The best way to Install Z-Flashing on an Exterior Door

An essential component of installing windows and doors in your home is properly sealing them. Gaps across door or the window can produce drafts, which permit water to leak within, or can increase your power expenses, creating mold development or water damage. One materials utilized from the other side of the very best of an exterior door body is called Z- . The Z-flashing, occasionally called a drip cap, is a strip of steel that resembles the letter “Z” when seen in profile. The Z-flashing seals the joint along the very top of the door casing.

Measure the amount of the door casing, which is the board that runs over the very top of the doorframe. Add 1 inch. This produces a half-inch extension on either side of the casing which is folded within the casing on the sides of the door. Folding the Z-flashing on the side casing stops water from entering the gap between the doorframe as well as the casing.

Cut the Z-flashing to a pair of tin snips or the necessary size using a hacksaw. Smooth any rough edges using a steel file.

Cut half-inch notches in the Z-flashing on both ends utilizing the tin snips. This lets you bend the middle portion of the flashing on the sides of the door to protect the leading edge of the side casing.

Place the Z-flashing along with the casing in to place. The middle part rests on the very top of the casing when installing the flashing, the longer edge goes from the wall of the home, and also the quick edge explains the very front of the casing. If siding is previously installed on the the outside of the home, eliminate the area over the door that the flashing can be installed by you immediately contrary to the sheathing beneath it it.

Hammer down the half-inch notches on either side of the casing to protect the leading edge of the side casing.

Drive galvanized nails through the Z-flashing and to the facet of the house every 6″. Keep a T least 2″ over the casing to the nails.

Cover the leading fringe of of the Z-flashing with building paper. In development, the paper should previously be around the house ahead of windows and the doorways are installed. Within an existing home, you might need to minimize a piece with this project. In that case, reduce it large enough to to increase a T least one-foot over the door, and broad enough to to give several inches on either side of the do-or. The constructing paper is stapled to along side it of the residence. By implementing caulk seal the joint over the casing and pressing down the paper up on it. Building paper is paper which is saturated with asphalt and gives defense against dampness and wind.

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