News Release

Fortifiber Building Systems Group, 419 W. Plumb Lane, Reno, NV 89509

For Immediate Release

For More Information Contact:
Chris Yount
Fortifiber Building Systems Group
(775) 333-6400
cyount@fortifiber.com

Keeping Water Out of Recessed Window Installations - Fortifiber Building Systems Group® and TLS Laboratories Present: A Real Solution to A Real Problem

RENO, NV, May 2, 2006 - The growing popularity of recessed windows as a design detail has resulted serious water intrusion problems for builders and window installers. Fortifiber Building Systems Group® has developed a tested, proven solution: The Recessed Window Installation Guide.

Recessed windows are increasingly being designed into homes in the Southwestern and Southeastern United States. "Recessed windows have definitely grown in popularity. Homeowners like the way they look and an increasing number of planned communities and design review boards require them," said Jim Rossner, Director of Marketing for Fortifiber Building Systems Group. "This has led to an increase in water intrusion challenges for the builders that incorporate them into their home designs."

The Problem
Because there are no standardized recessed window details, every recessed window becomes a custom feature. No two are the same. They can be four inches wide and five feet tall, and those dimensions can shift all over the map. In addition, there is no standard for framing the rough openings - much less standard materials specifications or installation methods. Some designs leave little room for flashing, which is crucial.

Gene Summy, founder and owner of TLS Laboratories, is a forensic water intrusion consultant, in the business of inspecting water intrusion problems with window installations. Summy believes a building should be water-tight, before the exterior cladding goes on. In 1999, he pioneered water testing during the course of construction. His research revealed much about proper window and door installation, and the integrity of the building envelope. He is practical, hands-on, and interested in what works in the field.

"Recessed windows have special water intrusion issues," Summy said. "Inconsistent designs openings, framing methods and inconsistent installation procedures create a nightmare for even the best window installer. Anyone who has been called back to a job site for this issue will understand."

The Solution
Together with TLS Laboratories and a number of residential construction specialists and architects, the Fortifiber Building Systems Group has devised a solution to this critical moisture intrusion problem. The system was developed through research and understanding what does, and doesn't, work in the field.

Using Fortifiber flashings and sealant with TLS Laboratories GS-100 Corner Flash® System, they have devised a system to reliably flash all recessed windows. The system has been field tested and proven to stand the test of time. It has also been lab tested and exceeded the requirements of the ASTM E-331 Water Resistance Test.

Gene Summy concludes, "The efforts put forth in this research supported by Fortifiber brings together the best efforts of building science research, field experience and common sense into a solution that gets the job done. Over the years, we have never been called back to a job where this installation approach, properly implemented, led to a water intrusion problem. Not one."

For details, product information and to download your own step-by-step Recessed Window Flashing Installation Guide, visit www.fortifiber.com, "Data Sheets and Installation Guides," in the "Moisture Control Flashing Systems" section.

To see the Recessed Window Installation Guide Click Here.

About Fortifiber Building Systems Group
Fortifiber Building Systems Group has earned a solid reputation for technical expertise, practical know-how and responsiveness to the needs of the building industry by providing Moisture Control Systems that help protect builders and owners from moisture related problems that can damage residential and commercial buildings. Over its 67-year history, the company has become a trusted partner in the effort to solve moisture related building problems, and a valued advisor to building code officials in local communities on construction issues. Fortifiber Building Systems Group operates plants in Fernley, NV, Attleboro, MA, Valdosta, GA and Los Angeles, CA, and is accessible via the Internet at www.fortifiber.com.