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What goes between window and 2x4 frame?

Installing window, what is placed between the window edge and the 2x4 edge to make it water tight, caulk wont do it's too big an opening. What seals the (exterior) side of the window from water leaks. this is a flush mount window into stucco house. IOW there is no window sill on exterior side. I am installing now and am concerned on how to handle the gap around the edge of new replacement window.

Public Comments

1. This is absolutely the best product for sealing windows. One roll will do at least one window and costs about 20.00 If you don't live in Canada, send them an email and ask for a distributor in your area.

   http://www.can-save.ca/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=121&Itemid=116



2. Buy a can of expanding foam. In New Zealand they call this product space invader.

   Good luck.



3. if a replacement window u should have only about 1/8" gap on both sides....if larger then u have the wrong size window. its best if larger to fur out the opening to the correct size first and then install and then cover the furring material......

   if only a 1/8 gap then center the window, leave the same gap on both sides, caulk in the gap, smooth out, the use vinyl trim or other weather proof material, to cover the caulked gap....then caulk in the trim piece.....

   lic. gen. contractor



4. On all new homes we built we put in flashing that's like tar paper or in some instances fiberglass paper. Then when the window is installed it should be tight when leveled. You can put another piece of paper against the gaps and then the siding on the outside and the wallboard on the inside, it should give you a tight seal.


5. Use a product called Great Stuff for Doors & Windows. This is an expanding foam that will tightly fill in the entire gap. Be sure to use the one for doors and windows - the other great stuff will expand with too much energy and actually bend the frame. When the Great Stuff dries, just trim excess with a razor blade. It's very easy, and dries in less than 24-hours.


6. If you have the right size window, there should not be a big gap between the window frame and the house framing. The only way to do what you describe is to use trim boards or patch the stucco up to the window frame. The exterior gap should be small enough to caulk, the inside gap should get some fiberglass wool or expanding foam insulation and then covered with the window trim.


7. Take the window out and make the opening smaller or get a larger window. You are experiencing one of the cons to having a stucco exterior, replacement windows are impossible to adequately install and adequately keep moisture out. Do your best, if the stucco was installed incorrectly, as most stucco is in my area, it will rot out your wall if you don't get the windows installed right.