How To Install Window With Nailing Flange

How To Install A Window Without Nailing Fins

• How to Install Doorjambs

Nailing fins are flanges on the outside of vinyl and aluminum windows that sit flush agains the sheathing when the window is in place. They provide a convenient way to attach the window, but wood windows, as well as some aluminum and vinyl ones, don’t have these fins. When the fins are absent, you have to drive fasteners through the window frame and into the building framing. It isn’t difficult to get good results, provided that you prepare the window rough opening, making sure it’s the right size, and level the window before you attach it.

1

Measure the dimensions of the window with a tape measure and frame the rough opening to be 1/2 inch wider and 1/2 inch longer. The window should fit comfortably without binding, and there should be enough room to adjust its orientation.

2

Seal the sill with tarpaper or with a vinyl sill sealer. It should extend for the full length of the sill and be wide enough to bend over the edges of the sill plate. Staple the sealer to the sill plate.

3

Close the window you are going to install. If it has a removable sash, remove it. Lift the frame into the opening and center it in the middle of the sill plate. You may need help to do this.

4

5

Tap shims into the gap between the frame and the vertical studs on both sides of the window. Put two shims in each side and space them roughly equal distances from the top and bottom of the window.

6

7

8

References

A Comprehensive Guide To Window Installation From A Marvin Windows Expert

Back in the day, most window installations went something like this: Set, level, square, nail, spray foam, rinse, repeat. But there are a few more steps these days, and not all of them have to do with preventing water from getting inside. In fact, many modern window installation steps are designed to allow water out, if it ever does find a way in.

To make sure we got it right, we asked our local Tyvek rep Lori Gunderson and Marvin Window installation guru Eric Klein to walk us through the process. In addition to proper procedures, Eric shared a bunch of installation pro tips, hints, and tricks.

In this story we demonstrate how to install a Marvin double hung window. Many of these steps are common among window manufacturers, but not all of them. When installing a window, always follow the specific instruction intended for the brand you are working with.

If You Dont Include Housewrap Use A Sill Pan And Flash The Flanges The Work Is Far From Watertight

Given the fact that windows create large holes in a houses exterior, Im always shocked to see how many builders in our area dont install them correctly. In the nine years that Ive been building and renovating homes, Ive seen windows that havent been integrated with the housewrap, improperly flashed installations, and even windows with no flashing at all. Not only does improper installation affect the durability and warranty of the windows, but it also exposes the wall cavity to moisture problems.

Like any builders, my crew and I want to use efficient practices that wont negatively affect the quality of our work. For us, that means using a pragmatic approach to installing windows with worst-case scenarios and long-term durability in mind.

You May Like: Best No Chip Top Coat

How To Install A Window With A Nailing Flange Part 2

• Written by Jen S. on Jun 15, 2010To ensure our content is always up-to-date with current information, best practices, and professional advice, articles are routinely reviewed by industry experts with years of hands-on experience.Reviewed by Charles Ramos, Jr. on Jul 31, 2021

In the first part of this guide to install a window, you learned how to mark out the area of the window, get a rough opening, and add the shims into the window. You will now need to know how to apply a layer of caulk around the edge of that window, how to place the window into position and level out the shims, how to nail the window into the opening and make sure that it is level before checking that it works. The next part of the guide will show you how to complete your window installation with nail flanges.

Add a Layer of Caulking

You should now be ready to add a layer of caulk to the edge of the window. This caulk is vital, as it will keep out the cold and also prevent damage to the surrounding building, such as mold and rot, which would otherwise find a weak location in the seal. If you are looking for a suitable caulk, try and find one which can be painted over, or which is suitable for use outside. Take the tube of caulk, and spread a few beads between the nailing flange and the sheath.

Install a Window

Nail Down the Window

Checking the Window

Well Designed Windows And Aesthetics

There are only about 15 homes on the cul-de-sac where we live, and over the years Long Life has replaced the windows in about a third of my neighbours homes. All of these projects have utilized different exterior trims and flanges, so that no two are exactly the same, yet all of the homes are of a similar age and construction. These homeowners are individuals, and have unique tastes in style. Although different, each finished project looks great and suits the individual home. That is the power of well-planned design.

Also Check: Liquid Nails Caulk Gun

Become A Gba Prime Member And Get Instant Access To The Latest Developments In Green Building Research And Reports From The Field

What To Do When Guidelines Conflict

These days, every housewrap, flashing-tape, and window manufacturer has a specific set of installation guidelines that must be followed to uphold each respective products warranty. So what do you do when they contradict one another?

We follow contributing editor Mike Guertins advice and use the most-restrictive protocol. For instance, when the window manufacturer shows no flashing details, we follow the tape or housewrap instructions. When one set of instructions calls for a simple flat sill pan and another calls for a sloped pan, create a sloped pan. Its unlikely someone will claim you didnt follow the instructions by doing more than is called for.

When in doubt, though, follow the window manufacturers instructions. The International Residential Code requires windows to be installed and flashed according to manufacturers instructions. If theres ever a problem, youve done what was required by the building code.

Read Also: Hair Skin And Nails For Guys

Remove The Existing Window

Before you continue with your window removal, ensure you have everything you need to complete the job. Check the new windows for damage, quantity and size.

When installing windows on the upper levels of your home, you may want to rent scaffolding. Youll have more room to maneuver up there rather than on a ladder. Because windows are difficult to handle, find someone to help you when working above the first floor. Always wear eye protection and gloves when you replace window glass and fiberglass insulation.

Be careful once you remove the interior stop moulding. If the window wasnt previously fastened in place properly, it could fall out without warning.

• You might have to cut through old paint or caulk with a utility knife to complete some steps.
• Remove interior stop moulding carefully because you may be able to reuse it.
• If you have thin, sharp metal channels around your window, use cut-resistant gloves to pry the metal loose from the frame. Then, pull it out when you remove the sashes.
• Remove the fasteners that are holding the old window to the frame.
• Lift out the old window. It will likely come out in two parts.
• Cut any balance lines or window weight connections.
• Remove the old balance system.
• Remove any fasteners that are sticking out.
• Clean the window opening thoroughly. Remove all the old caulk.
• Fill any holes in the surface and add insulation as needed.
• Inspect the blind stop to see if it needs to be replaced. If its damaged or decayed, replace it in the next step.

Lap The Tape Shingle Style

Self-adhesive flashing tapes generally break down into two types: asphalt and butyl-based. Asphalt-based tape can damage certain types of vinyl, so check the windows specs before using it. Butyl tape is easier to work with. It doesnt have an aggressive initial tack, but its adhesiveness increases over time. When possible, we use tapes made by the manufacturer of the housewrap were using because the products are designed to work together.

Also Check: Remove Nail Polish Without Nail Polish Remover

Install Shims On The Sill

• Set the lower shims in place before setting the window.
• Pro Tip: Eric dabs a little sealant under the shims. That helps keep them in place when setting the window but keeps them loose enough, so they can be moved for minor adjustments later.

• Wrap the two side WRB flaps inside, around, and on to the inside framing.
• Staple or tape it in place.

The Three Window Flange Options

Knowing the three window flange options is important when replacing the windows in your home. Depending on the siding type, exposure and look you want to achieve there may be one obvious choice for you. Let us show you the difference and explain what is best for you with your main objectives and budget.

First Ill start with a story Mr. and Mrs. Homeowner walked into our showroom last week feeling fairly confident that they knew quite a bit about windows and wanted to talk to someone about pricing. They explained that their project required renovation windows so we shouldnt bother showing them any new construction products. When I explained that in both cases the window was going to be the same, they frankly didnt believe me and thought I was trying to pull something over on them.

This happens regularly, and I totally understand why people are confused. Typically, they have had input from a friend, contractor or carpenter who is perhaps a fine tradesperson but not a window expert. They dont understand that the windows used in a renovation or a new home project are generally the same, except for the flange part of the frame. Different flanges are used to provide options for how the windows are going to be installed and how they are going to look from the outside. Many manufacturers dont provide all of the available options, but let me explain the primary choices one should consider.

Read Also: Does Varisi Nail Solution Work

Gene Summy Provides Tips On A Proper Amaa A

Related Articles

• Installing Flanged Windows: Two Strategies Compared

In my article last month, Installing Flanged Windows: Two Strategies Compared, I reviewed common window flashing defects I come across while inspecting and field-testing . In addition, I stated my opinion that the AMAA B method is a more robust, reliable, and durable flashing optionshowing a step-by-step, B-1 method flashing installation.

Generally speaking, the Eastern half of the United States install windows using AAMA A methods and the Western states use the AAMA B methods. With the AAMA A methods , the side flashing is applied on top of the side nailing flanges, while with the B methods place the side flashing on the rough opening before the window is set in place, resulting in the side flashing under the nailing flanges.

Step 1. Cut Housewrap/WRB.Step 1 . Cut Housewrap/WRB.Step 1 . Cut Housewrap/WRB.Step 1 . Cut Housewrap/WRB.Step 1 . Cut Housewrap/WRB. Step 2. Install Plastic Sill Corners.Step 2 . Install Plastic Sill Corners.Step 3. Apply Sill Pan Flashing.Step 3 . Apply Sill Pan FlashingStep 3 . Apply Sill Pan Flashing.Step 3 . Apply Sill Pan Flashing.Step 3 . Apply Sill Pan Flashing.Step 4. Window Sealant Application.Step 4 . Window Sealant Application.Step 5. Window Install.Step 6. Buttered Sealant.Step 6 . Buttered sealant.Step 7. Side Flashing.Step 7 . Side Flashing. Step 8. Head Flashing.Step 9. Tape off head flap.

Installing A Flanged Window To Replace An Old One

If you need to replace windows that are old, inefficient, leaky, or painted shut, maybe even rotted, this videos for you

The start to finish steps to replace an entire window in your house

Remove the trim gently

The first step in removing those old windows is to score the trim on the inside and the out and use a small prybar to gently remove that. We want to try to use that trim later.

Remove the window with a Sawzall

The window itself is going to come out pretty easily, youre going to use a sawmill to cut down the jambs of that window, youre going to cut those nails and the window will pop right off. If you have a flanged window, again, use that Sawzall, maybe even with a metal-cutting blade, and the window will come right out.

Install pan flashing

Were going to protect the sill of this window with one of my favorite products, DuPont FlexWrap. Before we do this, though, we always want to slope the sill to get some positive drainage to the outside. Then when the FlexWrap goes in, were making a bathtub for that window to sit in.

We’re going to capture any water that might get in from that window and make sure it goes to the outside of the building and not inside where it could rot or mold on the inside of the framing.

Put the window in the hole

As you can see, its really not a difficult process, but you really need to be a good craftsman and make sure that youre thinking about the waterproofing details.

One last thing:

You May Like: How Do I Get Nail Polish Out Of Clothes

Roll Out The Flashing

• Remove the smaller strip of backing and push the tape down onto the wall. This flashing is pressure sensitive and needs to be pressed in place with a roller.
• Pro Tip: On super cold days the stretched corners of the FlexWrap can curl back just a bit. Hold them down in place with a strip of seam seal tape.

Nailing Flange Between Two Windows

Not going to work with single windows.Order the windows as a set with a mullen strip between them.Reframe the window and header.Reframe and install smaller windows.Pick one.

if there is a 2×4 between the windows just put the windows up and nail the flanges on top of each other ..Done all the time here.:thumbsup:

kaschmid3 said:Unless u r handy I would order the window pre mulled. It’s not that hard but u gotta do it right. Good luck on the install at least it’s on the first floor. Those windows r 1 unit no 2×4 between that’s just the jamb thickness from the 2 windows. Always better to have a pro order the windows this way u r not responsible if ordered wrong

kaschmid3 said:From what I see in the pic is one window made of three windows mulled together one solid header no 2×4 between the window. If u want to check pull off trim around window on the inside if there is no 2×4 between the windows it is one unit. If there is 2×4 between windows then there r 3 individual windows in which case yes u would be able to install them individually with overlapping flanges starg with the middle one shimming off the wood sill installing level then install 2 side windows level with the middle one

Recommended Reading: How To Stop Nail Biting In Toddlers