Self Flashed Windows

[Anatol]

Fellow Inspectors,

I have a question about windows with built in j channel or self flashing windows. I called these windows as missing J channel. The builder is saying they area properly installed. This is new construction with vinyl siding. All comments are welcome.

Anatol

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[Charlie R]

Hi Anatol;

If I am correct about this, a J-Channel is simply a termination point to put the end of the vinyl siding. The windows in the photo have a fairly large channel area where the siding ends, and as long as there is a flashing behind the vinyl at the window, then it becomes a matter of aesthetics. I've called this out a couple of years ago on some new constructs (Ryan Homes) and had two different siding contractors that I respect tell me it's ok. Again, there has to be flashing, but it appears the window in your photo has that feature as a built-in. Charlie

[Erby]

Get the window name and specs. They're new. The specs should be readily available. That'll answer your question.

[Mike Lamb]

Self-flashing means that if water gets inside the window assembly it will drain out. In other words any decent window is self-flashed otherwise it's garbage. It has nothing to do with whether the installer flashed the window around the framing. You will have to remove the siding to see if the installer actually flashed it.

Charlie has it right. The built-in J-channel around the window is a nice feature and saves the vinyl siding guy time but it has nothing to do with flashing. There's still a flange that has to be nailed and flashed that you can't see.

[Mike Lamb]

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[Brandon Whitmore]

For vinyl siding, I would call that type of window self trimmed (no need for J trim) vs. self flashed.

[kurt]

Mike's right. You can't see the important part.

Vinyl siding, properly installed, always "leaks". It's a rain screen.

[Anatol]

Thanks all... I'll update my client.

Anatol