

#How To Install Blueskin Window Flashing windows#
These vary from product to product, but generally, they address the same issues: installation techniques, application temperatures and compatibility with substrates as well as surrounding materials that come into contact with the membrane.Ĭompatibility of materials is critical, especially on hard to bond materials, which is why choosing the right tape for the application is as important as proper installation.Ĭhoosing and Installing Flashing Tape with Windows and Doors To obtain good results and maintain warranty coverage, it is critical to follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions. Last, but not least, proper installation is paramount. A butyl-based (better) or acrylic-based (best) product is the better choice for cold weather. Most become less sticky at around 50☏ and will not stick well below about 40☏. In general, modified-bitumen products do not work well in cold weather. Temperature plays a key role in choosing the right flashing tape. It’s the longest lasting and has the most extensive temperature range, but it is also the most expensive. The best flashing adhesive is ones with acrylic adhesive technology. Some butyl adhesives are modified and stay more flexible in cold weather and more stable at high temperatures. While most butyl rubber products bond better to difficult substrates than modified bitumen and can be peeled off and adjusted during installation, it is crucial to look carefully at the temperature range. The next step up would be butyl adhesive technology, but not all butyls are created equal. However, it will dry out over time, reducing the effectiveness of flashing. Many contractors will choose a more cost-effective bitumen flashing, which is made from petroleum and asphalt. Many factors contribute to the amount of UV protection in a roll of tape, and if this is a critical factor for you, you need to find out just how much protection. Sunlight degrades certain tapes and will become less effective over time if it does not have UV protection built-into the tape. It is essential to know how much UV protection a roll of tape has, especially if the tape is going to be exposed for long periods. When it comes to choosing the right flashing tape, here’s what you need to consider: UV Protection In theory, a properly installed flashing system solves a multitude of moisture and airflow problems around windows, doors, and nail holes, a property that has made them especially useful on roofs. Unlike most metal flashings, for example, flexible flashings conform easily to unusual shapes, i.e., folding to form a waterproof end-dam on a rough windowsill during window installation.

These new materials have significant advantages over traditional flashing materials. In recent years new “flexible flashing” tapes have been introduced to the marketplace. By taping seams and flashing rough openings, builders ensure a tight seal to prevent water from entering a building and create air barriers that lower AC costs and improve interior air quality. Here’s everything you need to know about flashing tape.īy definition, flashing tapes are thin continuous impervious materials that prevent water and air infiltration within the building envelope.
#How To Install Blueskin Window Flashing code#
Thanks in part to new code regulations, construction flashing and seaming tapes are transitioning from “optional” building materials to required products that building professionals rely on to improve the tightness of the building envelope. This isn’t new information for contractors, builders or tape manufacturers. When it comes to preventing moisture, flashing tape is on the front lines of defense. Water is a major factor in building damage, causing mold, decay, and corrosion responsible for structural durability and health issues.

Builders have long battled the intrusion of unwanted moisture and air into their structures.
