Window Flashings, Cladding, and Sills

A head flashing similar to this was installed above the window in our family room by contract and design. 

I made the mistake of complaining about a dent, so 
Heaatherbrae retaliated by removing the entire head flashing and council refused to make them replace it







in spite of my requests pursuant to the terms of the building envelope contract and warranty and Morrison Hershfield's specifications for window heads to have "flashings c/w end dams (colour to match cladding)" 

and in spite of the Project Specifications
19. Material and Equipment
Page 15 of 17
.1 ...materials...shall be new, not damaged or defective, and of best quality for purpose intended...

the cement board siding over the window of Unit 409 is still damaged and gouged
with white edges showing up after less than 3 years of sun on the sealant 














The missing head flashing and unsightly damage
is located on our patio where it is noticeable to visitors
who sit there and look at it, not to mention prospective purchasers.
It's embarrassing and interferes with the enjoyment of our home, not to mention its value.  

The weep holes in the frame are filled with black mold

We never noticed our original patio windows showing this kind of staining. Even if leaks and premature failure of the sealant from sun damage do not show up for 10 years or more - from the way things were done here it looks like the building envelope may be designed to last for as short a period as possible after the 10-year warranty expires.

Not only was the contract breached to deprive us of flashings, proper labour, and undamaged materials in retaliation for complaining about a dented flashing, but we were maliciously deprived of physical health and safety by installation of hazardous exterior sealant throughout our interior (Unit 409 only target, no other units) contrary to WHMIS instructions that forced me out of my own home for more than a month and required open windows for a year to dissipate residual odour after removal and replacement.

Any expectation of the building envelope repairs meeting the minimum requirements of the current building code for windows, ventilation, or anything else, was quashed by council advising that everything was built under the old code so it didn't need to. 

Making matters worse, ground level replacement of the original sliding windows that allowed for secure ventilation and the intended use and enjoyment of our patio with a swing out style unreasonably deprived us of both. So we live vulnerable to intruders entering through open windows. It also ensured that when our shade trees were replaced with panoramic views for those above us installation of solar screens to reduce the heat would be impossible. 

The stress from decades of slings and arrows from relentless attacks is so sickening that it's unspeakable.

https://vinylwindowdesigns.com/sites/S1/File/Articles/ATT%20E%20-%20Best%20Practices.pdf

Best practices guidelines for replacing windows use strategies to "deflect and drain" water from window areas on moisture prone houses. This involves deflecting water away at the top of window openings, providing unobstructed pathways for water to drain from top of window opening down to sill, and draining water from window opening to outside at sill of window. Water deflection at the top of the window opening prevents water from above window from draining down cladding and onto window/wall joints. Solution is to install drip cap (header flashing) on wall above window opening pursuant to building code requirements. Profile to be sloped at an angle of 10 degrees or more to ensure water drains off of surface. Shaped "dams" at ends to prevent water from running over edge. Width to extend at least 1" beyond edge of new window flange. Seal exterior window/cladding joints with exterior grade caulking installed per manufacturers instructions.

So much for our exterior windows. Now to move onto the interior.

These are our original window sills















Our new windows are smaller than the originals, and the sills have boards added below to cover a 2-inch gap. Wooden strips were added to cover the gaps on the sides also, so our blinds no longer fit without being staggered. 














409's new window sill - good job boys - I hope you're proud of the quality of this replacement. Our original window sills were thick molded wood with marine enamel paint. The new window sills in Unit 409 were all left unpainted.

Making matters worse, the building envelope was sealed air tight and my requests for ventilation to match Phase 2 or the new building code were refused. So we still have leave them open to ventilate, even the year it took to vent the toxic fumes from the exterior sealant attack, and laving our windows open to the rain eventually split the wood.    

So much for windows.

In regard to siding, maybe its because I'm annoyed that I see things you might not otherwise notice.

I don't know if all these seams in the cladding on the north of 412 are normal or not, but 11 seams in 11 consecutive rows located on an entrance wall seems like a lot to me. I don't know if such a proliferation of seams was deliberate or just shoddy workmanship - since the owner, Rene Davies, also dared to challenge some of what was happening and complaining in this strata has insidious consequences.

At least they are lined up.







               






There doesn't seem to be much, if anything, that owners can do about abusive practices and shoddy industry standards except to shine a light on the facts as we know them and hope that it will somehow help if others know also.