Window Flashing

Imagine a house without windows? Tough eh? Well, it surely is. However, if an individual does not keep an eye on the maintenance of windows, they will be as good as naught as the purpose for which they are installed in a construction will be defeated. One of the things which is useful in maintaining the windows is the usage of window flashing. The purpose of using this is to prevent water from seeping through the gaps in adjoining building surfaces. I am sure some of you might be knowing about this and would also have used it. For those who do not know about it yet, here is more.

What is Window Flashing?

It is a process which does not let the water seep in through gaps when there are adjoining building surfaces. It is installed around the windows for that purpose. It is typically made of galvanized steel or aluminum. The catch is that it has to be installed prior to putting the siding on your house. It cannot be picked up just like that. It has to be durable, weather-resistant and suitable to the material surrounding the intended spot of flashing used in the construction. There are various types of flashing materials available - sheet metal, vinyl, and tape.

Installation of Flashing on Windows

It won't be trouble. Installing the window flashing is not a tough job, but it has to be done very carefully, be it any kind of window, say vinyl windows. Take a look.

Supplies
The tools required for this project are -

• Safety Gear
• Hammer
• Nail Set
• Tin Snips
• Tape Measure
• Bleach Solution
• Rubber Gloves
• Work Gloves
• Towel
• Spray Bottle
• Pry Bar
• Putty Knife
• Nail Puller
• Aluminum Flashing

Method
After we have taken stock of things required for installation of flashing, here is the procedure.

Step 1
Pull off and remove all the nails along the upper edge of the window with the help of a nail puller. Then after you are done with the nails, pry the siding and loosen it a little bit. This will help you install the window flashing under the siding. You might have to do this in case of a broken window repair.

Step 2
For scraping off the caulking which is already there, use a putty knife. Follow that by mixing water and bleach solution together. Pour the solution in a spray bottle. Now you will have to apply that solution to the casing, for getting rid of any debris which might be there. To do this, please remember to wear gloves and safety glasses.

Step 3
Now you have to apply silicone sealant along the window edge in a thin line. This is vital to not let water enter the siding and casing. This is a vital aspect of window pane replacement too.

Step 4
The next thing on the cards is to measure the flashing, which is new and which you are going to fix to the window accurately. Ensure that the flashing overhangs around half an inch on each end. Do not forget your gloves while cutting the window flashing. The flashing will obviously be as per the previous measurements.

Step 5
We have almost come to the end of the installation process. What has to be done here is that you have slide the flashing beneath the siding first. Follow that by nailing the flashing through the existing holes.

Finally, you will have to sink the nails underneath the surface of the siding with the help of a nail set. The last thing to do is to fill the nail holes using wood putty and sand. But that cannot be done before the flashing application dries up.

This is all. Please be careful while cutting the flashing and while handling the water and bleach solution. Hope this was useful!