We are building a new brick house with vinyl windows. In several places there is a 1/2" TO 3/4" gap between the window trim and the lintel above it:



I have asked the builder how they plan to fill this gap and am looking for advice on acceptable methods to seal this gap.

Thanks

 

They will likely want to caulk it, which is about all you can do with a gap like that. However there is one thing that could be done which might look a little better.

First, you'd shove some foam backer rod in the gap- probably rod that is made for 3/4" gaps or so. Then they could bend a piece of aluminum trim coil in the shape of an L. Picture that L reversed, and turned 90 degrees counter clockwise. So using your picture to imagine it, the top half would push in over the top of the backer rod, which would hold it up tight against the lentil. The lower half would need to be long enough to lap over the top of the window by 3/4" or so. Then there would only be a tiny gap where this L-flashing meets the steel lentil, and it could be caulked (with a small bead, as compared with a GIANT bead, if done the other way). The caulking would basically be what holds the flashing in place.

 

Thanks.

The builder says this is normal since they can't cut bricks down to fit the size of the opening. They plan to use vinyl to fill gap. Some of the windows have up to a 2" gap above the window.

Is this really normal?

 

It's normal to see that when builders have not coordinated the window installation with the brick layout. Poor planning. But is it normal? No. Unless they feel substandard work is the norm.

 

Backing up one step: assuming that's a masonry veneer wall, I don't see the required weeps or other outlets for the drainage plane above that lintel:




BIA Technote # 7, Water Penetration Resistance - Design and Detailing