Answers

Gaps are typically caused by different expansion and contraction rates of different types of materials at different temperatures. The frame of the window may be vinyl or wood, which expands at different rates than the wood wall framing and the brick exterior wall surfaces, depending on the temperature or humidity of any particular day. Some days (or seasons) the gaps will be larger and other times they will be smaller. Using a window frame made of fiberglass, which has very low expansion and contraction rates, would be a good solution for this type pf problem.

 The quality of the caulk used to fill those gaps will also determine if it will stay attached to those surfaces, and the caulk will also expand at different rates. Generally, the thicker the caulk bead, the more you will see these negative effects. Thicker caulk beads, typically used to seal larger gaps, have a harder time staying attached to both surface they are sealing up and will come apart more often. Therefore, it is important that the window is sized properly and installed well in order to avoid large gaps around the window that then need to be filled with caulk.

Tin panels for walls would look nice and can be cut to size and nailed on so it will make for an inexpensive and removable application to spice up the kitchen backsplash. Even adding color with paint by doing a pattern or faux finish can be nice to spruce it up and add interest. Just make sure you use semi-gloss for easy cleaning in the kitchen. You can repaint it to standard white before you move out.

Standard ideal height would be 32", but in this case with a 5' 1" chef we would fully customize this for the situation.

We think this is a great blog on ice damming and the need fir insulation.

http://www.callenblog.com/keeping-attic-heat-and-moisture-under-control

Good luck.

Home Exteriors by Callen

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