Home Page link

Filling a gap between Brick and Vinyl Windows

Home Repair - - If it ain't broken, don't fix it. Otherwise look here. 

Page 1 of 2       1 2 > last >> Bookmark this page:  YahooMyWeb Yahoo!  Google Google  Windows Live Favorites Windows Live  del.icio.us del.icio.us  digg digg  Add to Netscape Netscape
Subject Author Date
Filling a gap between Brick and Vinyl Windows hauser.jeff 07-26-2006
If you were  Registered and logged in, you could reply and use other advanced thread options
Posted by on July 26, 2006, 12:41 pm
Question:

The front of my house is brick, and has vinyl windows. I noticed the
other day that the caulk around the windows has deteriorated. Upon
removing the caulk, I noticed that there is a largeish space between
the window and the brick, that is only about 1/4" where the two meet at
the window frame, but behind there is a greater void - too large to
fill with backer rod.

Should I insulate this space before I replace the caulk? If so, with
what? I am leery to use expanding foam because of the mess, and most
window manufactuers don't recommend it.

Thanks ...

Jeff


Posted by EXT on July 26, 2006, 1:58 pm
I would be tempted to use some of the very low expansion foam made for
windows and doors. I have used fiberglass but find that when packing it in
it can be too tight or not enough, worse yet, I have found that condensation
can wick through joints in the window and soak into the fiberglass
insulation as if it were a sponge, where it sits forever rotting the window
frame and the house framing. Just use it gently, and insert as far back as
you can, extend the tube if you have to, don't over load the space with the
foam, add more to any voids once it is hardened.

> Question:
>
> The front of my house is brick, and has vinyl windows. I noticed the
> other day that the caulk around the windows has deteriorated. Upon
> removing the caulk, I noticed that there is a largeish space between
> the window and the brick, that is only about 1/4" where the two meet at
> the window frame, but behind there is a greater void - too large to
> fill with backer rod.
>
> Should I insulate this space before I replace the caulk? If so, with
> what? I am leery to use expanding foam because of the mess, and most
> window manufactuers don't recommend it.
>
> Thanks ...
>
> Jeff
>



Posted by Warren Block on July 26, 2006, 2:35 pm
>
> The front of my house is brick, and has vinyl windows. I noticed the
> other day that the caulk around the windows has deteriorated. Upon
> removing the caulk, I noticed that there is a largeish space between
> the window and the brick, that is only about 1/4" where the two meet at
> the window frame, but behind there is a greater void - too large to
> fill with backer rod.
>
> Should I insulate this space before I replace the caulk? If so, with
> what? I am leery to use expanding foam because of the mess, and most
> window manufactuers don't recommend it.

There are low-expanding foams that are made for windows and doors:

http://dap.com/product_details.aspx?product_id=11

This is a low-expanding latex foam. Flexible when dry, water cleanup,
$3-$4 a can. I've used it on many windows with excellent results and no
problems.

There's also a "Great Stuff" low-expanding foam. It's a polyurethane,
so if any of it goes in the wrong place, you need acetone to clean it
up. Also costs more than the DAP stuff.

--
Warren Block * Rapid City, South Dakota * USA

Posted by on July 26, 2006, 3:24 pm
Thanks guys - I will look for that stuff on my next trip to the home
centers.

Jeff


Posted by Tim Killian on July 26, 2006, 3:49 pm
hauser.jeff@gmail.com wrote:
> Question:
>
> The front of my house is brick, and has vinyl windows. I noticed the
> other day that the caulk around the windows has deteriorated. Upon
> removing the caulk, I noticed that there is a largeish space between
> the window and the brick, that is only about 1/4" where the two meet at
> the window frame, but behind there is a greater void - too large to
> fill with backer rod.
>
> Should I insulate this space before I replace the caulk? If so, with
> what? I am leery to use expanding foam because of the mess, and most
> window manufactuers don't recommend it.
>
> Thanks ...
>
> Jeff
>


The latex foam is made by Dap, and with recent price increases, it's now
$6-$7 a can. Don't use the polyurethane foams (Great Stuff, etc.) on
windows because 1) they expand too much, and 2) they are a royal pain to
clean up.

Page 1 of 2       1 2 > last >>
Similar ThreadsPosted
Pella Thermastar Vinyl Windows vs. Jeld-Wen Vinyl Windows May 28, 2006, 7:10 pm
Are Storm Windows a reasonable approach for newish vinyl windows? October 29, 2005, 10:43 am
Walling up the garage - brick or vinyl? July 30, 2008, 10:20 am
A few questions about solid vinyl brick moulding August 18, 2005, 5:33 pm
Replacement vs. New Windows on Brick Rowhouse October 21, 2005, 7:50 am
Replacement Windows for Brick House? December 2, 2005, 5:27 pm
Vinyl Windows May 18, 2006, 10:54 am
Win-Dor Vinyl Retrofit Windows August 12, 2005, 7:36 pm
Vinyl replacement windows November 10, 2005, 12:32 pm
Vinyl Windows - Am I getting ripped off? December 28, 2005, 8:44 pm

Contact Us | Privacy Policy

XML SitemapXML Sitemap