In the Seattle area, where I work, we get a lot of rain. From the mid-90s to the mid-2000s, there were many high-profile cases of water damage caused by improperly detailed siding, mostly on condos and other multifamily housing.
Our construction company recently completed a major remodel and energy retrofit of a split-level home in northern Vermont.
Closed-cell foam acts as air-sealing, insulation, and secondary drainage plane in this unique home.
Andersen Exterior Trim System
Quickly installs on the company's A-Series, 400 Series, and 200 Series windows.
How a wet-climate builder details the layers to keep out the rain.
Andersen's new Folding Patio Door has an unusual top-hung design that allows its panels fold up and out the way easily.
Fiberglass windows are stronger than vinyl, insulate better than aluminum, and cost less than solid wood, say manufacturers.
Window on the past
A properly flashed water-resistant drainage plane is essential when installing stone veneer over a wood-framed wall.
You already flash around doors and windows; you should be flashing under them, too.
Outdoor
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Q: Rain-screen wall assemblies seem like a good idea for protecting wood siding and paint, but they can create headaches when it comes to resolving door, window, and other trim details. Wider gaps mean that doors and windows would need jamb extensions, as well as screening to keep bugs out. But...
Precise framing, peel-and-stick membrane, and metal flashings ensure a leakproof job.
For best results, locate the heat loss with a blower door and an infrared camera.
Engineered lumber; exterior doors
Along the coast where wind-blown rain is a regular weather feature, it's no surprise to builders that the exterior of a home must be carefully detailed to manage water. Properly installed housewrap and flashing are the key elements of an effective water-resistive barrier. But rainwater is not the...
Tall-Wall Studs ~ Breathable Roofs~ Paperless Drywall ~ Screws for Composite Decking
A weathertight basement door; matching asbestos siding
Callbacks typically result from three things: poor design, faulty construction, or the actions of a clueless homeowner. While this is true everywhere, coastal environments are a whole lot less forgiving of such errors. Wind-driven rain and infrequent drying opportunities can drive moisture deep...
Working on Long Island, remodeling contractor Mike Sloggatt has to prepare homes to weather the occasional nor'easter. So when it comes to installing windows and doors, he's not afraid of overkill. Here, he details the flashing routine he typically employs to create a drainable, water-resistant...