Window head flashings with exterior insulation and rain screen
We are in the process of doing a full renovation on a 4200 sq.ft. 1890’s Victorian boarding house and turning it into 5 apartments. The building is located in Montana. We are taking the entire building down to its shell. The only thing left is the granite block foundation, balloon framed walls (2.5 stories), ship lap sheathing, and the framed roof (4 gables, 1-2 ft. overhangs).
The plan is to do a VOAT wall using Henry BlueSkin VP100 over the shiplap, 3 inches of mineral wool, a 1×4″ rainscreen, and lap siding for our cladding. We are going to use ThermalBuck to bump out our rough openings for our windows and doors to accommodate the exterior insulation. The problem I’m wrestling with today is how to properly sequence the window flashing.
We will be following the ThermalBuck manufacturer installation instructions here: https://thermalbuck.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Self-Adhered-WRB-Interior-of-Continuous-Insulation-.pdf
Windows will then be installed and flashed to the ThermalBuck using butyl tape.
Exterior insulation will be installed on all exterior walls and rain-screen over the top.
Once that is done, there will be a wood 1×4 rainscreen batten next to the windows and along the head/sill so that we can fasten exterior window casing and a somewhat decorative head casing above the window.
What I’m struggling with is if this assembly needs an additional metal flashing to cover the head casing. If it does, where does it go and how do I get it there? The sequencing seems difficult enough that maybe it isn’t worth messing with? I think we will be purchasing pre-manufactured composite casing, so it likely wont be very susceptible to water damage. But, it would be nice to get the details right if possible.
What do you all think?
Replies
Generally speaking, all head casings should be flashed to shed water to the exterior.
However, your exposure may dictate that this is unnecessary (i.e. windows may be located under an overhang that does not allow for exposure to rain, ice, or snow). Who know? In other words, you really haven't provide all the relevant details that would allow an informed recommendation on how to address your concerns. For instance, you mentioned rain screen, but I don't see where you mentioned your new exterior finish or "skin" adjacent to window header or casings.
Can you post a detail of your window section?
Lastly, what is the advantage of the Blueskin over ship lap sheathing? Is the sheathing the existing siding? If it is, has it been painted (probably- many times). If so, is the paint peeling..and if so, shouldn't that tell you something about using the Blueskin?