How to install a window.

 

Installing a window is a relatively easy process and if done right will prevent any future problems.

 

The first step in installing a window is to insure that the rough opening (the area you are putting the window into) is the correct size. Your rough opening should be 1/2" larger in both width and height than the actual size of the window. Once you have confirmed this you are ready to start.

 

Unwrap the window and remove all shipping material from the unit. Most window manufactures have shipping skid plates or blocks on the bottom or sides of their windows these must be removed. Now the window is ready to install.

 

Next run a 1/4" bead of silicon caulk around the exterior perimeter of the rough opening. Make sure to keep the bead of caulk within 1/4" of the edge of the opening. Once this is complete you are ready to insert the window in the rough opening.

 

When inserting the window in the opening you want to make sure the nailing fins or brick mould is flush with the exterior of the home. When this is done properly you should have a consistent ooze of caulk protruding from the nail fin.

 

Now that the window is in the rough opening you want to check it to make sure your sill is level. Use your level to insure the sill is perfectly level. If this is not the case you will need to shim the sill on either corner until the sill comes to level.

 

Once this is completed you will put a 1 1/2" roofing nail into one of the top corners of the nailing fin or a 3" #8 finish nail into the brick mould whichever applies. (Note: if you have brick mould with a pre-finished exterior you will not want to nail through the finish, consult with manufactures installation instructions)

Once the top corner is fixed you want to check the window to see if it is square in the opening. You do this by taking a tape measure and measure from the top corner on one side to the bottom corner on the opposite side. Repeat this process from both top corners. The two measurements should be the same if the window is square. You should never have more than a 1/8" to 3/16" difference in the two measurements. The further you get from perfectly square the more likely you are to have problems with operation of the window in the future. Once you have made all adjustments so the window is square you will nail off the other top corner.

 

Now you want to check the window for plumb. You do this by placing your level on the side jambs in a vertical orientation. Again both sides should read perfectly level. If this is not the case you will need to adjust the window in the opening using shims until you get the unit plumb.

 

The window is now level, square and plumb. You are ready to nail off the two bottom corners, sides, bottom & top. You will want to insure you have a nail at least every 8 to 12 inches along the whole perimeter.

 

The last step in installation is putting on exterior water flashing. There are several types of flashing available, we recommend Vycor 4" or 6" flashing. They are basically long rubber like pieces of tape. You will apply these along all four sides of the window over the top of the nailing fin, starting with the bottom, then sides and lastly the top. Make sure to extend your flashing at least 4" to 6" past the corners, so the next piece you put on overlaps at the corners. This will prevent any water that may get behind your siding from getting into the house.

 

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