OK, what if replacement windows are going between wood trim surrounding opening? If you are using retrofit lip, and trimming it to fit between wood, then you still apply heavy bead to old frame before installing window. But, instead of sealing where retrofit lip meets stucco, you seal where it meets wood. Then, you want to be sure to seal above window, where top piece of wood meets stucco. Again, use silicone up there. Now, no water can run down stucco wall and get under top piece of wood. Sometimes, though, you might decide not to use a retrofit style frame between wood, choosing a block replacement frame instead. If you choose to do it this way, you have to add trim to outside. You still want to apply sealant to old frame, then apply your trim so it contacts new window as well as sealant on old frame.

If you follow these procedures, you won't have to worry about any water penetrating into your home, I don't care how hard it pours!

If you run into a wall and need to ask questions about lighting try a Lighting Forum. There are some basic lighting principles that can help you along in this process. One is understanding that light in most fixtures has some type of pattern. For example a recessed light using a reflector type bulb distributes a pattern in shape of a cone. When this pattern reaches floor it is in form of a circle. By slightly overlapping this circle of light it is possible to have a very even distribution of light throughout room.

Since most of members of a household walk upright and ones who don't, probably won't lodge any complaints about lighting, a general rule in lighting a room is to design plan on a work plane. This is an imaginary plane at about 30" off floor. This helps to provide a nice even lighting for most tasks in any room. This is where understanding pattern of light your fixture has is important. Most manufacturers have specs to show what these patterns are. For reflective bulbs you can get this info from bulb manufacturer.

(c) Copyright 2005 Paul Forte. All rights reserved.