Air Sealing and Flashing at Garage-to-House Transitions
Garage-to-house transitions are often overlooked in air sealing and moisture control plans. These critical interfaces can allow vehicle exhaust, moisture, and unconditioned air into living spaces. This article outlines how to properly flash and seal the shared walls, floors, and ceilings at attached garages. Typical Air Leakage Risks Sealing and Flashing Strategies Code and Health […]
Threshold Transitions at Sloped Slabs and Accessible Entrances
Threshold transitions at accessible entrances and sloped slabs require a balance between waterproofing, thermal control, and code compliance. This article outlines detailing strategies that meet ADA, IBC, and energy performance standards while preventing air and water leakage. Design Considerations Accessible thresholds must not exceed 1/2” vertical rise and require beveled transitions over 1/4” in height […]
Door Jamb and Head Flashing for Exterior Swing Doors
Exterior swing doors are critical leakage points in the building envelope. This article details how to properly flash and seal door jambs and heads to ensure continuous air and water protection in residential and commercial wall systems. Importance of Flashing Swing Doors Swing doors experience high levels of use, wind exposure, and potential bulk water […]
Detailing Balcony Door Thresholds for Air and Water Control
Balcony door thresholds must provide continuity for air and water control layers while accommodating foot traffic, door swing, and structural movement. This article outlines best practices for installing and sealing balcony door sills in multifamily and commercial applications. Balcony Threshold Challenges These thresholds sit at the intersection of exterior decking, sloped concrete, or cantilevered slabs […]
Detailing Window Retrofit Installations in Existing Walls
Retrofit window installations must bridge existing construction with new fenestration while protecting against water, air, and thermal infiltration. This article explains how to detail retrofit windows in both face-sealed and drainage-based wall assemblies. Retrofit Conditions and Challenges Common retrofit scenarios include insert windows into existing frames or full tear-out replacements. Each condition presents challenges for […]
Detailing Window Jamb Flashing for Air and Water Tightness
Window jambs are often overlooked in flashing assemblies but are critical to achieving a continuous air and water barrier around fenestration openings. This article provides best practices for sealing and integrating jamb flashing into high-performance wall systems. Jamb Flashing Fundamentals Flashing the jambs ensures water directed from the head or sill does not bypass control […]
Window Sill Pan Flashing and Drainage Strategies
Improper or missing sill flashing is one of the most common causes of window leakage. This article outlines best practices for integrating sill pan flashing, back dams, and drainage slopes to preserve durability and waterproofing performance. Purpose of Sill Flashing Sill pan flashing collects and redirects water that may infiltrate around or through a window. […]
Window Head Flashing and Drip Cap Integration
Window head flashing is one of the most important elements of water management in wall assemblies. This article explains how to integrate flashing and drip caps at window and door heads to prevent water intrusion and preserve control layer continuity. Purpose of Head Flashing and Drip Caps Head flashing is designed to collect and divert […]
Integrating Masonry Veneer Ties With Air and Water Barriers
Masonry veneer ties play a critical role in supporting brick and stone facades, but their installation must not compromise the wall’s air and water barrier continuity. This article explains how to properly integrate ties with WRBs and sheathing membranes while preserving long-term performance. Types of Veneer Anchors Penetration Sealing Practices Each tie penetration must be […]
Detailing Cladding Attachment Through Insulated Walls
Attaching cladding systems through continuous exterior insulation (CI) requires careful coordination to maintain structural integrity and control layer continuity. This article reviews bracket systems, fastener strategies, and thermal bridge mitigation methods for optimized performance. Challenges of Cladding Attachment Over CI Penetrations through insulation can lead to significant thermal bridging and water intrusion risks. Without proper […]
