What is a window end dam?

A vertical or near vertical upstand from the end of a flashing or window sill, used to prevent water from flowing horizontally off the end of the flashing or sill.

What is a window head flashing?

Mike Guertin: Head flashing prevents water from leaking in at the joint between the bottom edge of siding and the top of the head trim. It’s common practice to seal these units to the wall with self-adhering flashing tape and then to lap the housewrap over the top.

Where does the window flashing go?

The window flashing is stapled into place along its upper most edge, immediately below the window opening; the rest of the window flashing should be kept loose to be integrated with the WRB (weather resistant barrier) at a later time.

Do you need a dam for head flashing?

Head Flashing Specifications: About Head Flashing: In high exposure locations, head flashing should incorporate an end dam to prevent water from running off the end of the flashing. At this location the cladding may need to be cut to fit around the projection of the end dam.

What’s the best way to flash a window head?

This process of “skip taping” will create an outlet for any water that may have penetrated the building envelope above the window. Pro tip: Instead of cutting a head flashing the same length as the top of the window, run it long and either bend it down over the edge of the window or bend it up and create an end dam.

How do you make a header end dam?

Draw the cut and fold marks on each end with the drawing templates. Snip out the corners. Place the bending jig over the flashing and bend up the end dam with a pair of needle nose pliers. Then hammer it down flat against the jig.

What is rigid head flashing on a window?

What is rigid head flashing? Rigid head flashing (RHF) works in conjunction with window flashing, weather resistant barrier (WRB) and the cladding to keep water from finding its way inside a building. RHF is made of steel, aluminum or PVC and is installed on the top, exterior side of a window.