Window install / sealing question – windows flush with roof
Hi everyone,
Not sure if this is the best forum to post this question, but not sure where else to try.
New construction project, came out this week to walk the site. I noticed the window rough opening was framed to nearly touch the flat roof portion of our project.
To my inexperienced eyes, this looks like a problem. How do you account for the bottom window flange? How do you create a flashing for the sill? How does the roofing material form a water barrier up the wall? Feels like a water disaster waiting to happen.
For some bearings, The windows go into our “great room”, and the patio cover roof is a low slope roof, approx 1/4” per foot away from the windows.
Appreciate any thoughts or opinions. Will meet with the GC on Monday to review, and if possible I would like to be a bit more educated on options before that meeting!
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That does look like a problem. I live in the northeast US and try to keep at least 6" spacing between windows and roofs, and preferably more if it's a low-slope roof that is likely to accumulate a lot of snow. If you're in a warmer or drier climate it may not be as important, but I would absolutely want a space between window and roof no matter the location.
On your building elevation I don't see a roof slope drawn, but I see at least two rows of roof sheathing so it's at least 8' deep. At a typical 1/4" per foot, that's 2" of height lost. There may be other changes, such as larger headers or rafters.
wzrdmatt,
Even in the driest climate I would aim for a minimum of 3" clearance to the window RO - and that is from the finished roofing, not the sheathing.
Ack. Thanks Malcolm.
I’m in California, about 30miles east of San Francisco. No snow, mostly heat.
I’m looking through some of the structural models for the house, and yes it seems they called out at least a 4” gap.
Guess we could shrink the windows by 4”, or fix framing. Windows already on-site, Going to be a fun conversation to get this fixed.
Thanks for all the help!!
wzrdmatt,
If the beam above allows you to move the windows up that's the way to go.
Unfortunately it does not, it’s a 16’ long insulated LVL header. Guessing the windows will need to shrink.
Just wanted to thank everyone for commenting. Roof was lowered today, we have nice 4” spacing now! Appreciate all the advice.
wzrdmatt,
Excellent!