Replacing aluminum windows with vinyl retrofit windows or replacement style windows

In preceding articles, I explained to you how to decide no matter whether your windows are candidates for vinyl replacement style frames or retrofit style frames. This week I'm going to explain the installation techniques for each frame types. Let's start off with the retrofit frame.

Retrofit window installation is truly the easiest of all. The retrofit window currently comes with an exterior trim attached. That's the flush fin that goes against the outside surface, typically stucco. Prepare the window by drilling 3/8" holes in the locations of the frame where you want to screw it in place. Commonly, there will be three holes on every side and three more across the best. Don't predrill any holes in the bottom track. Following removing the old panels, you want to juvenile defense run a heavy bead of caulk on the face of the old aluminum frame that you left in place. Then you and a helper set the bottom of the vinyl window onto the old aluminum bottom track and raise it into position. The flush fin or retrofit lip will act as a "cease" to hold the window in location. Have your helper hold the window even though you go inside.

As soon as inside, you want to center the window in the opening. Slide the vent panel open and closed to make sure the window is plumb and level. To adjust for out of square circumstances, shim the bottom right or left corner by putting a shimming material in between the sill and bottom of the window frame. When square, drive a 3" deck screw via the 3/8" holes and into the wood studs.Just seat the screw, do not overtighten. After you get the screws into the sides and prime, eliminate the sliding panel. The bottom track really should lift out. Appear for drainage holes in the track and insert a thin screwdriver and lift up. Drive 1 screw in the bottom center, caulk around the screw chalice head, then put the track back in location and re-install the sliding panel. Now, you want to go back outside and caulk the gap exactly where the retrofit fin meets the exterior surface of the home. You want to have a double barrier of protection against water infiltration. Bear in mind, you currently applied a generous bead of caulk ahead of inserting the new frame into the opening. The rest of the job is carried out on the inside.

Very first, you want to plug the 3/8" screw holes to hide the heads of the screws. We sell the hole plugs on the internet site. Just click on the "Obtain Trim" tab to see a picture. The plugs will pop into spot in the hole. The subsequent step is to fill the gap around the new frame with R-13 Insulation. Do not use the foam insulation that comes in a can. A lot of producers will not honor the warranty if the foam is utilised. Even the non expanding foams can lead to the frame to distort, causing troubles. Pack the insulation in tight. You may well want to put on a dust mask throughout this procedure. Several men and women, myself included, are very sensitive to insulation. Following the insulation is in location, you want to install trim around the inside to finish the job. You can use wood trim from the hardware store, or some other product. But in my knowledge, the greatest item is a vinyl flat trim that matches the window frame. The flat trim can also be purchased on the web site under the "Acquire Trim" tab, or you could attempt to discover it from a neighborhood window contractor. Ours comes in 2 various widths, even though the 1 3/4" wide piece is by far the most widespread. The trim has a double sided adhesive tape on the back. You cut the top and bottom first, stick them on the vinyl frame, making certain the trim goes to the drywall. This covers all the insulation and the old metal frame. Do the side pieces subsequent. The final step is to caulk exactly where the trim meets the walls.

Considerably of the installation process for a replacement frame is the exact same as the retrofit advent candles frame. But, there are a couple of differences. When you place the new window into the opening utilizing a replacement frame, you don't have the flush fin holding the frame in place. You and your helper have to hold the frame in place even though you put a screw in the top center to support the frame. Then, you can do your adjusting for a square condition. All of the procedures on the inside will be specifically the same, from hole plugs, to insulation, to trim and caulk. The outside is diverse. You have to apply the trim that was portion of the retrofit frame. Again, I choose the flat trim. Once again, you apply a bead of caulk to the old frame,then measure and cut the top and bottom trim pieces. Apply the adhesive element of the trim to the vinyl frame, and let the other portion speak to the bead of caulk. Trim all four sides, then caulk once more exactly where the trim meets the exterior material.

As you can see, it genuinely does not matter if the exterior of your property is brick, stone, siding, or stucco. You can install vinyl windows with no having to damage the surrounding structure. We have step by step instructional videos for sale on the internet site at How To Install Windows