Should I Caulk Between the Flashing & Framing Around the Top of a Window?

Windows

• One of the many sections of an exterior wall that will naturally allow water to penetrate into the home is the window. While there are dozens of installation methods to choose from based upon what type of window you are putting in place, they all share the common need to be waterproofed around the entirety of the window. This means that the top as well as the sides and bottom need to be caulked and glued in place for total coverage.

Flashing

• Flashing is meant to be used in any sort of transition where inside or outside corners need to be wrapped to provide protection against the elements on the rough-end side of the installation. Flashing is installed around the entirety of the window, not just the top, and it needs to be glued into place as well as caulked completely before any finish material can be used over it. Without caulk, they are nothing more than pieces of metal or plastic (depending on the type of flashing) resting on the edge of the window.

Importance of Caulk

• While adhesives and glues are important when installing the window and the flashing, there is more to a window than just the material and glue. Caulking is important to protect the overall building. Silicone is most commonly used with flashing against the studs and framing because of its durability and strength, while different types of finish caulking are used on the final product, such as polyurethane caulks that can be purchased in colors based on your preference.

Warranty

• If you want to ensure that your home lasts for years and all of the installation components are warrantied against all eventualities, the manufacturer’s instructions need to be followed exactly. Caulking flashing in place around windows is not an optional step, and should you for some reason decide you don’t need to caulk the flashing between the framing around the top of a window you will void any and all warranties associated with the building materials.