Avoid These Storefront Installation Mistakes
David Corle
Hospitality & Multifamily Shower Door Division Leader @ HMI Glass | Overseeing Education, A+D Relations & Business Development
Don’t trust “Blind Seals” promoted some manufacturers
Some manufacturers design their sill and subsill flashing for a “blind seal” installation. Installers are instructed to drill anchor holes through the sill and subsill flashing; squirt sealant into a dark void, apply sealant to anchor screws and then install the screws. There are two major problems with this type installation. First, you can’t remove the debris from the drilling operation which increases the risk for water penetration when you apply the “blind seal”. Secondly, you cannot visually inspect the sealant to see if you have a good seal. The Cardinal Commercial Glazing Systems design eliminates “blind seals” and allows for a visual inspection of the cap sealed fasteners prior to installing the framing panels.
Don’t trust pre-caulked joints on shop assembled framing panels
Field experience has shown if you are assembling framing panels in-shop and using caulking to seal butt joints and then immediately truck them to the job site, chances are that the rocking and jostling during the delivery process can cause these seals to fail. HMI Cardinal recommends using a special double-side joint tape for joint connections. The joint tape seals are generally unaffected by transporting the frame panels to the job site, and provide the best joint seal against water and air infiltration.
Watch out for sill flashing with a short upright interior leg
All storefront systems should have a subsill flashing underneath the framing panels. Some manufacturers use subsill flashing with an upright interior leg of only 1/2" to 3/4". Water penetration tests have proven these low profile subsill flashings to be unacceptable. Wind driven rain penetration and differential pressure can allow water to overwhelm the framing system and the water will flow over the short interior leg of the subsill. The interior leg of HMI Cardinal's subsill flashing extends the full height of the sill section (1- 3/4” or 2”) helping to keep the wind driven rain on the exterior of the building where it belongs!
Click HERE to be linked directly to our factory recommended installation instructions!
