When installing windows in a wood frame wall, what should be installed behind the window flange?
Correct Answer
C) House wrap or building paper
House wrap or building paper should be installed behind window flanges to provide a continuous weather barrier while allowing the flange to properly integrate with the wall's weather-resistant barrier system.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
House wrap or building paper creates a continuous weather-resistant barrier (WRB) that must be properly integrated with window installations. The house wrap goes behind the window flange to maintain continuity of the weather barrier system, preventing water infiltration while allowing proper drainage. This installation method ensures that any water that gets past the window can drain down the face of the house wrap rather than entering the wall cavity. The flange then overlaps and integrates with the house wrap to create a seamless moisture management system.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: Vapor barrier
A vapor barrier serves a different function (controlling vapor transmission) and is typically installed on the interior side of the wall assembly, not behind exterior window flanges where weather resistance is the primary concern.
Option D: Felt paper
Plastic sheeting is not appropriate behind window flanges because it's not designed as a weather-resistant barrier and doesn't provide the proper integration with the overall wall system that's required for effective moisture management.
Memory Technique
Think 'House wrap HUGS the house' - it goes directly against the sheathing, behind everything else, to create that continuous protective barrier around the entire structure.
Reference Hint
Florida Building Code, Chapter 14 - Exterior Walls, or IRC Chapter 7 - Wall Covering, sections on weather-resistant barriers and window installation
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