Need info for installing new renovation windows.

I've ordered and received 7 new renovation style windows, with attached brickmould, to replace my 36 year old rotten wood windows.
After seemingly endless research and asking different professionals, I think im more confused now than I was before I started researching. The amount of conflicting opinions is ridiculous.
Anyways, to get to the point.

1. Seeing as siding is not being removed, I'm seeing it would be nearly impossible to try and install flashing tape around the rough opening, as very little of the wood sheeting is going to be exposed. It's my understanding that most renovation guys just put a bead of caulking under the window flange and call it a day.

2. If the above statement is true, that leads to the next piece of conflict. Some say put a bead of caulking all around the flange, some say not to put any on the bottom flange so water can escape, and some say to caulk the bottom as well but to leave gaps for the water to exit. Which is it?

3. What is the best caulking to put under the window nailing flange? Just a high quality exterior grade silicone? Or a different type?

4. Half the windows on my house were replaced shortly before we bought the house, and I've noticed there is no drip cap installed. I'm thinking perhaps because its a bungalow and most of the windows are close enough under the roofs overhang. But should I be installing drip caps on these ones regardless of how the other ones were done?

I an located in Saskatchewan Canada, if you need to know.

Thanks for any knowledge you can spare, TTiffin

 

Good questions. But what does the window mfg recommend in their installation instructions? Because they surely have instructions. That trumps any opinions anyone might have. If they weren't provided, contact the mfg.

Also hard to advise when we don't know what the window and brickmold is... vinyl? Aluminum? That determines what sealant is best.

And what is the siding? The new windows are apparently sized based on the existing brickmold size?

Drip caps are especially needed where the windows will be exposed to rain, so under an overhang where they have no chance of getting rain on top, its kind of a waste of time. We don't know which of your windows might need one, we can't see your house.

 

They are All Weather Windows brand, PVC windows. My siding is compressed wood x90. Yes the new windows are sized based on old brickmould measurements.

The installation instructions for the windows are very vague, they tell you how they want you to physically install them but when it comes to flashing and sealing they basically just say follow local code.

I certainly don't expect you to tell me which of the windows on my house need a drip cap, a rule of thumb or general code would be sufficient for me to determine that.

Thanks, TTiffin

 

Best sealant would be OSI Quad, it sticks to vinyl best. Caulk behind the brickmold/on the sheathing before you set the window. Hard to make recommendations on sealant when I don't know what's available up there. Silicone often doesn't stick for long... At least the cheap silicone you get at the box store. Most window companies say not to caulk the bottom to allow moisture out. I'm more worried about air so I usually seal it.

 

Thanks for the input. OSI Quad does not appear to be available in canada, but i will figure something out.
Thanks, TTiffin

 

This product will work great if its at your Lowes.

https://www.lowes.ca/product/caulk/l...sealant-694395

This is what I typically use, but in white. In the US, the brand is OSI. (Mfg by Henkel)

https://www.lowes.ca/product/caulk/lepage-95-oz-quad-invisible-caulk-662341