Sill pans are commonly used in the installation of vinyl-clad windows but not as often on wood windows.

It features a slope that encourages water to drain down and out.

Molded vinyl: Often called a “sill pan,” this type of window flashing is rigid and pre-formed to fit the inside of the rough opening along the bottom edge.

When firmly in place, flashing tape effectively prevents water from reaching the wood of the rough opening.

Flashing tape: This self-stick membrane comes in four-inch and six-inch rolls and is cut to fit along the inside edge of the rough opening (the frame constructed in the wall to hold the window).

Drip cap: Available in Z-shaped sheet metal strips, drip cap is designed to fit over the top of a window, much like a small canopy, to shed water outward and keep it from seeping behind the window.

Another construction material, known as a vapor barrier, is also frequently used to flash windows at the time of their installation. The three main types of window flashing are drip cap, flashing tape, and molded vinyl-and each type suits a different part of a window. Several types of flashing can be installed on a window. Flashing-whether it’s on a window, roof, or chimney-is designed to be installed in a layered sequence, similar to the way shingles are layered on a roof. Each successive layer overlaps the layer below to direct the flow of water down and away. While a home’s siding serves as its main source of protection against the elements, penetrations through the siding windows require additional waterproofing. Window flashing protects the window-and the house-from water damage. If you’re concerned or simply curious about the flashing around your windows, keep reading to learn the basics of this key component of keeping your home watertight. Over time, even a tiny gap around a window that allows water to enter can result in mold growth, wood rot, and structural damage that can end up requiring costly repairs.

During the construction, a builder will take many precautions to protect a house from water damage, and one of the most important is the installation of window flashing-thin material that prevents water from seeping in around a window.

How To Install Blueskin Window Flashing