I hope someone can help. I've been looking at the gazillion web pages on installing windows. However, I can't seem to find the answer I'm looking for.
I've got vinyl windows with no brick molding or new construction flange. The windows say "replacement windows", but I'm using them in a new construction.
I want to put pressure treated wood trim on the outside between the stucco and window.
Here's my two questions:
- Should the windows go flush with the sheathing or the stucco? I can see that placing the window flush with the sheathing would work well for the top and sides of the window because the trim could overlap the window creating a good water seal, but the bottom edge drain holes would then tend to drain at the intersection of the bottom trim and the sheathing. Would I need to install a sill under the window? Or, if I position the window out from the wall 1/2 inch, the drain holes could drain on to the bottom trim and away from the wall without doing anything special, however I would then have to notch the side and top trim to fit over the window and I'm wondering if this is a 'normal' thing to do?
- Should you wrap the rough opening with anything prior to installing the windows? Wrap them with what? Felt paper or house wrap or something else? Some people have told me not to wrap the opening and to only put the barrier on after the windows are in place (on the sheathing plane only). Is that correct? What's the best method?
Thanks, R