Family-owned and founded in 1958, Reule Sun Corp. carries Semco Windows and Doors as well as CertainTeed Windows among others. Reule uses synthetic stucco and traditional stucco.

What are the benefits to installing windows and stucco at the same time?
At Reule Sun Corporation, we call it Total Coordinated Installation and the benefits are numerous. Stucco and window trades are independently unique and require different skills that are not normally intiutive of each other. At Reule, our team approach insures that each trade has a thorough understanding of the other trades needs. Interestingly, many of our workers cross over to both trades. Total Coordinated Installation for window replacement and stucco refinishing offers our customers:

• Reduced cost by purchasing both products from one company.
• One phone call if a problem arises
• No passing off responsibility to the other trade, since Reule will accomplish all tasks required to complete the window and stucco installation.
• Assurance that the products are installed correctly and that the transition from windows to stucco has the proper seal
• That new construction look, whereby the windows look as if they were built into the home at the time of the original contstruction.

What is the procedure for installing both windows and stucco?
Step 1: Tenching and waterblasting or sandblasting are accomplished to prepare the stucco
Step 2: The windows are installed
Step 3: The stucco is repaired around the windows along with other necessary steps to the stucco before finish coats are applied
Step 4: The stucco repaired areas need to set for up to one week to achieve a proper cure
Step 5: The final stucco or synthetic stucco finish coats
Step 6: Final clean up and final walk through to insure total customer satisfaction

Should I replace my windows before or after the stucco application?
If it is in the budget, it is best to accomplish both the window and stucco application in one lockstep with one another, with the windows being installed just prior to the final stucco finish coats. This will minimize the amount of potential stucco damage that could occur to an existing job if one were to install the windows after a new stucco application. With a coordinated installation of windows and stucco, aesthetically the transition from stucco to windows looks like a new contruction installation and not a retrofit look, which typically requires a supplemental trim extension that gives the frame a bulky appearance.

How are the old windows removed?
There are a number of methods depending on varying conditions. Aluminum sliding or single hung windows and steel casement windows are most prevalent in our locale. With these style of windows typically the glass is removed, the frame collapsed and then removed. This method minimizes both damage to the exterior and plaster or drywall damage to the interior. Some steel casement windows full metal buck (surround and sill) that may be left in place or optionally removed. If removed, it is likely that plaster damage will occur on the interior and stucco damage to the exterior. The benefit with working with Reule Sun Corporation is that our experience with all aspects of plaster, drywall and stucco allows us to repair these areas to like new condition.

Will the window installation require any work on the homeowner’s part?
We request that our customers:
A: Remove hanging items from the exterior walls where our work will progress
B: Relocate any prized or delicate items from the work area and in the interest of all parties, secure
valuables.

Are there different types of window installation procedures?
Yes. Window installation procedures will vary depending on the existing construction. Many times replacement windows are ordered without nailing fins and attached through the side frame, which works for minimal stucco repair and if not re-stuccoing, the application of trim extension. Windows installed in newly constructed homes utilize a nail fin that is at times useful for a replacement window installation on a severe leaking problem that may be occurring with an old window. The attachment fasteners will vary depending on if the home is built of wood, block, brick, clay tile (penn or prison tile), adobe or some other building material The sealing method will vary depending on the above varying conditions. For the interior, if the gap between the frame and sheetrock or plaster is minimal, a caulking bead is applied. If the gap is larger due to the house framing being out of square, we would utilize a thin window trim that would be caulked in place.

Can windows be installed and the stucco repaired around the window without the need to re-stucco the entire home?
The short answer is yes, but with a substantial caveat. The challenge is to get the new stucco repair to match the old stucco. This is very difficult, if not impossible to achieve. Stucco is always curing and will darken over time. The same bag of stucco applied today, will not match stucco out of the same bag in six months. The other challenge is to blend the texture. It is necessary to overlap the stucco repair on the old stucco with an additional textured layer, which creates a noticeable transition between the new texture. A stucco patch will always be noticeable in both color and texture compared to the old one. Synthetic stucco offers a better opportunity to blend color but texture differences will always be apparent. Some of our clients opt to utilize a trim extension in favor of a stucco repair.

Will a stucco repair around my windows offer as good a seal as re-stuccoing the entire home?
Yes, but with the above color and texture considerations.

What is a trim extension?
Trim extension is a separate stick of material that is made of the same material and color as the window frame. It is either snapped into a groove at the perimeter of the window frame or adhesively connected to provide a clean transition between the window frame and the old stucco. Trim extension is a viable option when a complete stucco application is not being accomplished. Trim extensions are typically utilized in lieu of stucco repair.

How will trim extension affect the aesthetics of a new window installation?
The application of a trim extension requires careful consideration to create a seal. First the gap between the window and rough framing of the home should be filled with low expansion foam to create a wind resistant barrier. Next, the trim extension is sealed against the frame of the window and a caulking applied to the back side of the trim extension to seal against the stucco. Lastly, another caulk joining applied at the leading edge of the trim extension to the stucco. A water tight seal can be accomplished if this procedure is accomplished correctly. The correct caulking and foam products are paramount to a successful seal. For example, pure silicone caulking is not effective in creating a seal against; the caulking of the trim may have to be maintained. The stucco repair method is superior due to it being maintenance free while offering a virtually permanent seal, with the aesthetics of a new construction like installation.

How is a seal accomplished if the stucco repair procedure is utilized?
The windows will have been installed with or without a nailing fin. Windows without fins will require expansion, water resistant foam injected between the window frame and the wood house framing and the application of stucco base and finish coats. Windows with fins require the stucco be removed from the perimeter of the window, flashing accomplished, new lath applied, with stucco base and finish applied.

How are windows installed with homes built of brick and wood siding?
For brick installations the window would be ordered without a nailing fin. We would measure as tight as possible to insure minimal gaps between the brick and window frame. We would either use a texture caulking to mimic the color and texture of the masonry grout joint or install a slim version of trim extension. For wood siding there are differing conditions, but many times we would be able to install a window nail fin and trim out the exterior with an appropriate wood trim.