General Information - Exterior Use

What are three important considerations when using our frame in exterior locations?
When using our frame for exterior openings, we recommend that you use a galvanized coating under our standard paint to minimize the possibility of rust. Because our frames normally go over the wall, it is important that the exterior side of the frame be properly flashed to prevent water from seeping to the inside. In many cases, wood trim or battens are used on the outside of the building which means the frame should be ordered with holes only on the exterior side.

A customer using stucco with our frame in an exterior location wants to apply stucco then install frame to avoid damage. Due to his concern over flashing, doesn't want to mount frame on top of stucco or stucco ground. What is our recommendation?
We recommend a special stucco mold that has a kerf cut out in it. The mold can be mounted to the stud and the building paper and stucco materials can be applied in the normal fashion. Then, when ready, the frame can be installed with the exterior nailing flange in the kerf to provide a secure and weather tight installation. The frame must be ordered with nail holes only on the exterior side for this application to work.

What do we recommend in a high corrosive or humid environment?
Our Gold Chromate Galvanizing treatment or 304 #4 Stainless.

In our literature it says only interior use is under warranty, why not exterior?
Because when we roll form a Pre-Finished frame, there is a bare edge. This does not apply to our Powder Coat frames, because it is painted later.