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 PANS

tayray | Posted in Construction Techniques on December 28, 2006 08:06am

I’m thinking about installing a front entry door. I did not know about sill pans until somebody recently mentioned it to me. I will be replacing the sill, threshold and jambs. Can somebody tell me the ins and outs of sill pan installation and if it is required with a stucco exterior? Thanks.

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

Replies

  1. Snort | Dec 28, 2006 09:11pm | #1

    I like these:

    http://www.jamsill.com/pilot.asp

    They are stiffer, and easier to use than some others.

    Get the door on the outside of the building

    Clean off the floor, run a squiggle of PL adhesive, set the pan corners, apply pvc/abs cement, set the center section.

    I use some spring clamps to clamp a straight edge to the back of the pan until it sets up.

    Run a small bead of flexible caulk, like silicone, inside the back of the sill.

    Carfully slide the door in, and proceed hanging...a whole 'nother subject

    Good luck, and welcome to BT

    Oh God said to Abraham, "Kill me a son"

    Abe says, "Man, you must be puttin' me on"

    God say, "No." Abe say, "What?"

    God say, "You can do what you want Abe, but

    The next time you see me comin' you better run"

    Well Abe says, "Where do you want this killin' done?"

    God says, "Out on Highway 61."

    1. tayray | Dec 28, 2006 10:48pm | #4

      Thank you for the beta and web site. I'll check it out. Happy Holidays.

  2. davidmeiland | Dec 28, 2006 09:51pm | #2

    There is a very cool pan available from Endura Products. I'll be using them next time I do exterior door installs over wood subfloor.

    1. tayray | Dec 28, 2006 10:42pm | #3

      Thank you, and I'll be sure to find the web site. Happy Holidays.

      1. Snort | Dec 28, 2006 10:50pm | #5

        http://www.enduraproducts.com/suresill/search.aspThose look pretty good, and they're made about 45 mins away from here. Oh God said to Abraham, "Kill me a son"

        Abe says, "Man, you must be puttin' me on"

        God say, "No." Abe say, "What?"

        God say, "You can do what you want Abe, but

        The next time you see me comin' you better run"

        Well Abe says, "Where do you want this killin' done?"

        God says, "Out on Highway 61."

        1. davidmeiland | Dec 29, 2006 03:08am | #6

          I saw them at the JLC show recently and was impressed. Jamsill works OK too.

  3. RedfordHenry | Dec 29, 2006 07:23am | #7

    I pan doors (and windows) with strips of I&W.  Cut a strip long enough to span the RO, plus ~24" (12" on each side) to run up the jacks.  The strip should be as wide as the wall is thick, plus another 2-3" to wrap outside onto the sheathing.  You need to slit the membrane at the corners where you wrap it onto the sheathing.  I patch these slits with a small rectangle cut from the I&W.  Press it in good and tight with a few staples to hold it in place if necessary.  You still need to put a generous amount of silicone sealant under the threshold to keep water out. 

    1. davidmeiland | Dec 29, 2006 07:42am | #8

      Without a lip at the inside, and/or slope to the outside, all the I&W does is protect the subfloor or framing from small amounts of water. Eventually doors and windows will leak at the joints, and when they do you want a way for the water to get out. A bunch of caulk under a door sill can actually keep water in. French doors sometimes come with holes drilled in the sills for flush bolts, which let water pour in. My opinion is that Vycor (or preferably Flexwrap) over a piece of 1/2" bevel siding on the rough sill is a good install for windows, and that a typical sheet metal pan or the Endura pan is better for doors.

      Bear in mind that I live in an area where we get major wind and rainstorms, so water details are critical. I operate from the assumption that every unit I install will eventually leak.

      1. User avater
        Gene_Davis | Dec 29, 2006 05:10pm | #9

        You are right about the membrane-under and caulk details being no solution.

        Back when I was in the entry and patio door business, we owned a large market share in Florida's hurricane country, and got called into product defect allegations all the time with leaks the reason.

        We always remained constant in pressing the case that it is the builder's responsibility to flash properly, that no fenestration product is inherently leakproof, and that lipped pan flashings are an essential part of any door installation.

        I cannot recall ever receiving a leak complaint when lipped pan flashings were used in an installation.

        1. davidmeiland | Dec 29, 2006 05:18pm | #10

          >>I cannot recall ever receiving a leak complaint when lipped pan flashings were used in an installation.

          If the pan retains water and drains it outward there can be a ton of water under the unit and it never gets the sheetrock or framing wet.

          Gene, what type of pans are you using?

          1. User avater
            Gene_Davis | Dec 29, 2006 06:31pm | #11

            Jamsill.  But I know the folks at Endura, and am anxious to see a sample of theirs.

            You might find this interesting.  Before my ThermaTru stint, I was in a biz that did high rise curtainwall work, and some of what we did involved operable windows and doors going into large hotel and condo projects. 

            The higher you get off the ground, the greater the speed of wind driving rain into operable units, and the term for a sill pan type assembly in that biz is "water tank."  It is called a tank because it is essentially a sealed box with a back lip and baffled drains on the outside front bottom corners, that the window or door mounts atop of and can drain into. 

            The higher up in the building you go, the taller the water tanks.  They might be just an inch in height at the third floor, but close to 5 inches up on floor 53.  Since the baffled drains (baffled so the wind pressure cannot totally restrict water release) can only allow so much outflow, more water coming in way up there means a larger tank is required to keep up with the accumulated leakage.

          2. davidmeiland | Dec 29, 2006 07:26pm | #12

            Interesting. I assume these are manufactured items? Got any links or photos?

          3. User avater
            Gene_Davis | Dec 29, 2006 08:55pm | #13

            No links, no photos.  Yes, manufactured.

            Large thermally broken aluminum extrusions form the channel, with its height varying as I spoke earlier.  Extruded features on the top edge of the vertical legs mate with the sill of the unit above, which has its sill punched with bottom weeps.

            The ends of the tanks get aluminum plated, with gaskets between the plates and the tank, with fixing done via screws into bosses integrally formed into the tank extrusion.

            If you are in a penthouse unit, it is a large step over your threshold out onto your terrace.  But with midtown Manhattan, or in DC, the capital mall as your view, who cares?

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

Putting Drywall Sanders to the Test: Power, Precision, and Dust Control

A pro painter evaluates a variety of drywall sanders and dust collection systems for quality of finish, user fatigue, and more.

Featured Video

How to Install Exterior Window Trim

Learn how to measure, cut, and build window casing made of cellular PVC, solid wood, poly-ash boards, or any common molding material. Plus, get tips for a clean and solid installation.

Related Stories

  • A Summer Retreat Preserved in the Catskill Mountains
  • Fine Homebuilding Issue #332 Online Highlights
  • The Trump Administration Wants to Eliminate the Energy Star Program
  • Podcast Episode 685: Patching Drywall, Adding Air Barriers, and Rotted Walls

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 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
  • Issue 327 - November 2024
    • Repairing Damaged Walls and Ceilings
    • Plumbing Protection
    • Talking Shop

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