People like circular windows----or what is known as “circle-head’ windows. They represent special challenges to trim carpenters. If they are not experienced, these trim details often end up poorly done. In this first picture one can see the curved wood trim around this circle-head window. One can also see the un-painted edge and the caulk that is being relied upon to keep moisture from getting behind the trim and siding and into the wall. I have had builders tell me, “They don’t make a flashing for a curve.” Well, of course they do, and this should be a clue that perhaps one should have hired a different builder. I have other issues with the way this trim has been constructed, but right now I only want to talk about the missing flashing detail. Caulk should never be relied upon as a means of permanently flashing anything. Caulk will fail, paint will fail and water intrusion/decay will happen----it is just a matter of when. At a recent inspection, I had the pleasure of seeing the work of a builder that actually cared about his work and provided a proper flashing for the circular trim over an archway. It can be done. Charles Buell
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Thanks Charles for the interesting and informative post.
Good point, a lot of contractors say can't when they mean they don't know how or don't want to take the time. The poor homeowners usually only find problems like this after the damage is done.
Awesome, it sure is nice to see when something is done right. I was thinking the other day about how I now know more about how things SHOULD be installed than when I was actually installing them!!
Charles.....can't believe you announced to everyone that you like curves and you flash!!!
Charles, this post just shows how inexperience some contractors are...or perhaps too lazy to do it the right way.
I've seen new construction homes fail final CO because there wasn't any flashing around curved windows. It seems that caulk and spackle are many builders best friends!
Another bit of info I had never heard of! You're so good to share all this and keep us learning!
Debi
Charles - Yes, it can be done, but far too many "carpenters" see it as too much trouble. And who will see it anyway, other than those pesky home inspectors? It's generally far out of view.
I've seen too many homes where home owner's or handymen have installed windows without caulk or flashing. When builers build too many homes at one time, quality seems to be in the hands o the lead carpenter or the sup on site. Employee shortages lead to many inexperenced people moving up before they are ready. Good thing we have inspectors.
Melissa, thanks
Jay, ain't it the truth
Jim, same here:)
Barbara, I don't understand the problem LOL
Rebecca, some just think that caulk is "flashinginatube"
Craig, and they should fail inspection too---before they fail otherwise
Debi, I am working at it:)
John---hard to see from the "Brooklyn Bridge" as they say :)
Glenn you have just laid out a scenario for job security
Charles - it is always nice to see when someone takes pride in their work, and I appreciate reading this information.
Charles, Very interesting on flashing for curves. I'll bet there are a lot of "caulking will cover it" windows out there.
ahh... finally a post about flashy-curves.
You have to know what you are doing when dealing with flashy curves.
Sharon thanks----and I enjoy providing the information
Susan, there for sure are
Alan, I am sure you are Sardi are ones I can count on to like flashy-curves :)
Diane, me thinks that can never be truly known :)
Charles, Don't you just love lame excuses for poor or lazy craftsmanship?
I hope you're having a great Tuesday!
Paul
I like curves too. They are much more interesting. Your post reminds me of the famous Einstein quote..."Space tells matter how to move, matter tells space how to curve."
Hi Charles, yes it is a matter of taking the time to do the job right. Good illustration.
I am at a loss for words, except:
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Nutsy -- PS, I cannot insert my photo due to one of the above
Paul, there is no shortage of them :)
John and space, curves, matter, women----what a universe:)
Frank thanks----time is key in the physical world isn't it
Steve you need to get over this Proxy Error thing
Hi Charles, I liked the idea that you suggested a different builder, LOL. No flashing. Well then, be sure to buy a couple extra tubes of caulking and then remember to replace it every year, LMAO
Wow, my kindred friend, I have nearly exactly that wording on my report and it is an item that prints on EVERY report even when the caulking is new! In addition, I say that the proper caulk must be selected for each application!
William, sometimes in my reports I actually call for repairs by someone other than the person that did it the firs time :)
Jay, I figure you would be a man that appreciates a good curve :)
As a pitcher in baseball I had three different curves!
Jay I knew you would be back here alluding to that so as to avoid allusions to something else :)
What else could there be?
Hi Charles...Jay asked the question that came to my mind. I would immediately wonder what other things were not taken care of properly.
Kate
Jay, I can't help you with that question:)
Kate, for sure. I point I could make though is that I often see quality work from one trade and poor word from another on the same job, so just because the siding had issues would not necessarily mean the roof had issues etc.