Flange above or below the siding

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by: jaydee
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Word Count: 339
Date: Fri, 4 Mar 2011 Time: 7:40 AM
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When a window is installed on a new construction home generally the windows are installed right after the tar paper and before the siding is installed. Now twenty years pass and suddenly your windows are worn out and pretty much useless when it comes to protecting your home from the outside elements. So it's time to change but this time you get a retrofit window installation. Your flanges appear to be sitting on the outside of the siding not the inside.

A common concern for most home owners is whether this has an effect on the strength and usefulness on a new window. The short answer is sometimes and this is why. When new construction is produced it makes sense for the window strength and ability to not leak if the flange sits below the siding. When it is time to replace a window it can help to do the same but with a lot of siding being stucco or the labour cost of removing and replacing the siding can sometimes out weigh the benefit. Please note that this does not relate to areas that experience extreme weather conditions, where a triple glazed window is needed.

When a new window is installed the installer is supposed to completely remove the old window. This allows the window to butt against the frame and allow the installer to pump insulation in. If insulation is pumped adequately between the window and the frame this is the point that will protect the elements from seeping in. The flange on the window merely becomes a piece that gives off a even edge and to cover the area where the siding and window meet.

The flange has a greater purpose with a install beneath the siding but can be compensated with a good installation after replacement and the flange working more as a cosmetic tool rather than the barrier. If you have stucco siding generally the original flange will remain and the new window to be built around it

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