Window flashing tape is essential to keep a building as airtight and watertight as possible. However, it has to be installed properly to achieve maximum effectiveness.
The following are six issues that could reduce the effectiveness of window flashing tape.
Neglecting to first clean surfaces that window flashing tape is applied to
Window flashing tape needs to be applied to surfaces that are clean and free from debris such as adhesives or grime. Otherwise, they may not stick to substrate surfaces around the window, and their seal may be less airtight and watertight.
Make sure that substrate preparation includes a thorough cleaning that removes any film or debris.
Putting window flashing tape on surfaces that are moist
After cleaning and before window flashing tape is applied, it's essential that the substrate surface has time to dry completely. Applying window flashing tape to a wet substrate surface can make it so that the flashing tape doesn't adhere properly.
Failing to completely smooth down flashing tape
You should not leave any wrinkles in the flashing tape after it has been put onto the substrate. Wrinkles or protrusions along the flashing tape can allow both air and water to leak through. That's why flashing tape should be thoroughly inspected for any wrinkles after it is applied.
If wrinkles are present, they need to be corrected either through smoothing the tape down or removing it and reapplying a fresh piece that lies down completely flat on the substrate.
Putting window flashing tape over fasteners that are not flush with the substrate surface
You need to thoroughly inspect any fasteners on the substrate over which you will be placing window flashing tape. They should be completely flush against the surface of the substrate.
If fasteners are raised slightly over the substrate, this will create gaps within the flashing tape that will allow for the existence of pockets of air. This could lead to air and moisture leaks, so ensuring that fasteners are flush is essential.
Neglecting to use a squeegee or roller when putting flashing tape around windows
The best way to make sure that flashing tape is completely smoothed down is to use either a squeegee or roller over it when it is first put down. Using a piece of equipment like this will ensure the tightest possible seal against the substrate.
Not including adequate overlap outside of the window frame edge
For maximum effectiveness, you should include enough window flashing tape across the bottom sill of the window to overlap with the wall on either side of the bottom of the sill.
Making the window flashing tape at the sill deeper than the edge of the window frame creates a better seal and protects more effectively against water and air penetration.
Contact a company like GSW Energy to learn more.
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