inspectorwill Posted November 19, 2009 Report Share Posted November 19, 2009 The pictured installation is typical for my area. This is a traditional stucco home with wood trim installed around vinyl clad windows. The window / trim joints are commonly caulked. However, the caulking typically deteriorates within a couple years. Recaulking on a regular basis, especially at 2nd floor windows, does not seem practical. In the close up pic, you can see the lathe in the gap between the window frame and wood trim. I have two questions. 1- Is the caulking really necessary? 2 - Is there a better installation method with this type of siding and trim? Gaps will inevitably occur between the window frame and wood trim and continual caulking is not practical. Click to Enlarge 52.93 KB Click to Enlarge 41.49 KB Click to Enlarge 21.68 KB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Katen Posted November 19, 2009 Report Share Posted November 19, 2009 The pictured installation is typical for my area. This is a traditional stucco home with wood trim installed around vinyl clad windows. The window / trim joints are commonly caulked. However, the caulking typically deteriorates within a couple years. Recaulking on a regular basis, especially at 2nd floor windows, does not seem practical. In the close up pic, you can see the lathe in the gap between the window frame and wood trim. I have two questions. 1- Is the caulking really necessary? 2 - Is there a better installation method with this type of siding and trim? Gaps will inevitably occur between the window frame and wood trim and continual caulking is not practical. I'd expect that a structural sealant joint, with backer rod and good-quality sealant would last at least 5 or maybe even 10 years. But it's got to be applied properly. - Jim Katen, Oregon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hausdok Posted November 19, 2009 Report Share Posted November 19, 2009 Hi, The stucco is going to move and vinyl windows will expand at twice the rate of aluminum wood or fiberglass, so keeping the joint sealed is a challenge with the trim flush to the face of the stucco. Jim's solution will probably work, if it's used on both sides of the trim, but the stucco guide shows another solution. The window is flashed with flexible bituthene flashings over the nailing fin at the sides and top and under the fin at the bottom; the stucco ending in a treated wood nailer/plaster stop butted right up to the sides of the window casing at the sides; a 1/4-inch gap between the casing and the stucco at the bottom; a 3/8-inch gap between the stucco and the casing at the top; and then the trim is applied over the plaster stop. A metal head flashing laps them both at the top, and then the gap at the bottom is filled with backer rod and tooled with sealant. Click to Enlarge 53.23 KB Click to Enlarge 57.77 KB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scottpat Posted November 19, 2009 Report Share Posted November 19, 2009 Backer rod and butyl rubber sealant would be the best option, IMHO. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Raymond Posted November 19, 2009 Report Share Posted November 19, 2009 Terpolymer or polyurethane will out last butyl by several years. Tom Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hausdok Posted November 19, 2009 Report Share Posted November 19, 2009 Terpolymer or polyurethane will out last butyl by several years. Tom All joints on stucco walls need periodic inspections and maintenance. It's not a question of outlasting, it's a question of staying flexible so it can handle the differences in range of movement of the vinyl, trim and stucco; that means that one must use backer rod or the caulk will be defeated by the movement regardless of what it is. ONE TEAM - ONE FIGHT!!! Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Erik Posted November 21, 2009 Report Share Posted November 21, 2009 Mike, Is it ok if I down load you're two illustrations? I sure would like to use them some time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hausdok Posted November 21, 2009 Report Share Posted November 21, 2009 Sure, go for it, but give credit where credit is due - The Stucco Resource Guide from the Stucco Manufacturer's Association. OT - OF!!! M. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
patches51 Posted May 30, 2011 Report Share Posted May 30, 2011 what is a window joint? Is it actually on the window or around it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marc Posted May 30, 2011 Report Share Posted May 30, 2011 what is a window joint? Is it actually on the window or around it? 'Joint' refers to contact between dissimilar materials such as between a vinyl window and an adjacent stucco wall finish. Marc Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.