03 May Do not overlook window flashing

Whether you are building a new home or renovating, there are so many components to consider including window flashing. They are designed to provide a watertight seal around windows, preventing water from penetrating the walls and causing damage. The benefits of using window flashings include:

Leak Prevention: flashings help to prevent water from leaking through the joint between the window and the surrounding walls. This reduces the risk of water damage, mould growth, and other problems.

Increased durability: by preventing water penetration, flashings help to protect the window frame from rot and other damage caused by excess moisture.

Better energy efficiency: properly installed window flashings can help to reduce air infiltration, which can improve the overall energy efficiency of a building.

Improved aesthetics: flashings can also be used to improve the appearance of a building, by creating a clean, finished look around the window.

At Probuilder, one of the disappointing defects we see, that cause a lot of damage, is the omission of window head flashings above openings. They are very easy to install during the cladding phase of works and at $15 per meter are money well spent. While the flashing does not offer a lot of protection to water entering the opening, it is designed to shed water from the vulnerable area on top of the window or door. In our harsh conditions these areas, if not properly flashed, move and open up and then the water can enter.

The photos below show a typical garage door detail without a head flashing, and a recent project where we have had to cut these flashing into a completed wall, which is very expensive and time consuming, with a 3 storey scaffold alone required to give access for this project. So for $80 of material left out, it cost around $8,000 or 10,000% extra to rectify the issue.

With the wet season fast approaching; can we help in protecting your home? Click here to learn more.