Double Stud Wood Frame with Stucco or Veneer

Detail of Flanged Window in Double Stud Wall with Stucco

R-45 Wall

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Head

(Detail 1/3)
Head Image

Sill

(Detail 2/3)
Sill Image

Jamb

(Detail 3/3)
Jamb Image

Notes

This window detail uses a two stage seal to insure no water or air can infiltrate into the building. The exterior seal is installed by applying WRB tape into the rough opening, onto a back dam and over the window head flange. No tape should be applied over the window sill flange to allow the window to drain. The interior seal is added by installing a full perimeter backer rod & sealant joint. Expanding foam or special tapes can be used instead of sealant, however a backer rod should still be installed to prevent the foam from completely filling up the cavity and preventing the system to drain. Plastic shims should be used to level out the window in the rough opening. These shims elevate the window slightly, which creates a space for water the drain.

A drainage mat covered with building paper or vented airspace needs to be installed between the stucco and the sheathing in climates that receieve more than 20" rain per year to allow the wall to properly dry. See the Cladding Notes section below for more info.

*Whether or not you should use a Class II or III Vapor Barrier depends on your climate zone and location. Refer to Wall Barriers Notes section below for more info.

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Wall Barriers

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Double-Stud Wood Frame Wall


Design Requirements

Double-Stud Wood Frame Wall

Should you use a vapor retarder?

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Recommendation & calculations are based on the methods described in the Builder’s Guides from the Building Science Corporation and are only valid for residential occupancies.

Notes

This wall is designed with a vapor semi-impermeable stucco finish. Therefore a Class II Vapor Retarder needs to be installed in Climate Zone 5, 6 or 7. Class II Vapor Retarders can be either separate membranes, like 'Smart Vapor Retarders' (SVR), or kraft facing on the cavity insulation.

Product Options

Browse curated materials for this construction detail.

Smart Vapor Retarder (SVR)

Class II vapor retarders with variable permeance that block vapor in low, but not in high humidity conditions.

Fiberglass Batts (Kraft Faced)

Batts made from plastic reinforced glass fibers with a Class II vapor retarding facing.

Fiberglass Batts

Batts made from plastic reinforced glass fibers that are budget-friendly and easy to install.

Mineral Wool Batts

Fiberous batts that are vapor permeable, non-combustible and offer good energy performance.

Loose-Fill Fiberglass

Fiberglass particals that are blown in place that are budget-friendly and offer entry-level energy performance.

Cellulose Spray

Cellulose particlas that are blown in place that offer superior energy performance at a premium price point.

Spray Polyurethane Foam (Closed Cell)

Spray applied expanding foam that is water repellent, airtight and offers superior energy performance.

Spray Polyurethane Foam (Open Cell)

Spray aplied expanding foam that is budget-friendly and offers good acoustical and energy performance.

WRB

Learn which WRB works best for your project.

Mechanically Attached

Fluid Applied or Self-Adhering

Integral Sheathing with Water & Air Control Membranes

Mechanically Attached Image

Notes

Mechanically attached WRBs are membranes that are secured with fasteners to the sheathing. They are a budget-friendly option that is well suited for low-rise projects. Because fluttering occurs in windy conditions, they should not be used in tall buildings. These membranes do not provide an air barrier. Learn More
Fluid Applied or Self-Adhering Image

Notes

Fully adhered and fluid applied membranes are fully bonded to the sheathing and provide superior water and air control qualities. They are generally more expensive than other options and require a clean substrate (and sometimes a primer) for proper installation. They are available in varying degrees of vapor permeance and can act as a vapor retarder. Learn More
Integral Sheathing with Water & Air Control Membranes Image

Notes

Integral sheathing with factory applied water & air control membranes are integrated systems that act as structural sheathing as well as air & water control barriers. They offer similar performance to fully adhered or fluid applied membranes at a reduced cost. Learn More

Mechanically Attached Membranes

Membranes attached with fasteners that are budget-friendly, but sensitive to installation quality.

Fluid or Fully Adhered Membranes

Flexible or spray applied membranes that fully bond to the sheathing and offer superior air & water control.

Vapor Retarding Fluid or Fully Adhered Membranes

Flexible or spray applied membranes that fully bond to the sheathing and offer superior air & water control.

Integral Sheathing with WRB

Sheathing panels with factory applied barriers that offer great performance at reduced cost.

Cladding

Explore different types of cladding that can be used for this construction detail and find suitable products.

Brick Slips

Stucco

Stone Veneer

Brick Slips Image

Notes

A drainage mat or vented airspace* of minimum 3/8" needs to be installed between the stucco and the sheathing in climates that receieve more than 20" rain per year to allow the wall to properly dry. The mortar scratch coat needs to be fully dried before the brick slips can be installed. Only unmodified thin set mortars are suited for the mortar setting bed, as polymer modified thin set mortars can lead to failure through hydrolysis. Learn More
Stucco Image

Notes

A drainage mat or vented airspace* of minimum 3/8" needs to be installed between the stucco and the sheathing in climates that receieve more than 20" rain per year to allow the wall to properly dry. The drainage mat needs to be covered by a layer of building paper to prevent the mat from clogging. Integrated systems of drainage mats with a dimpled profile and integral fiberglass lath exist that combine the functions of drainage mat, building paper & reinforcing mesh into a single product. Learn More
Stone Veneer Image

Notes

A drainage mat or vented airspace* of minimum 3/8" needs to be installed between the stucco and the sheathing in climates that receieve more than 20" rain per year to allow the wall to properly dry. The mortar scratch coat needs to be fully dried before the stone veneer can be installed. Only unmodified thin set mortars are suited for the mortar setting bed, as polymer modified thin set mortars can lead to failure through hydrolysis. Learn More

Brick Slips

Thin manufacturers tiles that have the appearance of solid bricks.

Stucco

Cement based finishes that are throwel applied and offer a textured look.

Natural Stone Veneer

Thin layers of natural stone that offer durability and the timeless aesthetic of a natural material.

Cultured Stone Veneer

Composite stone materials made to resemble natural stone that are lighter to install, but slightly less durable.

Windows

Find different types of windows suitable for this detail.

Budget-Friendly

Affordable windows without a thermal brake that have entry-range energy performance.

Mid-Range

Common windows with a simple thermal brake that provide solid energy performance.

High-Performance

Frames with multi-chambered thermal brakes that deliver a superior energy performance.

Luxury

Specialty windows with thin frames that have an exquisite performance and aesthetics.