materials on hand for the correct brand and type of flashing tape. We encounter a wide variety of tapes which are used to repair drainage plane penetrations, many of which are improper.


Think of exterior wall drainage planes as a two-part system in the sense that openings in the wall such as doors, windows and penetrations should be flashed independently. Do not rely on housewrap and housewrap seam tape for window flashing. A common misconception is that housewrap alone can be substituted for window and door flashing. Please refer to the manufacturer's installation requirements for clarification.


Timing is everything when it comes to drainage planes and flashing sequence. Because we build homes with constant gravity, we should always use gravity to our advantage and lap flashings and drainage plane products in a weatherboard fashion. Doing so allows horizontal adhesive flashings to establish an uninterrupted bond to the substrate at the point where it is most critical. Sound simple? Generally it is, but it requires more thought than is often afforded by installers and the result is improper lap.


Make the bond between self-adhesive flashing tapes and the substrate. A common defect that we encounter when performing drainage plane inspections is flashing tape and joint or seam tape that is simply not bonded to the surface to which it is applied. Several self-adhesive flashing tapes require rolling as some adhesives are pressure sensitive and rely on the forces exerted by a roller to establish the required bond.


The effectiveness of even the best weather-resistant sheathing, flashing and drainage plane products can be compromised if all elements of a game plan are not followed.


Ken has been involved in the homebuilding and remodeling industry since 1978 and joined Burgess Construction Consultant's in 2005. Ken has performed thousands of inspections as an ICC certified Residential Combination Inspector. He is also certified as an Energy Star Field Inspector and a CSI. He may be contacted by emailing: kharward@burgess-inc.com or visit www.burgess-inc.com.


IXII GREATER DFW METROPLEX BUILDING SAVVY MAGAZINE


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BEST PRACTICES


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