Installing 100 Series windows with builder Jake Bruton
High-performance builder Jake Bruton of Aarow Building explains how he approaches window installation in this Onsite with Andersen video.
Bruton’s approach
“We’re looking for continuity in our water management, we’re looking for continuity in our air control layers, and we’re looking for our thermal control layer to be continuous as well,” Bruton said. Here’s a recap of the window installation process he followed to achieve all this.
Water control
The water control layer used consisted of ZIP System sheathing, tape, and sealants, along with our 100 Series windows. He noted that there are a lot of different water control systems, but no matter which one you choose, “the key is to understand what you’re asking the product to do and why.” To connect the window to the water control layer in a way that will properly manage water, he first sealed the sides using ZIP tape. Then, he sealed the top jamb, again using ZIP tape. This approach makes sure everything laps over the layer below, and water will shed below the window. He used the drainage method of installation, which leaves the bottom flange of the window unsealed. This is done so that any water that gets inside the rough opening, either because of an installation error or other failure, can find its way out. The sill was waterproofed with ZIP tape that continued down below the sill, so any potential water will drain outside the building envelope.
Air control
He then turned to the process of creating a continuous air control layer. To make sure the open bottom flange won’t cause an air leak, the team added ZIP sheathing — the air control layer — inside the rough opening. Then, a fluid-applied sealant was added on the inside of the rough opening to enable a continuous air barrier layer.
Thermal control
He used a backer rod behind the sealant for thermal control. In their fairly mild climate — Missouri is zone four — this will provide sufficient insulation. What was important was the continuity of the other two control layers.
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Connecting the window’s water control layer with the wall’s water control layer
ZIP flashing tape was run over the nailing flanges on both side jambs and then over the nailing flange on the head jamb. The tape was rolled, and the water control layer was complete.
