Metal Building Flashing for Leaks

[TheWestminsterClub]

I'm probably to late of get a response but worth a shot. My metal building is being installed currently.

I bought some flashing tape for around the windows and also all 4 corners.

My thought it should help at least decrease my number of leaks or easier to find them. Does anyone this is a idea of why this is a bad idea or good one?

 

[Sumboodie]

That's normally SOP for windows, though I've seen plenty of houses with just a hole cut and window thrown in.

All depends how the building is setup. A metal building usually is just metal framing for the window and the tin over it, so not really anything to tape to.

 

[karoc]

I say anything you do will help, but I watch lot Youtube on this and they also say don’t tape the bottom just in case water does find way to get in then it will have way to get out

 

[dougf]

What kind of metal building? I wouldnt use the tape - I tried taping inside insulation seams but the building moves so much the tape lets go. In my 2.5" tube frame metal building they framed out with the tubing and installed trim flashing and thats what I ended up caulking to keep water out. Make sure they bend the drip flashing correctly so water flows off and down instead of find a way in.

 

[K'ledgeBldr]

Yep; that would be SOP- as stated above. The main thing is doing it correctly. All buildings have some movement- the tape makes a good seal that bridges the gap between window and structure. And it sticks to just about anything- and is quite flexible.

 

[Mike65]

We had our metal garage built 1 year ago & so far we have no leaks from either of the 2 windows, the walk thru door, or the garage doors. We did have the complete interior covered with spray foam insulation to seal up the gaps & insulate it.

 

[TheWestminsterClub]

Thanks so much for responding. This is the carport style metal building with steel tubing.

After much thought I decided to not to tape and save the cash. My initial thought was tape would be extra added protection not allowing water to get in if the spray foamer fails to get in the corners and common leak areas. The garage will be spray foamed Monday.

Inspecting the corner the installers did keep them pretty close. Regarding the windows their method of installation, is the following install metal don't screw the edge then place the window. That method would of almost been impossible to install tape nicely.

I haven't searched yet, but what is the recommended caulk for around the windows?

 

[mike93lx]

Spray foam will not keep out water

 

[Pluribus]

Has the siding been installed yet?

If the siding hasn't been installed, I'd highly recommend checking out RR Buildings Youtube channel. Here's one of their videos on how to trim the window. Doing as much as you can do "mechanically" and not with caulks and sealants is the way to go. I look at their trim detail compared to some local builders' work, and there's a huge difference.

 

[TheWestminsterClub]

Yes I am with you, "spray foam will not keep water out". But in theory it should close the easy gap and hopefully directing water out of the building. Not to say water can't and won't pool in areas in spray foam and metal siding meeting and make it into the building or behind.

I would love to have RRBuildings trim this out. Knowing what I know now I can and could have trimmed out my own windows and door.

This is a 36x60 inch window. The trim was not done yet when I took this picture

 

[racecougar]

This is a 36x60 inch window. The trim was not done yet when I took this picture

You're saying that J-channel was installed around the window after this picture was taken?

 

[TheWestminsterClub]

Yes you are correct the J-channel was installed after the picture was taken

You're saying that J-channel was installed around the window after this picture was taken?

 

[mike93lx]

Yes you are correct the J-channel was installed after the picture was taken

That must have sucked to do

 

[racecougar]

That must have sucked to do

My thoughts exactly. Why would the installers make it hard for themselves by not installing it as they sheeted? Oh well.

 

[TheWestminsterClub]

So I do have leaks in the windows and door. My idea is to keep spray foam about a 6 inch from around them so I correctly solve them but still move forward.



My first idea is caulk the following areas below. Caulk between the window and J-channel and caulk between the J-channel and siding all the way around. Second idea is if I keep space find a professional to Re-trim the windows and door.

 

[TheWestminsterClub]

Yeah my thoughts actually too. With the language barrier it already was not easy to explain and it was a day of using google translate.

My thoughts exactly. Why would the installers make it hard for themselves by not installing it as they sheeted? Oh well.

That must have sucked to do

 

[racecougar]

Yes, those areas should have been caulked when the J-channel was installed.