Installation Guide

SEALANTS

Flexible sealing compounds are referred to as caulking. Caulking is used to seal gaps between dissimilar

materials on the building and to seal gaps or joints in finishes. Buildings normally experience some

settlement/ shrinkage of the building components which, in turn, cause settlement of flashing and

damaged caulking. These areas should be immediately corrected as failure to do so will likely lead to

water ingress into the building envelope. As a building moves during settlement, the caulking experiences

considerable stress. Since caulking helps keep water out of the building envelope, it should be examined

annually before the wet weather arrives. Any cracked, damaged, or loose caulking should be removed and

replaced with high- performance acrylic-latex, silicone, acrylic, or urethane caulks or sealants.

General Site Maintenance:

The building envelope is comprised of components and materials which separate and protect the interior

of the building from adverse climate conditions such as water penetration, or heat and air flow. Exterior

wood trim is only one component of the building envelope, but its optimal performance can depend on the

entire building having been properly maintained. Exterior paint failure or decay in wood trim & siding is

usually caused by water penetration, which may result from improper installation (see instructions above),

or negligent maintenance (e.g., failure to repaint or maintain as described in this section).

WINDOWS

The flashing and caulking used to prevent water from entering behind the window and trim should be

checked annually. Most window designs incorporate a drainage track at the bottom of the window to

collect any water. These tracks have weep holes to the outside to drain this water. These holes must be

kept clean and can be maintained with a short piece of wire or a cotton swab.

The building envelope is comprised of components and materials which separate and protect the interior

of the building from adverse climate conditions such as water penetration, or heat and air flow. Exterior

wood trim is only one component of the building envelope, but its optimal performance can depend on the

entire building having been properly maintained.

DOORS

Interior and exterior paint failure or decay in wood trim & siding is usually caused by water penetration,

which may result from improper installation (see instructions above), or negligent maintenance (e.g.,

failure to repaint or maintain as described in this section).

Exterior doors are exposed to weather conditions and extreme temperature variations from inside to

outside that can harm the door surface and its surrounding components. The flashing and caulking used to

prevent moisture from entering behind door trim should be checked annually.

GUTTERS & DOWNSPOUTS:

Gutters are installed at the roof perimeter to control the runoff of water. Gutters also prevent water from

collecting at the foundation wall where it could seep into the basement or splash onto the wall surface. If

gutters or down pipes are clogged with debris or ice, water damage can occur. Twice a year, check

gutters, roof drains and downspouts for obstructions such as leaves and moss.

ROOF: