Installing window flashing tape is an easy project that can save you a lot of money on your energy bills. In this blog post we will teach you How to Install Window Flashing Tape so you can do it on your next housing project!
Window flashing tape, which is the most common type of window insulation for new construction, provides two major benefits: it acts as an air barrier and prevents condensation from forming on the glass.
What is a Window Flashing Tape
Window flashing tape is used to seal penetrations through roof-wall, wall, ceiling and floor joints so that weather will not penetrate these openings causing water leaks.
There are different types of window flashing tapes for different types of construction materials.
- Dicor self-leveling lap sealant is used to seal the penetration joints in construction in place using different methods like hot mopping, troweled or extruded application.
- It can be used for installation of glass, metal or synthetic.
- Dicor Lap Sealant with an acrylic adhesive is recommended to install with most installations of aluminum windows and doors in both new construction or retrofit applications.
- It has a longer working time than other sealants which makes it easier to handle during application.
- This product has a warranty length of 15 years.
- Dicor self-leveling polyurethane sealant is used for installations around windows and doors, penetrations through walls and floors, parking decks, sidewalks and curbs.
- It can be used with a wide variety of construction materials like metal, wood, glass, masonry and rigid plastics which makes it a popular choice.
- This sealant has a warranty length of 15 years and can be applied in temperatures which range from 10 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Dicor self-leveling butyl sealant is used for installations in heavy traffic areas like airports, shopping centers and other commercial applications.
- It is also used in the manufacturing sector and the food service industry.
- It comes in a double tube which has two parts: the resin and the catalyst.
How Window Flashing Tape Works
It works by adhering to the exterior surface of a structure so it can prevent damage from water penetration.
After the window flashing tape has been applied to the structure, a bead of sealant is applied around the area where it was installed.
Its adhesive backing applies pressure to both surfaces. If it is installed incorrectly, there will be gaps or lack of contact between the two surfaces which would allow water penetration.
How To Install Window Flashing Tape
Window flashing tape is applied at angle of less than 30 degrees. A trowel can be used for extruded application while a hot metal trowel is used for the hot mopped method.
For a better application, it should be applied in three layers with a gap of 1/16 inches between each layer.
The difference between the different types of sealed tape is that it seals construction joints to prevent water penetration and prevents structural damage from corrosion, rust and leaks.
It is important to use the right type of sealant to prevent further damage after installation.
How To Apply Window Flashing Tape
To apply the window flashing tape, follow these steps:
1. The first thing you need to do before applying window flashing tape is to make sure that there are no cracks or gaps in the materials being sealed and that all surfaces are free from debris and dirt.
2. After this, a bead of sealant is applied around the opening and window flashing tape is pressed over this so that it covers the joint.
3. After removing the release paper from one end of the tape, an adhesive-side stiffener strip is attached to it before pressing it into place. The other end must be pressed firmly into place as well after the release paper is removed.
If you are applying window flashing tape over a painted surface, the paint must be cured for at least 30 days before installing.
Now that you know more about how window flashing tapes work and the different types of products they use to seal penetrations through roofs, walls, floors and ceilings.
You can now make a choice on which product you should use depending on the type of construction materials being used.
How Does a Window Flashing Tape Prevent Damage?
A window flashing tape is a type of insulation that can be used in the installation of windows.
The window flashing tape consists of multiple layers, which are squeezed together by hand to seal cracks between the framing for an exterior wall and the sheets.
- This tape is useful in stopping air from entering the room, as well as from heating and cooling systems.
- The window flashing tape is a type of insulation that works because it prevents cracks.
- Air can enter through small crevices and gaps around the windows, allowing for cold winter drafts to make their way into your home or office building.
- In the summertime, hot air is able to escape through these openings, making your home or office building less efficient in cooling the air.
- The window flashing tape allows for cracks at joints between windows and exterior walls to be sealed off securely.
- As stated previously, this prevents drafts from entering your building.
- During winter months when insulation is vital, applying the window flashing tape can save you money.
- The window flashing tape should only be used if the site is completely dry first.
- If water leaks into these cracks first, then sealing them off will trap moisture inside of your building.
- This causes rotting and rust to occur on the windows or wall framing, which can lead to major damage.
- It also means that the window flashing tape is no longer doing its job.
If you are concerned about drafts in your buildings, consider using a window flashing tape on the joints where the walls and windows connect.
It will not only prevent damage to your property by stopping warm or cold air from entering or escaping, but it also helps preserve the overall value of your home or office building.
When Does a Window Flashing Tape Fail?
Window flashing tape is a clear, sticky adhesive that seals the joints in a window unit where it meets the housewrap or other water-resistive barrier.
It prevents liquid moisture from entering the wall cavity, effectively keeping the home dry.
But when does window flashing tape fail? Or better yet: How do you know if your tape has failed?
- Typically, you’ll know that your flashing tape has failed when there is water damage at the base of the window.
- As water seeps through the joint between the window and the housewrap or other water-resistive barrier, it could eventually soak into the wall cavity insulation or even come up between framing members to cause rot.
- This may lead to serious structural damage, which could go undetected until it is too late.
- In some cases, you may notice a build-up of debris around the window’s perimeter on the exterior side of the house wrap or WRB.
- In these situations, your tape has failed and should be removed and replaced with new flashing tape that meets strict UL 181B flammability specifications.
If you notice these signs, contact your window manufacturer to determine which flashing tapes are approved for use with their products.
Most manufacturers work only with tapes that meet UL 181B flammability specifications for use at the exterior side of the WRB or housewrap, though some others require butyl rubber tape.
It’s important to check the flashing tape for exposure to UV rays as well.
Some tapes contain plasticizers that can migrate, especially in hot climates or if they’re exposed frequently to sunlight.
This could cause the adhesive on the tape to become sticky and leave a residue on your window and/or housewrap.
Final Note
Therefore, it’s important that the window flashing tape is checked and installed properly.
By taking the time to do it yourself, you can save money and avoid costly repairs down the road.
However, if you’re not comfortable doing it yourself, contact a professional window installation company to complete the task for you.
