Horizontal furring strips on rainscreen around windows
I am having my siding and windows replaced. As part of this project, I specified that a rainscreen be installed. When reviewing the work today, I noticed that they are installing horizontal furring strips above and below the windows. Is there any reason to be concerned about the strips above the windows inhibiting drainage?
I found several discussions of horizontal rainscreens on the site, and I assume this would not be much different from that.
Also, as you can see in the pictures, they decided to use a drainage wrap, HydroGap, in addition to the rainscreen. I suspect this further ameliorates any concerns.
I already have several unrelated issues that I have brought up with them, and I would prefer to not raise this if it is a non-issue.
Thank you,
Greg
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Replies
I wouldn't be very worried about the strips. Ideally the vertical ones both below and above the window are kept off the sill and head a bit to allow some air movement, but it isn't critical. What is a problem is that the head-flashing should be behind the rain-screen and be lapped by your WRB. The only time flashing gets mounted on top of the rain-screen strips is where there is a horizontal change in siding materials or trim.
Malcolm, thanks for bringing that up. I hadn't thought that far ahead. I will raise that with them.
Greg,
From the photos it looks like an easy fix. If you remove the horizontal furring above the windows, you can install the flashing and it leaves a space for air to circulate.
If you want to get really fancy with the flashing details.
https://hammerandhand.com/best-practices/manual/4-rain-screens/4-2-top-window/