Expert: Ted Barnhill (Principal, Design45 LLC) - 4/30/2011

Question
Hi,
We have built a new house in Alexandria VA. The construction company has not installed any sill pans for the windows, and french doors. They state that by code, they do not have to install any sill pans. We have had water leaks from several french doors, and a window. They are blaming the window and door manufacturer. This problem has persisted for the past year. Different adjustments to the doors have resulted in temporary improvement in water leakage at best.
Do you know if by code they were supposed to install sill pans?
What are my options?
Thanks.

Answer
Bob,

I'm sorry to hear about your leaks, and the unwillingness of your contractor to make it right.  Building code requires windows to be tested and labeled by an independent laboratory, and to be installed according to manufacturer instructions.  To my knowledge there is no specific requirement for sill pans in the code, but if your window manufacturer called for a specific pan or flashing in the installation instructions (and it is almost certain that they would), your contractor is required to put them in.

Window and door flashing is a common place for errors - multiple steps must be done correctly, and when completed, the work can't be seen.  However, when done improperly, the damage over time can be severe.  You are right to be concerned, and to expect your contractor it make it right.

Ted Barnhill
Design 45 LLC