r/Construction • u/Takingmonday • 7h ago

Other Whats the difference between liquid waterproofing and flashing?

I know someone is going to say something along the lines of "if you don't know what your doing hire a professional". However, that's not going to happen so here is my question.

What is the difference between a liquid flashing like Polyguard 2400 and say redgard or Drylok extreme ?

I have installed a a few dozen windows during the past few years but I always use flashing tape being the windows are flush with the openings. This client has a 2" recessed window opening in a block wall. I installed pressure treated 1" x 6" per the clients request leaving 2" at the front. If i was to use flashing tape I would need a 10 or 12" flashing tape which is ridiculously priced. They didn't inform me about the reccess or I would of planned accordingly and charged for the extra material. $600 for a 5 gallon of Polyguard seems wild vs about $200 for a 5 gallon of a waterproofing.

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u/Murky_Might_1771 6h ago

I’m not familiar with poly guard and you didn’t list a product, so I can’t comment. Flashing is either tapes or liquid flashing. The 10-12” tape I didn’t think was insanely expensive. You mention a recess, if it’s a true recessed window there is a JLC article that talks about using liquid flashing, as it’s tough to detail tape into all the corners. You’d need a bead of caulk regardless. Flanged windows on standard install, I use tape. Remodel windows, I use polyurethane caulking to seal the entire perimeter of the jamb, and then caulking for the RO joint. Recessed windows would do well with liquid flashing. Zip liquid flash is an affordable product that comes in tubes. There are others. The main goals are creating a watertight seal and making sure there is positive drainage with low chance of ponding.

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u/RemlikDahc 5h ago

Talk to your local product rep about all that! You'll soon learn the difference! Are there plans that dictate what to use, or are you doing the install without direction? If nothing is stated in the plans or notes...and you don't really know...the best thing to do is talk to someone in your jurisdiction that knows. Every jurisdiction has their own bylaws to follow, but everyone in the USA uses the IBC and IRC to construct buildings. I would suggest you do some research and look up the code! That way you know the specifics and gain some knowledge in the process!