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Jerry Tims AIA, CSI
Senior Member
Username: jtims

Post Number: 74
Registered: 04-2005
Posted on Tuesday, April 28, 2009 - 03:54 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

Afternoon all. I come seeking recommendations. I was leafing through my copy of Fred Nashed's "Architectural Quality Control" book (which I became aware of in this forum by the way), and came upon Figure 3.36 showing "The proper way to draw a window jamb detail". We use a similar detail, however we've never used the spray foam as shown in the referenced detail.

My question is, do any of your offices, or offices you work with use it? If so, I'd be interested to know what product(s) you recommend for this application. I'd think it would need to be a product not affected by water, and not requiring a trained installer. My assumption is that it would be installed through the joint between the frame and brick prior to the installation of backer rod and sealant.

Any input is most appreciated!
Wayne Yancey
Senior Member
Username: wayne_yancey

Post Number: 200
Registered: 01-2008


Posted on Tuesday, April 28, 2009 - 04:19 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

Jerry,

The use of spray foam to maintain the continuity of the air barrier at door and window openings is common in Canada. Dow Chemcial makes a variety of products for this purpose for both commercial construction and the DIY market. Also google Canam Building Envelope Specialists for their line of Zerodraft Insulating Air Sealant. There are others as well. Works well with frames that are open back and do not create the proper 2-sided joint for backer rod and sealant or do not provide a rebate or surface to mechanically fasten the air barrier transition membranes.

Wayne
John Hunter
Senior Member
Username: johnhunter

Post Number: 69
Registered: 12-2005
Posted on Tuesday, April 28, 2009 - 07:26 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

Jerry - We've been doing this for a while.

Look at Dow's "Great Stuff" and Fomo Products "HandiSeal Window and Door Sealant."
John Bunzick, CCS, CCCA, LEED AP
Senior Member
Username: bunzick

Post Number: 1043
Registered: 03-2002
Posted on Wednesday, April 29, 2009 - 08:54 am:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

We also use spray foam in combination with air barriers depending upon the details. This is common in Massachusetts, and probably should be in any area that uses air barriers. We specify two-component products to be sure that it cures properly in a confined space.
Lisa Goodwin Robbins, RA, CCS, LEED ap
Senior Member
Username: lgoodrob

Post Number: 21
Registered: 08-2004
Posted on Wednesday, April 29, 2009 - 09:27 am:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

Ditto what Bunzick said. This has been common in Massachusetts since the 2001 Energy Code.

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