Rough Sill
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Window Fitters Guide to Window Installation 
103                ©2022 AWDI, LLC Do not reproduce without permission
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Rough Header
Face Seal Finned
Window with Stucco
Finish on Wood 
Framed Wall
Using a stucco finish over a wood framed home is a
tricky window and door installation. It is a very common
exterior finish in California and other warmer climates.
Stucco is not waterproof - no matter how skilled the
plasterer is. Rain will get behind the stucco..
The goal, then, is to seal the window and door against
water penetration before the stucco finish is applied to
make sure the water behind the stucco will run down
and out, and not penetrate the seal around the window.
Since stucco itself will let water through, then the most
important aspect of the window installation is build the
proper drainage plane behind the stucco cladding and 
if it doesn't work right, it puts undue pressure on the
window flashing - sometimes beyond its design.
The following diagrams show a double system The 
first flashes the window, and the second re-flashes 
the installed window to create the drainage plane
behind the final stucco, cement or plaster finish.
The drainage plane also serves to protect the framing
from the water that comes through and behind the
stucco.
Be cautious where the fasteners are applied to mount
the lathe. Errant nails or hardware can puncture the
well flashed window creating the very water paths you
so carefully tried to avoid.
It is also recommended that a weep screen be used to
assure proper drainage out of any water behind the sys-
tem. When sealing along the bottom, make sure 
you leave two 2-inch gaps where there is no sealant, 
to allow proper drainage when necessary,
SAMPLE MANUAL

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