FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

Sill flashing question

| Posted in Construction Techniques on December 19, 2004 03:20am

The attached pic shows the existing framework for a screened porch.  Visible is the 2×4 PT sill plate, and the 4×4 post that supports the roof.  The plan is to replace the screen and lattice with windows.  How would you flash the bottom of the windows?  The concrete slab extends past the sill by about 4 inches, and is covered with brick.  Obviously, a piece of bent z-flashing that went up the wall and over the edge of the brick would be visually unacceptable.

 

I’m sorry, I thought you wanted it done the right way.

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. xMikeSmith | Dec 19, 2004 04:16am | #1

    ed .. i'd replace the bottom framing with  PT..

     then i'd get some bluestone sills , and cut them with horns. the outer edge of the blustone would sit on the brick outer edge..the cant would be about 10 degrees...o r what ever the cant angle of the true window sill is

     the window's true sill would sit on the bluestone

    this sill  would be caulked in just like a window in a masonry opening..

     the jambs and head would be regular trim

    Mike Smith   Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore

    1. FastEddie1 | Dec 19, 2004 05:30am | #2

      Ok, so you're saying to cover the brick with a new sloped sill.  I can buy that.  Bluestone ... not familiar with that term, Yank.

       I'm sorry, I thought you wanted it done the right way.

      1. MikeSmith | Dec 19, 2004 05:49am | #3

        what ever they use for sills , lintels, treads.. in you area

         

        might be  sandstone.. or slate.... Mike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore

        1. FastEddie1 | Jan 02, 2005 01:24am | #4

          Started demo today (yep ... 1/1/05).  Discovered that all the framing is doug fir, even the sill plate.  I had not ploanned to remove the sill, in spite of Mike's suggestion, but now I have no choice.

          Here's a pic from the outside after initial demo.  Need more advice.  The distance from the edge of the brick to the edge of the existing 2x4 is 4".I'm thinking about installing a 2x10 sill cut so that it hangs over the brick about 1/2", caulk it wll to the slab, then flash the top of that with peel & stick, and install a sloped cover board over that.

          What is the correct way to fasten an acq sill plate to existing concrete?

           I'm sorry, I thought you wanted it done the right way.

          1. RalphWicklund | Jan 02, 2005 02:15am | #5

            How about a little more info on the proposed window wall?

            Windows down at slab level or up a bit with a short wall below?

            If you placed a strip of peel and stick under the bottom plate you would not have to use ACQ. A 1x6 length of smooth composite deck board would make a nice water table, resting on the bottom plate and over the edge of the brick and cut to fit around the verticals. Cant would be about 20.5*.  Another 2x, ripped to thickness to bring the bottom plate up to level with the sloped water table. A sill pan on top of that with just enough lap over the water table to direct any water away from the sill of the window unit resting in the pan. Peel and stick to lap over the vertical edges of the sill pan and on up the 4x4 supports.

            How are you installing the windows and what are your trim plans?

          2. FastEddie1 | Jan 02, 2005 05:10am | #7

            Well Ralph, it gets a bit involved.  One of the boys is about 5, and has a birth defect that has left him with very impaired bones in general, and legs in particular.  He gets around ok now, but will be in a wheelchair in 5-7 years.  (It's a disease that results in very brittle bones, apoparently a severe calcium deficiency.)  So, part of the project is to raise the porch floor about 5-1/2" to be flush with the kitchen floor.  And then raise the ramp that you see in the foreground to be flush with the new floor.

            The bottom of the window rouigh opening will be about 7" above the existing floor (stamped concrete).  So there will be about 2" of trim on the inside, and 7" on the outside.  And then a handrail at about 36" up.

            Trex for the sill is a decent idea, as is the P&S under plain lumber for the sill.   Another 2x, ripped to thickness to bring the bottom plate up to level with the sloped water table.  I don't follow you on this.

            The windows (Pella) were ordered to fit witin each existing opening.  I planned to install them, then use peel & stick  to cover all the posts and nail fins, working from the bottom up.

             I'm sorry, I thought you wanted it done the right way.

          3. RalphWicklund | Jan 02, 2005 06:57am | #11

            You've ordered the windows to fit within the existing openings. Now you say you have to raise the porch floor 5 1/2" above what we see in the photos to match an existing interior floor. If you've taken that reduction in available rough opening height into account and also ordered your windows with tempered glass due to the proximity to the floor we can try again.

            Looks like you'll need to see some kind of low kneewall as you look at it from the outside and will need to allow for sheathing of some kind to cover the framing gaps which will also require some sheathing or creative trim to match the thickness of that lower sheathing when you nail up the windows. Or are you just planning to cover the framing with nothing but peel and stick and cover that with trim to hide it?

            So now, if I read this right, you need to provide a means to shed any water that might hit the brick edge of the porch and migrate to the interior under the framing and install and properly flash and trim the window which will be installed in a new R.O. more than 7" above the current floor.

            The water table idea will still work down at the original level to cover the brick and shed water away from the framing with the addition of a basic wall properly flashed and papered above that water table. Then the rough opening with its sill pan and peel and stick flashing, the placement of the window and sealing of the fins and installation of trim.

          4. Piffin | Jan 02, 2005 07:51am | #12

            Ed, You have these wndows ordered in tempered glass, right? 

             

            Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

          5. FastEddie1 | Jan 02, 2005 03:59pm | #13

            Ralph & Pif ... yep ... all the lower windows (floor to about 32") are tempered, and the two upper windows adjacent to the door are tempered.  The posts are about 54" c-to-c so just the adjacent ones being tempered gets me far enough away from the door.

            I was going to install a "header" from the sill to the bottom of the lower window, made of 2 - 2x6 with a layer of 1/2" ply so it matches the thicjness of the 4x4 posts.  The middle rail will be built the same.  The upper windows are sized to reach to the existing top header.  So I end up with a framing system that is all the same thickness and in the same plane on both faces.  And I plan to cover the entire structure with peel & stick and then simple trim painted to match the rest of the house.

             I'm sorry, I thought you wanted it done the right way.

          6. Piffin | Jan 02, 2005 04:39am | #6

            I think I would have a Z metal made up from leaded coppernot quite to 90° and shim under it to slope water out, then trim with whatever wood and siding you want. 

             

            Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

          7. FastEddie1 | Jan 02, 2005 05:14am | #8

            'preciate the response Pif.  My concern with the sheetmetal is the boys ... 3 of them, and they are hell on wheels.  If the metal could be bent out of shape (by them walking on it, or hitting it with something), it's gonna happen.  But, If I were to build a sloped wood sill, then cover with the metal, that could work.

             I'm sorry, I thought you wanted it done the right way.

          8. Piffin | Jan 02, 2005 05:23am | #9

            In that case, attach the PT with PL Premium 

             

            Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

          9. dIrishInMe | Jan 02, 2005 05:53am | #10

            How about installing some of that foam sill seal below the bottom sill?   Matt

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools

From building boxes and fitting face frames to installing doors and drawers, these techniques could be used for lots of cabinet projects.

Featured Video

Video: Build a Fireplace, Brick by Brick

Watch mason Mike Mehaffey construct a traditional-style fireplace that burns well and meets current building codes.

Related Stories

  • Guest Suite With a Garden House
  • Podcast Episode 688: Obstructed Ridge Vent, Buying Fixer-Uppers, and Flashing Ledgers
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Finding the Right Fixer-Upper
  • Keeping It Cottage-Sized

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 332 - July 2025
    • Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools
    • Fight House Fires Through Design
    • Making the Move to Multifamily
  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2024
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data