The way to stucco over external home windows in Florida? This information dives deep into the method, from making ready the window frames to finalizing the stucco software, bearing in mind the original Florida local weather. Working out the nuances of humidity, temperature fluctuations, and selecting the proper stucco varieties is the most important for a long lasting, aesthetically pleasurable outcome.
Reworking your Florida house’s external home windows with stucco calls for meticulous consideration to element. This complete information covers each and every step, from preliminary floor preparation to the general completing touches. We will discover the most efficient strategies for attaining a continuing, sturdy, and wonderful stucco end.
Creation to Stuccoing Home windows in Florida
Stucco is a well-liked external end, particularly in Florida, the place its skill to resist the weather is the most important. Making use of stucco to home windows calls for cautious attention of the original Florida local weather, which contains excessive humidity and temperature fluctuations. This manner guarantees longevity and aesthetic attraction in your home windows.Working out the intricacies of stucco software on home windows in Florida is vital to attaining a a hit and sturdy outcome.
This comes to selecting the best stucco kind, correctly making ready the window floor, and enforcing the applying procedure accurately. Right kind making plans and execution reduce doable problems, maximizing the lifespan and visible attraction of your window remedies.
Stucco Suitability for Florida’s Local weather
Stucco, with its breathability and skill to control moisture, is an acceptable external end for Florida. Its resilience to the state’s distinctive local weather elements, together with excessive humidity and temperature swings, makes it a sensible selection for window programs. Alternatively, cautious attention of those elements is important for optimum effects. Choosing the proper stucco kind and alertness strategies is important for long-term efficiency.
Stucco Varieties for Florida Window Programs
Florida’s local weather dictates the selection of stucco kind. Not unusual varieties come with Portland cement-based stucco, which is sturdy and proof against moisture. Lime-based stucco is another choice, providing superb breathability and moisture law, vital in high-humidity spaces. Artificial stucco choices also are to be had, offering a steadiness of efficiency and simplicity of upkeep.
- Portland Cement-Primarily based Stucco: This kind provides outstanding power and sturdiness, making it appropriate for Florida’s surroundings. Its resistance to moisture and temperature fluctuations makes it a powerful contender for window programs. It is a fashionable selection because of its resilience and skill to resist the calls for of the Florida local weather.
- Lime-Primarily based Stucco: Lime stucco excels in moisture law, which is important in Florida’s humid local weather. Its breathability permits moisture to flee, decreasing the danger of mould and mould, a common factor in humid environments. This makes it an environmentally pleasant and efficient choice for home windows.
- Artificial Stucco: Those choices be offering a mixture of houses. Their artificial parts may give enhanced sturdiness, diminished upkeep, and advanced climate resistance. Artificial stucco is incessantly selected for its resilience and low-maintenance traits.
Window Floor Preparation for Stucco Software
Right kind preparation of the window floor is the most important for a a hit stucco software. This contains cleansing, repairing, and making sure the window body is correctly insulated and safe. The window’s situation without delay impacts the longevity and effectiveness of the stucco. Those preparatory steps be sure a powerful, lasting bond.
- Thorough Cleansing: Getting rid of dust, particles, and unfastened fabrics from the window floor is very important. This guarantees a blank and strong floor for the stucco to stick correctly. Thorough cleansing removes contaminants that may intrude with the stucco’s adhesion.
- Repairing Injury: Addressing any cracks, holes, or different imperfections within the window body or surrounding spaces is important. This procedure prevents stucco from cracking or detaching later, conserving the window’s structural integrity and aesthetic attraction.
- Insulation and Coverage: Right kind insulation across the window body is the most important to stop moisture buildup and temperature fluctuations from affecting the stucco. Right kind insulation and coverage are key steps to making sure the stucco’s sturdiness. Right kind sealing of the window body prevents moisture intrusion.
Making ready the Window Body
Yo, long run stucco masters! Getting your window frames in a position is the most important for a gentle, long-lasting stucco process, particularly within the Florida solar. Right kind prep paintings prevents problems like peeling, cracking, and asymmetric finishes down the road. Call to mind it like getting your journey in a position for a race – gotta be certain that the entirety’s blank and primed for optimum efficiency!
Thorough Cleansing
Right kind cleansing of the window body is very important for making sure just right adhesion of the stucco. Ignoring this step may end up in untimely failure and expensive upkeep in a while. Getting rid of all strains of outdated paint, caulk, and particles is paramount to attaining a powerful, lasting bond. This meticulous cleansing procedure will ensure a constant and aesthetically pleasurable end, making your home windows glance recent and new.
Getting rid of Current Coatings
Getting rid of current paint, caulk, and particles is vital. Previous paint can obstruct the stucco from adhering correctly, resulting in doable problems later. Caulk incessantly acts as a barrier, fighting the stucco from bonding successfully to the body. The usage of suitable equipment and methods is very important for efficient elimination, minimizing injury to the window body whilst making sure a blank floor for stucco software.
Making sure a Clean Floor
A gentle or even floor is important for attaining a professional-looking stucco end. Any imperfections within the window body will display during the stucco, doubtlessly resulting in an unwanted aesthetic. This contains casting off any bumps, cracks, or irregularities. The usage of sandpaper or a scraper to gentle out the body sooner than stucco software is the most important for a flawless ultimate outcome.
Strategies for Cleansing Window Frames
Other window fabrics require other cleansing approaches. Here is a breakdown of not unusual strategies, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses, and their suitability for more than a few fabrics.
Cleansing Way | Execs | Cons | Appropriate for |
---|---|---|---|
Scraping | Efficient for casting off unfastened paint and particles; quite rapid. | Can doubtlessly injury tender window fabrics like vinyl. | Picket, some steel frames. |
Sanding | Creates an excessively gentle floor; superb for intricate main points. | Will also be time-consuming; can generate mud. | Picket, steel, and a few composite frames. |
Chemical Strippers | Efficient for casting off cussed paint; sooner than handbook strategies. | Can injury the window body if now not used accurately; calls for protection precautions. | Picket, steel, and a few composite frames. Use with warning and apply product directions. |
Power Washing | Eliminates unfastened dust and particles temporarily and successfully. | Can injury subtle window frames; would possibly require specialised nozzles. | Most commonly for cleansing external dust, now not basically for paint elimination. |
Have in mind, all the time prioritize protection when running with cleansing brokers. Right kind air flow and protecting tools are very important. Other window fabrics would possibly require particular cleansing procedures. Seek the advice of a pro if you are not sure about the most efficient manner in your specific window body.
Making use of the Stucco
Yo, squad, getting your stucco recreation on level for the ones Florida home windows is the most important. Right kind software is vital to a long lasting, fashionable end that’ll face up to the humid local weather. This ain’t no DIY amateur challenge; we are talkin’ precision and methodology. Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of making use of the stucco.Making use of stucco to window frames calls for a meticulous manner. The objective is a gentle, even coat that seamlessly integrates with the prevailing construction, offering each sturdiness and a elegant glance.
You gotta be certain that the stucco adheres completely to the window body and that the joints are flawless. This procedure calls for consideration to element and a gradual hand.
Right kind Stucco Thickness and Consistency, The way to stucco over external home windows in florida
Attaining the precise stucco thickness is important. Too skinny, and it may not ultimate; too thick, and it is going to glance clunky and asymmetric. The optimum thickness will depend on the stucco kind and the particular challenge necessities. Intention for a constant thickness during all the software to take care of a fair aesthetic.
Tactics for Blank and Skilled Software
Keeping up a blank software across the window body is very important. Use a pointy, pointed instrument to create blank strains alongside the window’s edges, fighting the stucco from encroaching at the glass. This calls for a prepared eye for element and observe. A notched trowel or a specialised instrument for growing crisp strains across the body is advisable for a pro contact.
Take your time, and do not rush the method.
Stucco Software Strategies
Other strategies be offering various benefits and drawbacks. Choosing the proper methodology will depend on the challenge’s scale, your talent point, and the required aesthetic.
Way | Benefits | Disadvantages |
---|---|---|
Troweling | Actual software, superb keep watch over over thickness and form, visually interesting end. | Time-consuming, calls for talent and observe, much less environment friendly for enormous spaces. |
Spraying | Rapid and environment friendly for enormous spaces, much less labor-intensive. | Much less keep watch over over thickness and form, can lead to asymmetric surfaces, calls for specialised apparatus and enjoy. |
Pouring | Simple for better spaces, fast for making a base layer. | Least keep watch over over form, excessive chance of unevenness, and now not superb for intricate designs. |
Have in mind, consistency is vital. Keeping up a constant manner within the stucco software will be sure a gentle, sturdy, and aesthetically pleasurable outcome. The precise methodology can lift your stucco challenge from moderate to remarkable.
Completing Touches

Alright, squad, let’s nail down the general touches to your stucco window process. That is the place the pro-level finesse is available in, making your home windows glance completely killer. Right kind completing guarantees a gentle, seamless glance that’ll face up to the Florida solar and storms.
Getting a flawless end round your home windows is the most important for each aesthetics and longevity. It is like the general layer of sauce on a wonderfully cooked pasta dish – it elevates the entire enjoy. We will quilt the very important smoothing and sealing ways to stay moisture at bay and your stucco browsing recent for years yet to come.
Smoothing and Completing Tactics
Attaining a professional-grade gentle end comes to cautious consideration to element. Other equipment and methods are wanted relying at the stucco kind and desired point of smoothness. A constant, even software is vital. Call to mind it as making a 2d pores and skin in your window frames.
- The usage of a flow instrument for a medium-smooth end, making sure a constant or even floor.
- Using a hawk and trowel for a smoother, extra delicate floor, superb for a professional-looking end.
- Using a metal trowel for a super-smooth floor, nice for attaining a flawless end, highest for the ones in search of an especially delicate glance.
Caulking and Sealing
Right kind caulking is non-negotiable for fighting moisture intrusion and keeping up the integrity of your stucco. Believe a tiny crack as a gateway for water. Caulking successfully seals the ones gaps, safeguarding your house from water injury.
- Make a selection a high quality sealant particularly designed for stucco programs, making sure compatibility and long-lasting effectiveness. Steer clear of the use of general-purpose sealants as they won’t adhere neatly to stucco.
- Observe the sealant in a continual bead, filling all gaps and crevices across the window body, together with any small cracks or enlargement joints. This prevents water from seeping into the stucco and inflicting doable injury.
- Make certain the sealant is totally cured sooner than continuing with any more paintings. Following the producer’s directions is the most important for optimum efficiency.
Sealant Variety and Compatibility
The precise sealant is as vital as the precise stucco. Other sealants have other houses, and compatibility with stucco is the most important for a long lasting seal.
Deciding on the right kind sealant is important for a sturdy and aesthetically pleasurable end. Search for sealants particularly designed for external stucco programs and make sure they are suitable with the stucco kind used. That is key to fending off problems like peeling or cracking down the road.
Completing Tactics and Visible Have an effect on
The general end can considerably have an effect on the full look of your stuccoed window frames. Other ways be offering numerous aesthetics and sturdiness. Make a selection the one who enhances your house’s taste.
- A gentle end supplies a blank, trendy glance. It is a undying vintage, appropriate for more than a few architectural types.
- A textured end, like a stucco with aggregates or sand, creates a extra rustic or conventional glance. This feature provides intensity and visible passion to the window body.
- A sand-based end, completed by way of making use of a stucco combine with sand, provides a vintage, visually interesting glance this is somewhat sturdy.
Concerns for Florida’s Local weather
Stuccoing home windows in Florida’s humid local weather calls for additional consideration. The relentless solar, excessive humidity, and temperature swings can wreak havoc on poorly ready surfaces. Working out those elements and selecting the best fabrics is vital to a long lasting, aesthetically pleasurable outcome.
Moisture Keep an eye on: A The most important Part
Moisture is Florida’s nemesis relating to external finishes. Condensation, rain, and excessive humidity may end up in mould, mould, and untimely stucco deterioration. Right kind moisture keep watch over is paramount. This comes to sealing the window body meticulously to stop water penetration and making sure good enough air flow to permit moisture to flee. This proactive manner prevents long-term injury and maintains the integrity of the stucco.
Deciding on Stucco Merchandise for Florida’s Stipulations
Florida’s excessive local weather calls for stucco merchandise engineered for resilience. Search for stucco formulations particularly designed to resist excessive humidity and temperature fluctuations. Those specialised merchandise incessantly come with moisture-resistant components and polymers that toughen sturdiness. A high quality stucco may also be offering superb adhesion to the window body, fighting cracking and peeling. This guarantees longevity and forestalls expensive upkeep.
Right kind Air flow and Drainage Across the Window Space
Good enough air flow and drainage are very important for fighting moisture buildup across the window. Correctly sized weep holes, gutters, and downspouts are the most important to diverting water clear of the stucco. Be sure that the window body itself is accurately sealed to stop water from seeping in the back of the stucco. This strategic manner guarantees that moisture is controlled successfully, fighting issues later.
Stucco Sort Comparability Desk
Stucco Sort | Moisture Resistance | Humidity Resistance | Temperature Fluctuation Resistance |
---|---|---|---|
Portland Cement-Primarily based Stucco | Reasonable | Reasonable | Reasonable |
Polymer-Changed Stucco | Top | Top | Top |
Acrylic-Changed Stucco | Top | Top | Top |
The desk above supplies a total comparability. Explicit product efficiency can range in response to producer and method. All the time seek the advice of the producer’s specs for detailed knowledge on every stucco kind.
Troubleshooting and Upkeep
Stucco paintings round home windows in Florida will also be tough, particularly with the elements. Realizing the best way to spot doable issues and deal with them ASAP is vital to holding your home windows browsing recent and your home safe. Common upkeep is sort of a preventative check-up in your stucco – it helps to keep the entirety operating easily.Right kind upkeep minimizes long run problems and extends the lifetime of your stucco, saving you from expensive upkeep down the road.
Plus, it is large vital to take care of the cultured attraction of your house!
Not unusual Stucco Issues in Florida
Florida’s local weather can wreak havoc on stucco, resulting in more than a few problems. Working out those issues is step one in solving them.
- Moisture Problems: Top humidity and common rainfall may end up in moisture penetration within the stucco, inflicting it to transform stained, moldy, and even go to pot. It will manifest as discoloration or a moist, musty odor. Addressing moisture issues early is the most important to stop additional injury and the expansion of mould and mould.
- Cracking: Temperature fluctuations, particularly in Florida’s scorching and humid surroundings, may cause stucco to amplify and contract. Over the years, this may end up in cracks within the stucco, which will permit moisture to go into and irritate the problem. Early detection and sealing of those cracks are important.
- Pest Infestations: Termites and different pests can injury stucco by way of consuming during the subject material, growing holes and weakening the construction. Common inspections and preventative measures can assist save you those issues.
Fighting Stucco Injury from Enlargement and Contraction
Temperature diversifications may cause enlargement and contraction, leading to cracking and eventual deterioration. The usage of the precise stucco fabrics and right kind software ways can assist mitigate this factor.
- Right kind Preparation: Making sure the window body is correctly sealed and insulated will reduce the have an effect on of temperature adjustments at the stucco. This comes to the use of suitable fabrics and making use of the stucco in some way that minimizes pressure issues.
- Subject material Variety: The usage of stucco particularly designed for Florida’s local weather can assist face up to temperature fluctuations and humidity. Those fabrics incessantly have upper flexibility and resilience.
- Common Inspections: Periodic inspections for cracks and indicators of motion permit you to determine problems early, sooner than they escalate. Addressing those problems temporarily can save you additional injury.
Addressing Moisture Problems
Moisture is a significant fear in Florida stucco paintings. Working out the assets and the best way to set up them is important for fighting injury.
- Right kind Drainage: Making sure right kind drainage across the window prevents water from pooling and seeping into the stucco. This contains making sure gutters and downspouts are accurately situated and functioning correctly. That is the most important in fighting water from pooling across the base of the wall.
- Caulking and Sealing: Common caulking and sealing of cracks and gaps across the window body can save you moisture from getting into the stucco. That is particularly vital round window frames, as those are incessantly prone issues.
- Air flow: Right kind air flow can assist save you moisture buildup in the back of the stucco. This is able to contain strategic design possible choices like advanced air movement within the affected spaces.
Keeping up Stucco Longevity
Common upkeep is very important for the longevity of stucco.
- Cleansing: Common cleansing of the stucco can assist save you dust and particles buildup. This will also be completed with gentle cleansing answers and a soft-bristled brush.
- Repairing Injury: Addressing cracks and different injury promptly prevents additional deterioration. Fast motion can prevent from expensive upkeep sooner or later.
- Skilled Inspection: Periodic reliable inspections by way of a professional stucco contractor can assist determine doable issues sooner than they transform important problems. This provides you with peace of thoughts and assist to stop sudden issues.
Price Concerns
Stuccoing your Florida home windows could be a forged improve, however the cost tag is a key issue. Realizing the prospective prices is helping you price range successfully and make knowledgeable choices. Other fabrics and alertness strategies will considerably have an effect on the full expense. Working out those diversifications is the most important for making plans your challenge.
Estimating Subject material Prices
Florida stucco initiatives incessantly contain specialised fabrics suited to the area’s local weather. Other stucco varieties, like Portland cement-based or polymer-modified stucco, range in value. The fee additionally will depend on the quantity wanted in your window frames. As an example, a small single-pane window may best want a small batch of stucco, whilst a bigger, multi-paned window or a bay window would require a better amount, thus expanding the fabric value.
Estimating Exertions Prices
Hiring a pro stucco contractor is incessantly the most efficient manner for a high quality process. The hard work prices rely closely at the complexity of the challenge. A easy window restore may take only some hours of labor, whilst a big, complicated window substitute or addition will take considerably extra time and specialised talents. Components just like the contractor’s enjoy, the positioning of the process, and the call for for stucco products and services within the space all affect the hard work prices.
Believe getting more than one quotes from native contractors to match costs and make sure the pricing aligns with the complexity of the challenge.
Evaluating Software Strategies
Other stucco software ways have an effect on the associated fee. Spray software, incessantly sooner, will also be costlier for specialised apparatus and the desire for knowledgeable operators. Hand-applied stucco could be a better choice for smaller initiatives and will also be more cost effective in some circumstances, however the paintings time will also be longer. The selected approach will without delay affect the entire value of the challenge.
Pricing Fashions for Stucco Tasks
Pricing fashions range in response to the challenge’s dimension and complexity. Some contractors would possibly be offering a flat fee in keeping with window, whilst others would possibly base their pricing at the sq. pictures of the stuccoed space. There also are fashions that account for the complexity of the paintings, equivalent to the desire for extra prep paintings or upkeep. As an example, a small, simple window may value round $500-$1,000, whilst a bigger, complicated window requiring in depth upkeep may just value $1,500-$3,000 or extra.
Desk Evaluating Stucco Varieties and Software Strategies
Stucco Sort | Software Way | Estimated Price (in keeping with sq feet) | Further Concerns |
---|---|---|---|
Portland Cement | Hand-applied | $5 – $10 | Calls for professional hard work, doubtlessly slower |
Portland Cement | Spray-applied | $7 – $12 | Sooner, however calls for specialised apparatus and educated applicators |
Polymer-modified | Hand-applied | $8 – $15 | Usually harder, upper preliminary value |
Polymer-modified | Spray-applied | $10 – $18 | Sooner, upper sturdiness, would possibly require further prep paintings |
This desk supplies a total estimate; exact prices will range in response to location, subject material availability, and the particular wishes of the challenge.
Protection Precautions

Stucco paintings, particularly in Florida’s climate, calls for additional care. Injuries can occur if you are now not cautious. Following protection precautions is not only about fending off harm; it is about completing the process proper, the primary time. Right kind protection tools and procedures are key to a gentle, a hit challenge.Operating with stucco and building fabrics, particularly in Florida’s surroundings, calls for a excessive point of consciousness and adherence to protection protocols.
This is not with reference to fending off a minor scrape; it is about fighting critical accidents and making sure a secure paintings surroundings for everybody concerned.
Very important Protection Apparatus
Protection tools is non-negotiable for any building challenge. It protects you from hazards like falling particles, sharp edges, and doable chemical publicity. All the time prioritize the use of suitable protection apparatus for the duty to hand.
- Protection glasses or goggles: Offer protection to your eyes from flying particles and splashes.
- Paintings gloves: Offer protection to your fingers from cuts, abrasions, and chemical publicity.
- Exhausting hat: Protects your head from falling gadgets.
- Metal-toed protection boots: Offer protection to your toes from have an effect on and crushing hazards.
- Listening to coverage (earplugs or earmuffs): Offer protection to your ears from loud noises, particularly when the use of energy equipment.
Ladder Protection Procedures
The usage of ladders safely is the most important. Falls from ladders are an important chance in building. Right kind ladder setup and utilization are very important to stop injuries.
- Ladder Variety: Make a selection a ladder that is lengthy sufficient to achieve the window body safely with out overextending. Believe the attitude of the ladder and the outside it rests on.
- Placement: Place the ladder on a strong, point floor. Ensure that the bottom is firmly planted, now not on asymmetric flooring or unfastened fabrics.
- Operating Place: Stay your frame targeted over the ladder rungs, by no means overreach. Use each fingers to take care of steadiness. By no means elevate heavy fabrics up or down a ladder. Take breaks as wanted. If you are feeling unsteady, step down.
- Two-Particular person Machine: For upper window frames or when dealing with heavier fabrics, the use of a two-person gadget for lifting and wearing fabrics is very advisable.
- Climate Stipulations: Steer clear of running on a ladder in unhealthy climate (wind, rain, or excessive warmth/chilly). Those stipulations can considerably have an effect on balance and protection.
Scaffolding Protection Procedures
Scaffolding supplies a secure increased platform for running on better window frames or spaces. Right kind setup and upkeep are crucial for fighting injuries.
- Scaffolding Inspection: All the time investigate cross-check the scaffolding sooner than use to verify it’s in just right situation and strong.
- Load Capability: By no means exceed the designated weight capability of the scaffolding. Make certain the platform can reinforce the load of staff and fabrics.
- Right kind Bracing: Make certain the scaffolding is satisfactorily braced and secured to stop tipping or cave in. That is specifically the most important on asymmetric flooring.
- Fall Coverage: Use fall coverage apparatus equivalent to protection harnesses and lanyards when running on scaffolding. Make certain right kind tie-off issues are to be had.
Energy Device Protection Procedures
The usage of energy equipment safely is important. Incorrect use may end up in accidents and injury. Following those tips is very important for a secure and environment friendly process.
- Right kind Coaching: Be sure you’re educated on the correct use of every energy instrument sooner than working it. Make yourself familiar with the instrument’s directions and security measures.
- Apparatus Upkeep: Handle your energy equipment by way of checking for any injury or malfunctions. Stay the equipment blank and correctly lubricated to take care of their efficiency.
- Protecting Tools: All the time put on suitable protection tools when the use of energy equipment, together with protection glasses, ear coverage, and gloves. This reduces the danger of damage.
- Safe Paintings Space: Transparent the paintings space of any stumbling blocks and make sure a strong and non-slippery floor. This prevents injuries and guarantees right kind instrument keep watch over.
Protected Ladder Use Representation
Believe a ladder leaning in opposition to a window body. The bottom of the ladder will have to be situated at a 75-degree attitude to the bottom, with the ladder’s foot firmly planted on a degree, strong floor. The ladder will have to lengthen no less than 3 toes above the window body’s most sensible edge. The employee will have to take care of a targeted place at the ladder, the use of each fingers for reinforce, and steer clear of overreaching.
Ultimate Overview
In conclusion, stuccoing external home windows in Florida is a rewarding challenge, however good fortune hinges on working out the native local weather’s have an effect on. Right kind preparation, cautious software, and selecting the proper fabrics are key to attaining a good looking, sturdy, and weather-resistant end. This information supplies the very important wisdom to verify a a hit challenge, from making plans to execution.
Recurrently Requested Questions: How To Stucco Over External Home windows In Florida
What are the average stucco varieties appropriate for Florida home windows?
Not unusual stucco varieties appropriate for Florida home windows come with Portland cement-based stucco, which provides just right sturdiness and climate resistance, and polymer-modified stucco, which incessantly plays neatly in high-humidity environments. Choosing the proper kind will depend on the particular window subject material and desired aesthetic.
How a lot does it in most cases value to stucco over external home windows in Florida?
Price estimates range extensively relying at the dimension of the home windows, the complexity of the challenge, subject material possible choices, and hard work prices. Contacting native contractors for quotes is very important to get a correct value vary.
What are the crucial protection precautions for stucco paintings?
All the time prioritize protection. Put on suitable protection tools, together with eye coverage, gloves, and durable sneakers. Use warning when running with ladders or scaffolding, and apply all producer directions for equipment and fabrics.
How can I save you moisture problems with stucco round home windows in Florida’s local weather?
Right kind air flow, drainage, and using moisture-resistant stucco merchandise are the most important. Make certain the stucco is correctly sealed and caulked across the window frames to stop water penetration.