Window Flashing in Our New Homes in Oklahoma

Posted on 14th January, 2016

Next up in our review of the standard features that are included in our custom built homes in Oklahoma is window flashing. This is a durability feature that many of the area’s home builders are not using, but we feel it’s necessary because it can (and very likely will with our climate) prevent expensive and inconvenient home disasters.

So what exactly is window flashing? It is material that is installed around windows, and it is used to keep water from seeping through the gaps or spaces in between joined building surfaces such as a window frame and the home’s siding or trim. Not only does water that penetrates these spaces increase the likelihood of wood rot, but it can cause insect infestation and structural damage. This is why it’s imperative that the window flashing be properly installed such that a complete barrier between the window and the siding is formed.

Window flashing, obviously, should be durable and weather resistant, but it should also be compatible with the adjacent building materials, in order to prevent potentially hazardous chemical reactions.

Three basic types of window flashing are available: tape, vinyl, and sheet metal, each with their own pros and cons.

1) Tape is the newest type of window flashing and is self-adhering, making it easy for anyone to install, but it can also degrade in ultra-violet light and high temperatures.

2) Vinyl is also easy to work with, despite it’s sometimes difficulty in cutting, but its durability is less than other options, particularly in cold weather. It is also the most likely to have a negative chemical reaction with other materials.

3) Sheet metals, which can include copper, zinc, galvanized steel, stainless steel, and aluminum, are the most durable, and still quite easy to install. They can, however, have sharp edges, making them somewhat difficult to work with.

As always, should you have any questions on window flashing, or any other standard feature in our custom built homes in Oklahoma, please contact us at your convenience.