealant, Ben recommends using 100% silicone or polyurethane for the best bond.

🚪 Installing and Securing the Window

After applying the sealant, the next step is to install the window according to the manufacturer’s specifications. Ensuring that the window is square, plumb, and level is crucial before fastening it to the opening. Once the window is secured, the temporary shims can be removed.

📏 Applying the Zip System Flashing Tape

After the window is installed, the focus shifts to applying Zip system flashing tape to the window jam flanges. To prevent window leaks, Ben emphasizes ensuring the jam flashings overlap the sill flashing and extend to the midpoint under the head flashing, maintaining a correct shingling pattern.

🎯 Ensuring a Proper Seal

Ben advises using the Zip system J roller to thoroughly seal the flashing to the sheathing. It's important to roll over problem areas like wrinkles or air pockets that can lead to fish mouths, a weak spot where water can potentially enter.

🎥 Stay Tuned for the Final Step

Finally, Ben teases the next step in the process, which involves installing the header flashing. He encourages viewers to visit ZipSystem.com to watch the final video in the series and to gain more insights on protecting their builds.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Zip System

The Zip System is a type of building material solution designed for weatherproofing and sealing structures, particularly around windows and doors. It includes components like flashing tape and sheathing that simplify the process of creating a sealed, durable barrier against moisture. In the video, the speaker uses Zip System flashing tapes to demonstrate how to flash a window to prevent water leaks.

💡Flashing

Flashing refers to thin pieces of impervious material installed to prevent water penetration at joints or intersections in building structures, such as around windows, doors, and rooflines. It is a critical step in the installation process to protect the building from water damage. The video focuses on applying Zip System flashing tape to the window jams and header to ensure there are no leaks.

💡Sill Pan

A sill pan is a protective layer installed at the base of a window or door opening to catch and drain away any water that might enter around the frame. The video mentions flashing the sill pan as the initial step before installing the window to help prevent leaks at the bottom of the window.

💡Window Installation

This refers to the process of fitting a window into a prepared opening in a building structure. Proper window installation includes steps like flashing the sill pan, using sealants, and ensuring the window is square, plumb, and level. The video outlines these steps to show how to correctly install a window to prevent leaks.

💡Jams

Jams are the vertical sides of a window or door frame. Flashing the jams involves applying a protective material to these sides to prevent water intrusion. The video emphasizes using Zip System flashing tape on the window jams to create a water-resistant barrier and avoid leaks.

💡Sealant

Sealants are materials used to block the passage of fluids through the surface or joints of building structures. In the context of the video, the presenter recommends using exterior-grade silicone or polyurethane sealant for the best bond when installing a window. The sealant helps ensure a tight, waterproof fit between the window and the building structure.

💡Shimming

Shimming involves placing small pieces of material (shims) between the window frame and the opening to ensure the window is level and plumb. In the video, temporary shims are used at the corners of the rough opening and along the nail pattern to properly align the window before it is permanently secured.

💡Sheathing

Sheathing is the protective layer of boards or panels that is attached to the exterior walls of a building to strengthen the structure and provide a base for other materials, such as flashing tape. In the video, the flashing tape is rolled over the sheathing to create a sealed surface, which prevents water infiltration.

💡Header Flashing

Header flashing is installed at the top of a window or door to direct water away from the frame and prevent it from seeping into the structure. The video mentions installing the header flashing after flashing the jams, and using a shingling pattern to ensure proper water shedding and protection.

💡Shingling Pattern

A shingling pattern is a technique used to layer building materials in such a way that water flows off the structure instead of penetrating it. In the video, the presenter advises using a correct shingling pattern when extending the top part of the jam flashing, ensuring that water is directed away from the window opening.

Highlights

Introduction of Zip system flashing tapes to flash a window and avoid leaks.

Step 1: Flash the sill pan before installing the window.

Place temporary shims at each corner of the rough opening where the jamb meets the sill.

Apply exterior-grade sealant along the nail pattern of the window using 100% silicone or polyurethane.

Install the window according to manufacturer specifications.

Ensure the window is square, plumb, and level before fastening it to the opening.

Remove the temporary shims after securing the window.

Use Zip system flashing tape on the window jamb flanges to prevent leaks.

Ensure the jamb flashings overlap the sill flashing at the bottom.

The top of the jamb flashing should reach the midpoint under where the head flashing will go.

Use a correct shingling pattern for the upper section of the jamb flashing.

Seal the flashing to the sheathing using the Zip system J roller.

Roll over trouble areas such as wrinkles or air pockets to avoid 'fish mouths' which can allow water to seep in.

The next step involves installing the header flashing, which will be demonstrated in a subsequent video.

Visit zip system.com to learn more about flashing techniques and protecting your build.