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Discussion Forum

How to install “Window Wrap”?

| Posted in Construction Techniques on September 21, 2002 03:58am

My framing crew here in the Southeast uses a foil-backed sticky tape called MFM Window Wrap to seal nailing-fin windows. The problem is, my crew leader insists I install it over the OSB sheathing, then tack the Housewrap over it. The tape won’t stick to the OSB, so I have to tack the corners with Plex Caps so it won’t peel off before I nail the Housewrap over it. I think it would be better to put the tape over the Housewrap, but my boss disagrees. Every other crew I know of puts it over the Housewrap. Does anyone else have any experience with this stuff or have any suggestions to help with this? Thanks in advance.

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  1. JamesDuHamel | Sep 21, 2002 05:57pm | #1

    WINDOW WRAP
    Window Waterproofing System

    Back to Home Page or Email Us

    View Image

    DESCRIPTION

    Window Wrap is a prefabricated waterproofing membrane designed for use around windows, under wood and vinyl siding, metal panels, stucco and other exterior wall systems. The product may be used to strip in the flanges of wood, metal and vinyl windows or as a flashing wherever a uniform, dependable waterproofing barrier is required. Window Wrap is composed of a plastic film top surface coated with a specially formulated rubberized asphalt. A silicone release paper protects the adhesive surface and is removed as the product is installed.

    The rubberized asphalt adhesive used in Window Wrap adheres to most clean, dry surfaces, The waterproofing compound self-seals around punctures from nails, screws and staples, Window Wrap ties the window flange into the surrounding materials to protect the structure from water damage caused by blowing rain, snow and ice.

    All MFM Building Products are manufactured using the highest quality materials and are fabricated under patented processes which have been developed over more than 35 years of continuous, single family operation. MFM'S commitment to quality raw materials combined with its many years of experience means a better product and more value for the contractor and property owner.

    FEATURES

    • Fast and easy to use - no expensive tools are required.
    • Self-seals around fasteners including nails, staples and screws.
    • Aggressive adhesion for horizontal and vertical applications.
    • Compatible with most construction sealants and primers.
    • Uniform thickness for dependable protection.

    INTENDED USES

    Use Window Wrap waterproofing in new construction and replacement applications as an underlayment for exterior siding systems or as sidewall flashing where the membrane is protected from long term ultraviolet exposure.

    PACKAGING

    Rolls of Window Wrap are 100' in length and are available in the following widths: 4'', 6'', 9'', 12'', 18'', 36''. Cartons contain 300 square feet of material and are packaged 30 cartons per pallet. Consult your MFM representative for other packaging and shipping data.

    WARNING

    • Use caution to avoid falls when using ladders or scaffolding.
    • Apply to clean, smooth, dry surface only at temperatures above 50 F.
    • Test adhesion with a sample. Do not install without solid adhesion.
    • Store cartons on end in a cool, dry place. Store in carton until use; do not expose release paper to sunlight or moisture.

    WARRANTY

    MFM Building Products Corporation (MFM) warrants Window Wrap to be free from leaks caused by defects in material or manufacturing for a period of five years from the date of purchase when applied according to published directions and will, at its option, resupply or refund the purchase price of any materials proven to be defective.

    MFM shall be liable for no additional remedies, hereby expressly denying any other claims for damages, whether direct or indirect, consequential or incidental, including but not limited to property damage, personal injury to the buyer or to a third party and loss of business or profit arising from the use or inability to use the product. Any implied warranties arising under state law are limited to the duration and terms of this express warranty.

    The above is a warranty summary only. Call the manufacturer for a complete copy of the Window Wrap warranty.

    SURFACE PREPARATION

    Window Wrap may be applied directly to most vertical or horizontal surfaces. Acceptable surfaces to receive the membrane include wood, composition wood panels, metal, vinyl and masonry. The surface to receive Window Wrap must be clean, dry and free from oil, grease or debris. Prime dirty, dusty or weathered surfaces as necessary with a solvent based primer to obtain a smooth, clean surface. Some wood composition panels may require priming. Window Wrap may be mechanically attached using nails, screws, staples or other types of fasteners where the surface cannot be made smooth, clean and dry. Apply Window Wrap in fair weather at temperatures above 50 F. Test adhesion to the substrate with a hand sample before proceeding. If the product is to be applied in cool weather, the rolls should be stored in a warm place until needed: and an electric heat gun may be used to gently warm the substrate and overlaps.

    INSTALLATION

    The product is applied along the window flange or other joint and ties into the surrounding surfaces. Window Wrap is installed by removing the release paper and pressing the membrane onto the surface. To simplify handling on vertical surfaces, cut membrane to fit window or into lengths of no more than 10'-12'. Window Wrap may be cut using scissors or utility knife.

    Carefully unroll the sheet, peeling the release paper and pressing the membrane into place as you go, making sure to eliminate air pockets and keeping the roll properly aligned. Roll seams with a hand-held roller to assure smooth, uninterrupted contact. So that any moisture flows over the laps, start with the bottom strip and work up. Side strips should be installed next and should overlap the bottom strip. The head of the window should be stripped in last. Window Wrap adheres to the substrate and to itself when overlapped. 3'' side laps and 6'' head laps should be used.

    Slight adjustments in direction are possible by guiding the roll during application. If a major change in direction is necessary, cut the sheet with a razor knife, overlap the sheet 6'', realign and start again. Small wrinkles are not desirable but can be smoothed out and will not affect the performance of the membrane. Large wrinkles should be avoided and repaired, if necessary, by cutting and patching the area with Window Wrap.

    No special tapes or sealants are required under ordinary circumstances, However, where an extraordinary condition interferes with smooth installation, a bead of silicone, polyurethane or butyl caulk may be used at the lap to fill any voids.


    James DuHamel

    "The Power Zone"   http://www.thepowerzone.org

  • Davo304 | Sep 23, 2002 07:52am | #2

    If it were up to me, I'd have you install the housewrap first, cut the wrap in the window opening in the shape of a large "X," and then fold these sections into the window's rough opening area and staple in place.

    Next, I'd have you install the window, and install caulking to the backside of each nailing flange before inserting window and nailing it off in place.  I'd ask you to make a slit in the housewrap where the top window flange will be positioned. Nail the top flange  directly into the OSB and let the housewrap slip back over top this flange.

    After window is nailed off, I'd have you install the window wrap  flashing overtop of the bottom window flange first; followed by wrapping (flashing) the side flanges next. 

     With the top flange already positioned behind the existing housewrap, I'd have you raise the housewrap flap and install window wrap (flashing) directly to this nailing flange, then have you flop the housewrap  flap back down overtop of the newly flashed nailing fin. I would then have you  add another piece of window wrap  flashing  to seal the slit in the housewrap. This piece would be long enough to extend across the top of the window header and cover over the top edge of both side ( flashed) wrappings as well.

    If it were up to me this is how I would want you to do it....but you don't work for me.

    Perhaps you could suggest this method to your boss if you like.

    Tell him you saw this technique in Larry Haun's book; titled: "CARPENTRY...Homebuilding Basics." This method I just described is shown in detail on pages 175 and 176.   Perhaps you could get the book from your library or at a local bookstore and show him these diagrams. Maybe then he'll listen to ya.

    LOL.

    Davo

    1. FramerJay | Sep 25, 2002 03:00pm | #3

      Thanks man! Yeah, I also have three of Haun's books and I have read that same passage. I agree with your (and his) procedure, but unfortunately my boss sees window wrap/flashing as more of a necessary evil than as an important safeguard. On my crew speed is everything--we don't normally cut corners, but this is one area that I think he could spend a bit more time on. But then again, "if it was my house...."

      I guess I'll just start lugging the Plasti-Tacker around to nail the WW in place.

    2. workdog2 | Sep 10, 2007 06:32am | #4

      Davo why apply window flashing over house wrap ? what about punchers & tears in the wrap which could cause leaks.

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