Hi all,
I'm installing a new vinyl window in place of an outdated and drafty aluminum window. Got through the hard part (stucco breakout) and am now seeking some confirmation on how to finalize the install, specifically in regards to flashing the window. While water intrusion is not a major concern due to the 18" overhang above the window, I still want to do this better than code as there are other windows I'll be working on down the line.
Some pics to go with the description: https://picasaweb.google.com/106137...authkey=Gv1sRgCPv-_JW3uceGrgE&feat=directlink
A list of steps I've completed so far:
1) stucco breakout down to rough opening
2) verified rough opening is plumb and square (all angles were 90 deg. exactly using a digital level - amazing for a 46 year old home!)
3) slid a new layer of D-type building paper behind the existing lath as far as it would go, letting the excess overlap the rough opening (self-furring nails were used on the old lath, so there was only so far I could get the new paper); made sure that paper was layered from the top down, shingle style
4) trimmed the paper flush with the rough opening all the way around
5) installed two overlapping layers of self-adhering window flashing on the sill
6) installed the window
7) installed single overlapping layers of self-adhering window flashing on the sides, then on the top, covering the nailing fin
8) sealed up the interior of the window frame using low expansion foam and polyurethane caulking around the shims
9) now what?
My questions are:
a) Should I install a z-type drip cap at the top of the window, or is the vinyl window designed to function without one? The installation instructions do not specify a drip cap installation (but is it a good idea to do it anyway)? In the pictures I took, you can see a mini end cap at the top corner of the window - is this designed to function as part of a built-in drip cap design?
b) Did I install the window flashing in the wrong order, i.e. should the first layer of building paper in step 3 occurred AFTER the self-adhering window flashing was installed directly in contact with the rough opening? Before I can apply stucco, I need to have building paper and lath running all the way up to the edges of the window on all sides - this means I'm going to have to cover up the existing self-adhering flashing around the edges with more D-type building paper and lath, then staple it down. I'm concerned that this would break the shingle effect of the paper I've already layed down unless I get the last layer way up under the existing lath and stucco.
c) Does painting stucco ruin its ability to breathe? I really don't want to fool around with color matching a stucco mix to the existing finish layer - would much rather use a paint designed for stucco - any ideas?
d) what's the correct term for the type of finish on the wall - Spanish Lace? California? Any suggestions for a stucco recipe to get this kind of consistency? I've heard that Spanish Lace is too light a texture to use Portland cement with - any truth to that? If so, what should be used?
Thanks for your time all, you're the best!
Pictures with brief comments in captions:
https://picasaweb.google.com/106137...authkey=Gv1sRgCPv-_JW3uceGrgE&feat=directlink
I'm installing a new vinyl window in place of an outdated and drafty aluminum window. Got through the hard part (stucco breakout) and am now seeking some confirmation on how to finalize the install, specifically in regards to flashing the window. While water intrusion is not a major concern due to the 18" overhang above the window, I still want to do this better than code as there are other windows I'll be working on down the line.
Some pics to go with the description: https://picasaweb.google.com/106137...authkey=Gv1sRgCPv-_JW3uceGrgE&feat=directlink
A list of steps I've completed so far:
1) stucco breakout down to rough opening
2) verified rough opening is plumb and square (all angles were 90 deg. exactly using a digital level - amazing for a 46 year old home!)
3) slid a new layer of D-type building paper behind the existing lath as far as it would go, letting the excess overlap the rough opening (self-furring nails were used on the old lath, so there was only so far I could get the new paper); made sure that paper was layered from the top down, shingle style
4) trimmed the paper flush with the rough opening all the way around
5) installed two overlapping layers of self-adhering window flashing on the sill
6) installed the window
7) installed single overlapping layers of self-adhering window flashing on the sides, then on the top, covering the nailing fin
8) sealed up the interior of the window frame using low expansion foam and polyurethane caulking around the shims
9) now what?
My questions are:
a) Should I install a z-type drip cap at the top of the window, or is the vinyl window designed to function without one? The installation instructions do not specify a drip cap installation (but is it a good idea to do it anyway)? In the pictures I took, you can see a mini end cap at the top corner of the window - is this designed to function as part of a built-in drip cap design?
b) Did I install the window flashing in the wrong order, i.e. should the first layer of building paper in step 3 occurred AFTER the self-adhering window flashing was installed directly in contact with the rough opening? Before I can apply stucco, I need to have building paper and lath running all the way up to the edges of the window on all sides - this means I'm going to have to cover up the existing self-adhering flashing around the edges with more D-type building paper and lath, then staple it down. I'm concerned that this would break the shingle effect of the paper I've already layed down unless I get the last layer way up under the existing lath and stucco.
c) Does painting stucco ruin its ability to breathe? I really don't want to fool around with color matching a stucco mix to the existing finish layer - would much rather use a paint designed for stucco - any ideas?
d) what's the correct term for the type of finish on the wall - Spanish Lace? California? Any suggestions for a stucco recipe to get this kind of consistency? I've heard that Spanish Lace is too light a texture to use Portland cement with - any truth to that? If so, what should be used?
Thanks for your time all, you're the best!
Pictures with brief comments in captions:
https://picasaweb.google.com/106137...authkey=Gv1sRgCPv-_JW3uceGrgE&feat=directlink
