| Installing a window in a freshly framed | | | | Rough openings are spect and provided by the |
| opening is one of the more simple tasks in a | | | | window manufacturer. |
| construction project. | | | | |
| | | | Depending on the size of the window, you'll |
| Most new construction windows have what is | | | | need 2 or 3 people to install a window. One |
| called a nailing fin. These are found on | | | | or two outside and one inside. |
| vinyl or aluminum clad windows. This nailing | | | | |
| fin is either vinyl or metal and has nail | | | | Once you know the window fits, lift it to the |
| holes every 4 to 6 inches and about 1 and 1/2 | | | | opening from the outside. Set it on the sill |
| inches wide. Nailing fins take the place of | | | | and push it into the opening until the nail |
| brick moulding which can still be found on | | | | fins hit the wall. Make sure none of the fins |
| primed wooden windows. | | | | folded themselves back into the opening |
| | | | especially the bottom one. The person on the |
| Not only do these fins make installation | | | | inside then centers the window in the |
| easier, but also make a better seal against | | | | opening. Then using a level, checks it for |
| water and air infiltration. These windows can | | | | plumb and level, and applies shims where |
| be flashed if desired but not deemed | | | | needed. You may also want to check the window |
| necessary. A window that does not have the | | | | for square, although a window that's closed |
| benefit of a soffit or porch roof above it | | | | and in the locked position usually is. The |
| may need flashing or a drip edge above it. | | | | window can now be nailed in. My preference |
| | | | is roofing nails but 8d nails or cap nails |
| When getting ready to install a window, make | | | | will do the job. |
| sure the sheathing is not hanging into the | | | | |
| rough opening. This could cut down the size | | | | If it is a standard jamb (4 9/16) another |
| of the opening and not let the window go into | | | | thing to check is how far it runs past the |
| the opening. Once this is done, measure the | | | | rough framing. This should be 1/2 inch. |
| rough opening to make sure the it is big | | | | You'll also want to make sure the window |
| enough for the window. You don't want to lift | | | | operates properly. Double hungs should slide |
| a heavy window to an opening only to find it | | | | up and down easily and casements should crank |
| won't fit. Rough openings are usually 1" | | | | in and out without hanging up. |
| wider and 1/2" taller than the window unit. | | | | |