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Home Repair Windows Design Dilemma

Joining pvc window sill/ box to drywall (as in a window return)

3 years ago

last modified: 3 years ago

Can this be done? How? My carpenter/ drywaller assures us at the beginning of the job he could handle window returns. Because he wanted to "seal" the windows he boxed them in pvc, but now says he is unable to "join the drywall and the pvc to make the return, thoughts? He also miscalculated the gap between the window box and the drywall (see pictures) please help.

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Comments (6)

PRO
toddinmn
3 years ago
It can be done. Sounds Like the pvc was not needed.
Michael Staats thanked toddinmn
Michael Staats
Original Author
3 years ago
Is it done the same way normal window returns are done?
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geoffery, you may prefer the look. That is fine. That said, it is FAR less expensive for the builder to have his drywallers do that than it is to furnish and install woodwork. That is the only reason that they do. Inarguable. It is an inferior, cost cutting method that may or may not have some redeeming value I guess for people that like the look. If you want a minimalistic, modern look, how about some pvc or wood returns without the casing? That would be worthwhile. A superior product with the look that you want.
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Thanks for those comments, todd and HomeSealed. The window that is leaking used to be over to the left of its current spot (we moved it to go with the kitchen design). Maybe, that was why there was no building paper to the left. I know most of the house had building paper. The siding guy resecured the building paper (put on by the original framers) as he went. Sometimes, when we came home a new section was done, and we never saw what was under. I hope to hell most of the house ended up getting building paper. I found some older pictures of the windows secured by the original framing team. None of them had flashing tape either (I assume no sill treatment as well). At the time the windows were installed, we did not have proper window detail/flashing as part of our building code. Now it gets inspected by the inspector. We just missed out on that check and balance. You will see in the photos there are even gaps in the OSB, like the contractor hacked away with a dull saw. Can we use Great Stuff foam to fill in the voids of the OSB? Carol
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I still don't see how water on the inside sill could be caused by the stucco installation if flexible self-adhering flashing was properly installed over the nailing fins. Has that been eliminated as a cause yet? I am suspicious that self-adhering flashing might not be used in this location. IMO exposed sealant is little more than a gap filler in the long run since the sealant will eventually need to be removed and replaced. Such details are inappropriate for buildings that will not have on-going maintenance programs, budgets and building managers. There is a price to be paid for clean modern minimalist facades and the systems are changing so fast its difficult to understand how to install them. It wasn't so long ago when window manufacturers refused to provide installation advice but then they discovered they could use it to void warranties. I think they are by far the poorest source for that kind of information. If they knew how to build buildings they would design better windows.
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PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
3 years ago
I agree that the PVC was not needed can you take a pic from further back please.
PRO
HALLETT & Co.
3 years ago
Cant tell anything from these photos. If you are discussing interiors they are always drywall.
PRO
GN Builders L.L.C
3 years ago
Agree with @HALLETT & Co. can't tell anything from these pictures. One shows exterior siding with what looks like composite board butts to it?

The other one it looks like composite board overlapping sheetrock if that's the case they should have used drywall end-caps, to get a nice, straight transition they come in plain or beaded corner something like this

Or you can get a low profile edge cap at this point and paint it something like this

or

Drywall end caps is the way to go, the molding options just to cover up what you have now.

Talk to your contractor ask them to slip the drywall end caps in they should be able to do that will give a better finish.

Good luck
ci_lantro
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
Those are all interior shots.

What did you want to achieve? Windows w/o casing?

As is, the only reasonable way to proceed that I can see is to case the windows.

You could use the drywall trims pictured above IF you don't mind seeing a line between the plastic trim and the PVC jambs.

Personal preference would be to case the windows.

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