Weathertight Windows
To the Editor:
Regarding the article "Working with
Vinyl Windows" (1/00), all the vinyl
and vinyl-clad windows installed in
my projects are applied to resist severe
weather conditions. Caulking is never
used as a primary means of defense
against air and water penetration, as it
has a high failure rate. If a vinyl window
can expand and contract up to
7/16 inch, how can caulking possibly
remain weathertight?
Vinyl windows can be installed tight
to the weather without caulking if three
steps are taken. Step one is to place a
bitumen membrane flashing pan over
the sill before window installation. Step
two is to use a good quality sealing tape
over the nail flange and onto the
housewrap