Installing the Easy Connect Joining System with Jake Bruton

Connecting the window unit to the drainage plane was just as essential here as in any window installation, but before we get into the details of how they did that, it’s important to note that Bruton and his crew followed the drainage method of installation.

Following the drainage method of installation means leaving the bottom unsealed. Bruton favors this approach because water can drain down and out in the case of future infiltration. Because they used the drainage method, they moved the air control layer inside.

Here’s how they prepared the rough opening:

• Sill: One continuous piece of ZIP System™ Stretch Tape was used to flash the sill. The tape goes 6 to 8 inches up the side jambs as well. Bruton emphasized the importance of using a single piece of tape, which he does to avoid breaks that could provide a path in for water.
• Jambs and head: ZIP System Seam Tape was used on the jambs and head of the window. Bruton used seam tape here because it’s more cost-effective.
• Top corners: ZIP System Stretch Tape was again used where the jambs meet the head of the rough opening. He did this to avoid origami. While seam tape could be used here, the geometry of corners and turns makes it much more difficult to ensure continuity. Therefore, he finds the additional cost of stretch tape an acceptable one that reduces the long-term risk to his client and company. Additionally, using it surgically is more cost-effective than running it across the entire head of the window where it’s not as necessary as on the sill.

Did you know you can select your preferred method of installation, drainage, or barrier, when you use our installation guide configurator? This tool also allows you to customize by product, project, and more.

The windows used in Bruton’s project came as individual units with factory-installed fiberglass joining plates attached. The Easy Connect Joining System enabled his team to lift each A-Series Double-Hung Window into the rough opening and connect it to the preceding window using the interlocking plates. This simplified the operation as it took about 10 minutes to get all the windows secured into place. It also cut down on costs as no crane or other large piece of equipment was needed — conveniently, this also protected the homeowner’s lawn.

Did you know that joining in the opening is not the only configuration we offer? The Easy Connect Joining System is available for factory-assembled windows — a single unit can be up to 12 feet wide and 8 feet high. A third option is to order windows with a joining kit. This allows your crew to join the units onsite and then install as a single unit.