b'5 Weather Barriers Critical 1. Water Sheddingto Successful Installation 1 Barrier: The water barrier isprovided by the glazing, theglazing tape between the glaz-There are 5 critical weather barriers built into every wall ing and window frame, theseparating the exterior environment from the interior.exterior surface of the windowThere are similar barriers designed into the components frame, the sealant betweenof every window and door. the window frame and the silldrip flashing, the sill dripflashing, the drip cap, and theexterior surface of the wallcladding.2 2. Moisture Barrier: The exterior moisture barrierfunction is provided by the1. STUCCO/ 5. VAPORexterior glazing, the seal WATERBARRIER between the glazing and the BARRIER window frame, the sealbetween the window frame2. MOISTUREand the sub-sill membrane,BARRIER 4. THERMALBARRIER the sub-sill membrane, andthe exterior building paper(house wrap).3. AIR BARRIER 3. Air Barrier: The air3 barrier function (resisting 1. SIDING/ 1. WATER BARRIER the flow of air in either WATERFLASHING/ direction) is provided by theBARRIERDRIP CAP drywall, seal to the sub-sill,seal between the sub-sill andThese barriers are meant to the window frame, the sealcontrol the environmentalbetween the window frameconditions and manage their and the glazing, and the impact on the interior comfort.glazing, itself.The ideal installation is 4. Thermal Barrier:achieved when each of theThe thermal barrier consists 5 barriers in the wall, is4 of the chambered frame, theintegrated with the corre- insulating glazing package,sponding barrier in theand the insulated wall window. assembly. The interfacing of WaterExterior water the thermal barrier can besuch as rain, snow, etc. achieved filling cavity voidsbetween window and wall Moisturesemi liquid with foam insulation and anywater trapped behind the sealing of interior and exteriorexterior siding caused bycreating a dead-air space.natural evaporation or condensation within wall 5. Vapor Barrier:components 5 The vapor barrier (resisting AirMovement of air by vapor diffusion) is provided wind or pressure differential by materials of low vapor permeability located near the ThermalMaterial Heat interior of the wall and win-transfer dow assemblies and include a polyethylene sheet orVaporMigration ofinsulation liner, windowwarm moist air to drierframe, builders tape betweencooler air (producingjamb, sill, header and wall,damaging condensation)and the interior glazing. Window Fitters Guide to Window Installation82020 AWDI, LLC Do not reproduce without permission'