Why Installation Determines Performance
The best-rated window fails if the perimeter installation leaks. Field performance is the product of the unit and its installation—water, air, and thermal barriers must each be continuous.
The Three Barriers
- Water barrier: flashing and drainage planes that shed water out, never in
- Air barrier: taped or sealed perimeter details that stop uncontrolled air movement
- Thermal barrier: insulation and backer rods that prevent a thermal bridge at the frame
Field Best Practices
- Verify rough openings are square, level, and within specified tolerances
- Install continuous sill pan flashing before setting the unit
- Seal the interior air barrier and allow drainage at the exterior
- Check anchor spacing and shim placement against wind-load engineering
VITRIUS provides installation documentation and hardware schedules with every order, and our factory-fabricated units arrive pre-assembled to reduce field variables.