WestCon Tribune

February 2009

New Window Installation Techniques

and Products Discussed at Clinics

Presented By: Mike Silveira, DuPont Senior Certified Specialist

As both builders and homeowners are painfully aware, a poorly installed window can cause major damage. But when properly installed, a watertight window helps prevent mold, moisture, and costly damage to a home’s walls while providing better energy efficiency.

On that theme, Truitt and White recently offered two window clinics to packed audiences that focused on proper installation methods. The November clinic, geared toward homeowners and presented by Andersen Windows and Dupont Tyvek, showed homeowners techniques ranging from papering and flashing, to window installation and adjustment. The December clinic, aimed at contractors and sponsored by DuPont Tyvek, OrePac Building Products and Truitt and White, presented builders with the latest techniques in proper flashing and window installations for use on the jobsite to help prevent water intrusion.

Attendees at each clinic included seasoned window and door installers who wanted the latest and greatest information, to homeowners interested in how to properly install an airtight window without introducing water and mold into their home.

Marc Silveira, a representative for DuPont Tyvek and a presenter at both clinics, felt there was information offered for all levels of builders and homeowners, whether they were veteran contractors or first-timers. “A lot of people came up to me afterwards with lots of questions. I was there for about an hour after each seminar,” he says. “That’s always a sign you’re really onto something.”

One segment of the seminar that particularly excited participants was the simultaneous use of Tyvek’s HouseWrap© and FlexWrap©. “It helps eliminate the chance of water getting behind and infiltrating inside the structure,” says Marc. “This new standard of flashing with DuPont FlexWrap and StraightFlash© helps eliminate the possibility of window leaks if installed correctly,” Marc adds.  

Whatever the participants’ skill level, they each took away the same message: it doesn’t matter if you have the most expensive product on the market. If it’s not installed properly it will fail. If you’re spending money on high-performing and energy-saving windows, you still need to ensure that the installation is done correctly.

Wright Miller, a door and window installer in the Bay Area for over 30 years, attended for a specific reason. “I’m building a duplex and was interested in a procedure for installing a window over a wall that’s already been wrapped,” he says. Wright learned great tips and techniques for dealing with the procedure. “I was very impressed with Mr. Silveira’s knowledge  and his informative presentation”.

Join us at the February meeting as Mr. Silveria shares his expertise and clinic experience with us on this very important topic.

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