Commercial Building Inspector B2Building EnclosureMedium
A commercial building inspector is observing the installation of a new window in an exterior wall with a brick veneer. To ensure proper drainage and prevent moisture intrusion, which of the following flashing components is most critical to extend over the face of the brick veneer at the sill?
- ASill pan flashing
- BJamb flashing
- CBacker rod and sealant
- DHead flashing
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Sill pan flashing
The sill pan flashing is critical at the bottom of the window opening. It must be integrated with the weather-resistive barrier and extend over the face of the brick veneer (or into a weep system) to direct any water that penetrates the wall assembly to the exterior.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Jamb flashing is at the sides of the window, protecting vertical edges.
- C. Backer rod and sealant form a weather seal at the perimeter but do not provide a drainage path over the veneer.
- D. Head flashing is at the top of the window, redirecting water away from the top.
Window Sill Pan Flashing
A critical flashing component at the bottom of a window opening designed to collect and divert water to the exterior.
- Must be sloped to the exterior.
- Integrated with the WRB.
- Extends over the face of the cladding or into a weep system.
Memory trick: Sill pan flashing, water's friend, guides it out until the end.