Waterproof Window Installation with Rick Arnold

[@picmanjoe]

Ten years on and still (when using the technique on the right side of the window) one of the best videos on creating a highly water resistant window installation.

[@trevin1770]

This is what I call a perfect instructional video. The carpenter explains each component’s function with absolute clarity. I know a gem when I see one. Thank you for this video. 🙏

[@williamnunes-purchases3287]

The most comprehensive window installation video I have ever seen. 11 out of 10 !!!

[@NMranchhand]

It’s such a pleasure to watch a well-prepared presentation by a professional who cares about quality work. Thanks a million.

[@amoeba2091]

Hands down, one of the best videos demonstrating a proper, water tight, window instalation.

[@osielaguilar460]

If the bottom part of the window is not seal the wind can froce some water in!!!! How you prevent that??

[@justindeclemente1130]

Best new construction flanged window installation tutorial on KZbin. As a former carpenter, it had been too many years since I had installed a window and forgotten a few of the steps, this video makes everything clear and concise. I really feel sorry for anyone who misses this video, I must’ve watched over 100 video clips before I found this one, and I almost can’t believe how many people are misinformed and give the wrong advice..?

[@CHEECHMUN]

100%. I like the left side way better than the right side. Wrapping it 1/2 way on the 2x4.

[@67NewEngland]

- This is the best window installation video I’ve found yet.

[@6mdm]

This guy is amazing. Best install I’ve ever seen. Triple water protection. Smart as a whip this guy!!!

[@REY-wu9tm]

I would like to thank Rick Arnold for educating me in installing a window the correct way. I fully agree with others here that this is the proper way of doing a proper job. Wish all our contractors were as dedicated to their work as Rick.

[@daniellewis984]

I've seen dozens of videos now online of people flashing windows horribly, and this is the first time I've seen a guy and I *know* he knows what he's talking about because he explains in excellent simplicity exactly why each thing is done that way.

[@stevelacombe5291]

He explains how to do it and also WHY you should be doing it that way.

[@tyronmcdaniel5372]

I watch a ton of videos and I promise this is the best most concise video that made so much sense I’m trying to figure out how I didn’t already know! Awesome video, instant training resource!

[@randrl4260]

Thank you for outright saying the two methods are OK. I noticed the different methods on the other videos. As a DIY, I wasn't sure if one way was wrong. I also like your easy explanation or reasoning on why it is done a certain way (how water can enter). Based on your years of experience and obvious knowledge, I was kinda hoping you would hint on what method you like better (1) house wrap around jams with caulking on house wrap or (2) cut back house wrap and caulking on wood. I am leaning on caulking on wood. Great Video - Thank you!!!

[@yoloone65]

This video is over 7 years old, BUT!! To this very day, this video is the BEST in its field, bar none! Great job!!

[@louiegarcia7527]

THIS IS BY FAR THE BEST AND MOST CORRECT WAY TO PROPERLY FLASH WINDOWS. THANKS FOR THE ILLUSTRATION

[@williamkorver9856]

@@RRaucina no it was taped before he put the window in. It's how we did commercial windows for years. Never a call back for that.

[@whome5810]

Great video! I have a couple of questions. What happens below the window? That part doesn't look complete, there is a gap between the house wrap and the window opening. Also is there a 2nd video that shows how the cladding integrates with the window frame? Thanks!

[@ch33kz]

Been watching a lot of videos on window installation. Anyone can figure it out but to do it right takes knowledge and experience. And if not done right you'll just cause yourself more problems in the future. Roofing, siding, windows and doors are meant to keep the elements out (obviously) but if not done right you'll just introduce elements to the framing of the house and will slowly rot and cause havoc and money. Great video, best one I've seen on window installation. Great channel.

[@jacksprat7087]

Finally someone that know how to do it. I’ve watched a dozen guys that say their way is best and all were not totally right. I prefer the way you did it on the right side. No way for water under the fabric to wick around and into the house or onto the wood frames.

[@snowsurfr]

This one of the best instructional videos on KZbin of how to properly install and flash a window.

[@chrislong2046]

This was the best video on how to install a window that I have seen. Well done, good simple instructions and sensible explanations. So glad I watched it.

[@lloydholm7523]

I am curious as to why the flashing tape at the bottom of the window drains behind the house wrap ? Thanks for what you do.

[@dsm9785]

One thing I would add is a horizontal piece of quality tar paper across the bottom before starting this process. As he discribes you always want to direct water away. With this piece at the bottom you can direct any water coming down the sides of the window between the window and trim/siding, out over the siding below, and trim off what shows after the siding is installed. It’s not as easy with vinyl siding, but can be done. I’m not a fan of house wraps, since it covers the whole wall from top to bottom, and when siding multiple holes will penetrate through leaving a spot for water to eventually get in. I have always been a firm believer of installing siding paper/house wrap in stages and have it come out over the top of the siding, overlapping the siding and paper/wrap. This directs water away. Siding is not water proof, and will always find a way in, but the more you can do to direct water away helps. Also lessons the chance of water damage/rot to the sheathing and framing later on.

[@purtnearperkins]

Outstanding. Watched a few other window installation videos before this and was flabbergasted at the complete lack of knowledge and skill as well as improper installations. This is absolutely perfect. Exceptional instructional video.

[@robgbrice]

Excellent instruction and detail. I need to pull the doors and trim off my shop to fix a leak. This helped me figure out what I did wrong.

[@whocares.95]

Probably don't fit well with production government projects works.

[@kjkuchma]

Holy CRAP. That was possibly the best demonstrated, best explained, and best lit(because that matters too) window installation video I've seen. KUDOS. There are some comments I've read that are critical or offer alternatives, and that's great help to make everyone better and more informed. Sharing a link in a comment to that alternative video would be helpful to all. We all get better together. That's how dad did it. That's how NASA does it. And, it's worked out pretty well so far. (Tony Stark omaj)

[@thediyhomeowner2968]

Nice video thanks. This is probably the most complete video I’ve seen. Attention to details such as overlapping the gap on the sides with the tape and adding a bead of sealant before adding the drip pan.

[@joshw6212]

Seriously, how does this video get 33 down votes?!?! This is absolutely the correct and proper way to install and flash a new construction window

[@patrickjohnson7801]

josh w not bad but I would have put flashing behind the right side of the window fin with poleurthine under it ,

[@joeframer9642]

This is not the best way...before folding over the window pan ,first put a piece of vycor or similar across the opening extending by each side about 6”..using vycor.(9”) you can adhere the top half (4 1/2”) to the wall leaving the paper on the bottom half..then fold the pan over the vycor...why ? Because you want to tuck your sidewall under this vycor then seal it over your sidewall...why ? So any water drains out over the shingles not Behind them.......also the drip cap should go on before the top seal is applied.....nice try but I’ll stick with our system,no leaks 35yrs.........there’s more

[@danaranstrom3396]

exactly people are weird

[@REVerbtalk]

Well looks like these 2, 33 dislikes appeared on your comment. "This is not the best way" ... nothing to show his way. Some folks are a critique but never shows anything to be critiqued. smdh

[@RRaucina]

It should have 923,000 down votes because it is incorrect. He did not place a horizontal flashing under the bottom of the window before the side pieces! Bad!

[@husq2100]

In Oz, we dont wrap and seal our houses near this, I wish we did. One thing though, our drip caps usually over lap the edge of the window by 1-2 inches (each side) Notch the cladding(siding) to suit. It is at these corners, that driving rain is most likely to penetrate. Good video btw.

[@MollyTheLag]

i know its been 7 years since you made this comment and probably forgot all about it, but thats a good tip from you

[@feaseable]

Excellent explanation, not only how to do it, but more importantly WHY.......great job, best vid on window install yet. Thank you

[@RRaucina]

Good until he left out the critical horizontal bottom flashing! Even the ply is exposed. Bad information!

[@thisbetterman]

what a great video, even 8 years later. wasn't sure about the house wrap with the new build i am doing and this explained it perfectly. thank you. hope you're doing well here in the end of 2021

[@57Buss]

I lke it ,very good job.How about doing a existing house with replacement window for me

[@JW-kt5ls]

You didn't put tape on the bottom. Is that not necessary? If so, would you put it on first and let the side tape overlap it? AWESOME video. Thank you so much!!!

[@ehsanshahidiehsan]

Great video. If the installed window doesn't have a drip cap, is there a good way to retrofit one?

[@yukonheart]

Great video . Seems to me the bottom tyvex should slip under that window flange ?

[@jeepsuc99]

Pretty good video, only if vinyl siding is going over it. I install almost the same way, except, I use wood siding. And for shingles and claps, the side pieces need to not be adhered and placed on top of shingles below the window to direct water to the top of the siding not behind it. In order to do this, I use a piece of tar paper or aluminum flashing on the bottom before the flashing tape and the sides can get adhered to that, creating a fully splined window

[@MrBobbyLevi]

Professional, succinct, easy to follow and extremely helpful. I hired a brother-in-law to replace all of my windows in 2007...huge mistake.

[@patrickday4206]

Why are we not framing the bottom sill with a small slope

[@larrytroy3758]

What about the bottom of the window? The house wrap is completely lose and ripe for water penitration?

[@chazp6632]

There it is ! No more secrets, explains the waterfall effect and venting , sealing, I call this TOP NOTCH !!!! Great job...tell me more !

[@MrHeat1up]

Ok (at 3:45) what is the board he placed on the seal? I didn't understand what he said. Clap board?

[@MARK-vp2pw]

The best video I have seen installing a widow. And I have watched quite a few. Explain everything great!!!

[@jdubya54]

What about the bottom. It doesnt look like you out any tape under the window

[@KingZoneOne]

Very professional and detailed. Just one question. I noticed you didn't do anything to the bottom of the window regarding taping, etc. after putting it in. Is that to allow water to escape off of the sill tile you installed and not be trapped?

[@garrettlees]

I noticed the same thing. Everything else seemed perfect but I was scratching my head about that. Did you ever get an answer as to why?

[@Larsenvlogs]

Great video. I did notice the tape you stuck the building wrap to the jam with is not likely made for wood adhesion and will certainly come off in short order. I think if that was really a concern one would have to use flashing tape not building wrap tape. That's my only thought this was the best video after watching about 15 to refresh myself on the process. Thanks

[@benjaminblake8870]

This is fantastic. This man is a pro and everything he did and said makes perfect sense. Well done

[@sgtmitchel8900]

Can this same technique work with a window without a nailing flange but with built in brickmold? I ordered windows last week and messed up. Should have got windows with nailing flange. I’m also planing on adding 3/4” insulation to the exterior of my house

[@danstark462]

When diagonal measuring in confirming squaring to the placement in the building's window hole, how does that work if you are measuring off the kiddy corners in a factory framed window?

[@alyosha1974]

So, what about the bottom. Couldn't water get between the sheathing and housewrap? Or, are you assuming that it would run out to the bottom?

[@voiceofREASONS]

So the trim goes on the drip pan? I am doing this today and wondering how the pvc trim that I bought attaches on top of the window. The window has channels for trim and the drip cap is going to cover that channel.

[@travisburch4342]

Did you ever find an answer to this question?

[@voiceofREASONS]

@@travisburch4342 unfortunately no. I mean, I think I know the answer but it didn't work with my setup so I had to skip on the drip sheild. You need the space to work with and the appropriate drip guard to make it work. Check out matt risengers build science channel, he deals with it too. Good luck!

[@travisburch4342]

@@voiceofREASONS I wonder if this answers the question? kzbin.info/www/bejne/enjQfXmsj5x9nZI

[@voiceofREASONS]

@@travisburch4342 I watched that and it freaked me out lol. I don't have those tools or skill set. Might have been after that vid that I punted on the drip pan lol

[@travisburch4342]

@@voiceofREASONS haha I hear you! Does it make sense to put the trim under the drip pan in your installs? (Or I guess you could say the drip pan on top of the trim)

[@nicholsconstruction1]

Great installation! I would have liked to have seen the window being shimmed up on the inside prior to leveling. As to allow for installing minimal expansion spray foam around the perimeter of the window frame and rough framing.

[@mccfrank1212]

There are now better products than spray foam for inside. Foam can absorb moisture.

[@scn102]

Ty for this comment.. I was thinking same thing .. this install is perfect.. I myself tho like to put a carpenter pencil on sill both left and right to bring it up approximately 1/4 "ish for "chinking.". (insulation) being spray foam or similar

[@ericridout5524]

Great to watch do you tape the bottom typar

[@mikeyjay917]

Rick, would you tape over the holes from stapling the top flap up?

[@vegitoblue7908]

Could those windows be used on a concrete house? I see it has all that bevel. Or around to nail it to the wood. Serious question thank you

[@whirls007]

How do you handle a window with j channel already on it. do you extend the tape inside the j channel and what about the drip cap.

[@michaelgandy]

Would it be possible to eliminate the first layer of flashing tape behind the drip cap so there is once 1 layer. Seems like overkill? Great video Rick

[@oginaz]

No because you're flashing the nailing flange with that piece behind the drip cap

[@Bluejazzman61]

I'm looking for a company to replace 9 windows and this is a good video to save so when the time comes I can make sure the company does the installation this way. I'm glad we have consumer complaint pages on line now I think it really helps.

[@ehbcd]

Just get a permit and the inspector will make sure it's done right.

[@larryreddecliff2284]

How good and how long will that sealant last on the top of the window? We have a house that is 15 yrs old, I do not know the brand name of silicone used, but we had a window removed during new siding installation and the silicone that was used when the window was installed NEW, should never have even been used, it was absolutely terrible, it was not sticking to anything.

[@beachbum6781]

1:17 You just described EXACTLY what builders did in my new park model. They promptly filed BK as my wall literally desolved. I had it repaired, now 2 years later, it's leaking again and I remembered the repairman didn't rewrap. I'm so screwed.

[@ricodeguzman5338]

I have water coming in from the top and side of the window frameor drywall that houses it, during storms. Could it be related to how the flashing was installed? It’s only one window out of the entire house.

[@thedaveko]

What do you do with the house wrap along the bottom of the window? Do you need to tape that to the bottom of the window flange?

[@1255XL]

6:45 how is that airtight with this giant gap on the corner?

[@YIQUANONE]

So how do you tie in 60-minute 2-layer stucco paper into your system?

[@jimmybokinskie-reellifevid9623]

Best video I've seen on the topic after watching several hours worth! Great job. Thank you. I am curious what type of product went on top of the house wrap... vinyl siding? Just wondering if I can use the drip cap under vinyl siding.... or under stucco for that matter. I will have both finishes on my house.

[@davidbalicki3567]

Wondering why you did not use the j-roller on the tape placed over the window sill?

[@jamestravis1037]

Thank you! Excellent....Most installers are always in such a rush and don't really care about a proper installation.... Well Done!

[@davidlindgren7605]

at about 10:10, I've never understood the reason for taping the side flanges to "protect" the corner. Many vinyl windows have a continuous piece of vinyl, so any water that gets in the corner never has a chance to leak. Taping that may sound like a good idea, but in practice, I suspect it does very little.

[@ernestcherry1707]

Will you tear windows up n removal later on if you remodel?

[@arrayofcolours]

The top of my windows are only about 1-1/2 inch to the soffit, so does this method of still cutting angled corner cuts and lifting away on the top still apply?

[@mike-n-texaswoodturning9481]

I just installed 3 windows & have 12 more to go, at least now I will have 12 windows right! This is a great "How To" video, thank you very much!

[@RRaucina]

That's called a disgrace since he left out the bottom horizontal flashing under the side pieces and over the house wrap. Look at the exposed wood! This is shocking after the first part with correct details

[@petemiller519]

Nice install, well done. If I may add, when installing the metal flashing, bend end dams into the flashing to catch wind driven rain. Cheers.

[@gregboyington4214]

Most Helpful....I'm replacing a French Door with a window....and wanted to make sure I install, insulate and seal it properly. Very easy to understand. Thanks!

[@impactconstruction3151]

Windows done this way will never have a leak. Sure, there are different ways of doing things that may be just as good, but I'd be giving this guy a pretty nice tip at the end of the job.

[@davidgates1044]

He makes so many references to the "tape" but doesn't tell what kind of tape he is using ..... duck tape??

[@impactconstruction3151]

@@davidgates1044 He is using flashing tape, which you can get in different widths. There are several brands that make it (Typar, Resisto, IKO, and others) but he is using Typar flexible flashing tape in the video.

[@timpage5021]

@@davidgates1044 protecto super stick flashing tape works great.

[@leslieking3974]

Why the bottom is not taped?

[@91pielage]

Thank you, sir! I feel much more confident to be installing my windows now. This was extremely helpful and well done.

[@11baddog77]

Thank you. This is a great way to do this because you can keep the house protected if you are waiting for your windows to arrive. I saw that you put a nail in every hole on the window flange, and i got concerned because I generally put nails in the corners and then about one every 6 inches every were else. so should i not do that

[@Hedgehodge-]

Can I do all this minus the sill pan(requires me removing my 22 windows already installed)? Would I still be pretty golden ?Or not at all?

[@kpk1014]

Is it ok to leave the bottom flange unnailed so water doesn't have a way to get passed the flex wrap and house wrap?

[@Carpenters_Canvas]

looks great, I practice similar techniques interested in knowing what your take on vinyl siding is, there is some debate as to whether or not vinyl siding leaks. Now by leaking i am talking about water getting behind the siding. more specifically around windows. and on every corner. I know that you have to add counter flashing in these places for this very reason. whats your take ?>

[@bigrick7108]

How are you going to insulate the bottom of the window with it sitting on the bottom of the RO?

[@michaelsherron7815]

Whelp, best demonstration video I've watched over the last 3 hours.

[@androcci]

you should list all the materials you used in this video. it would be much appreciated. thank you!

[@mrluckybreak]

You plumbed this left and right, top and bottom but not inside to outside. Maybe the nailing fin assured that. Nice work with all that sealing.

[@jeffreyrstapler]

What was your nail pattern? You didn't show nail placement. Would you give a list of the materials?

[@mostlikelywedoitservices9743]

So question why do you put the drip edge on top of sealant tape. Why not to the wood. then everything over the drip cap. Then you don't have a backward shiplap? Or run the tape up the sides first then the drip cap?

[@thehazelnutspread]

if the diagonal measurements don't match then what do you do to correct it?

[@MyMotherWasaNinja]

How would you flash a window in the tropics? In tropical humidity, adhesives do not last very long.

[@nholt]

Good question, I'm in humid hot Houston and was wondering if windows are installed the same way as this video.

[@MyMotherWasaNinja]

@@nholt I don't think you need to worry. I imagine Texas is relatively dry compared to the tropics. I live in Bali.New sneakers here only last a few months before they fall apart for example.

[@bobheide]

Great video. It best to learn from a pro. I'm having a home built and this is the kind of videos I learn from. Good job Rick!

[@joelemmer8664]

So now if we spray foam the gap all the way around the window how will water get out?

[@stanleykeith6969]

Can you tell me if I can install a window slider that is 5'x 40" on on a sun porch. I have 4 windows to install. I got these windows as new construction. I have 23 feet across the sun porch to work with. I brought these windows with out a nailing flange. What will I need to do the same job you are doing. I',m working on the second floor. My height is almost 10 ft. Because its on the weather side, would I need treated lumber for the framing and would I use 2x4's or 2x6's. Thanks, I hope you reply to me.

[@jban4457]

Wish I could afford those products you have there, also my sheathing is rigid foam, not so sure the window would fasten as well, also worry the cheaper tape I have to use might not adhere so well to the foam (without priming)... but I like seeing all of the options out there. Nice job.

[@katrinawaite8571]

Thank you! This is the best new window installation video I have found. So grateful for coming across it!

[@jakibros]

Can I do the same sort of prep work on an old home where we are taking out windows down to the rough opening, re squaring and prepping for window reinstallment? We have access to the siding (old asphalt). I'd like to make it as waterproof & moisture proof as possible. This seems the best way.

[@grantsmith6052]

You must be near or in RI using Douglas Lumber house wrap.

[@MGoat76]

So on one hand I need to seal everything so any water that gets on the house wrap moves down and out, but I also need to allow openings for any water that gets behind the house wrap to get out? How does this make sense?

[@nicholasciriello9883]

Redundancy, sometimes things fail and it’s better to have a backup. If a couple drops get in and can’t get out every rainstorm it may take a while but that sitting water will rot the structure and make things worse.

[@jeffkirk6202]

if you eliminate the top cap layer of flashing tape water can still get in through the nail holes. its the whole point behind bituminous flashing. the metal cap flashing stops water from sitting on top of the brick mold then creeping up behind the flashing tape in a freeze thaw cycle

[@nholt]

What if you're int he south and don't have a freeze thaw cycle?

[@KewlCrayon]

The way we do it is similar, except we use peel and stick around the window before the window goes in, the another around the window like he did after its in place. We probably do it like this because were in Canada BC, it can get really wet here. We also never peel off the plastic/paper off the back of peelnstick all at once like he did. We hold it up (unpeeled) first to see how its going to fit, and either get someone to hold it or roll it up and peel it as its placed. This ensures it wont stick to itself and leaves no creases. If we're folding it, sometimes depending on the length, we'll score the paper/plastic peel so we can leave the fold's peel on and unpeel it after, again this is to ensure it doesnt stick to itself and or crease.

[@bholowick]

KewlCrayon Question about the first layer of peel and stick. Do you cut the housewrap flush with the jamb (i.e. don't wrap it in at all) then put the peel and stick around the corner bridging between the housewrap and the framing, so the peel and stick is "bent" 90 degrees? That's what I am thinking of doing for the jambs. Seems like that way no water will every get into the window opening from behind the housewrap, especially considering I have stucco and will be using two layers of house wrap. I live in Manitoba and don't get nearly as much rain as BC, but my walls are still rotting from poor window installations.

[@AdamFraserKruck]

+Blake Holowick Not sure if you have already put on the stucco, but this blog post might be useful to help prevent rot by using a ventilated rainscreen gap behind stucco: www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/blogs/dept/musings/install-stucco-right-include-air-gap I've learned a lot from the Green Building Advisor site. Best of luck.

[@sidemann2247]

Watched a dozen installation vids, this is by far, the best. Thank you, brother. MERRY Christmas/Happy and Healthy New Year

[@heribertoolivo3123]

Hey Rick how come you didn’t put flashing tape at the bottom of the window?

[@RRaucina]

Finally! someone that found the total failure of this video

[@awoodmann1746]

What did carpenters do before house wrap?

[@landman424]

Tar paper

[@berthagarza2560]

Can you wrap the existing wood or do you need OSB then wrap?