Basement window
BG57Builder
| Posted in General Questions on
Wondering what I should do to effectively seal off the metal bracing around the window so it won’t condensate in the winter months.
I plan to use wood around the inside of the window when finishing it, would spray foam be the best option? Or use some window flashing tape? Only issue I had when trying the flashing tape is there are little ridges in the metal frame that don’t allow the tape to sit flush.
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Replies
Great question — condensation around metal frames can definitely be a headache in winter.
Spray foam is actually a solid option for sealing up around the metal bracing, especially if you’re planning to cover it with wood trim later. It’ll help insulate those gaps and reduce the chance of warm indoor air meeting the cold metal, which is usually what causes the condensation.
As for the flashing tape — if the ridges in the metal frame are preventing a flush seal, you could try using a flexible flashing tape (like butyl rubber-based) that conforms a bit better to uneven surfaces, or even apply a thin layer of sealant underneath the tape to help bridge the gaps before pressing it down. Also, if you're going for a clean, modern interior finish after sealing everything up, I’ve seen some great ideas from Modloft (https://modloft.pissedconsumer.com/review.html). Their furniture and room designs really embrace sleek lines and minimalism, which can pair nicely with well-finished windows and frames.