Replacing aluminum windows with vinyl retrofit windows or replacement style windows

In prior articles, I explained to you how to determine whether or not your windows are candidates for vinyl replacement style frames or retrofit style frames. This week I am going to explain the installation tactics 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, generally stucco. Prepare the window by drilling 3/8" holes in the regions of the frame where you want to screw it in spot. Usually, there will be three holes on each side and three a lot more across the leading. Don't predrill any holes in the bottom track. After removing the old panels, you want to run a heavy bead of caulk on the face of the old aluminum frame that you left in spot. 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 "quit" to hold the window in spot. Have your helper hold the window while you go inside.

The moment inside, you want to center the window in the opening. Slide the vent panel open and closed to make positive the window is plumb and level. To adjust for out of square conditions, shim the bottom appropriate holy water or left corner by placing a shimming material in between the sill and bottom of the window frame. Once square, drive a 3" deck screw via the three/8" holes and into the wood studs.Just seat the screw, do not overtighten. Immediately after you get the screws into the sides and best, eliminate the sliding panel. The bottom track should lift out. Appear for drainage holes in the track and insert a thin screwdriver and lift up. Drive a single screw in the bottom center, caulk around the screw praying hands head, then put the track back in spot and re-install the sliding panel. Now, you want to go back outside and caulk the gap lecterns where the retrofit fin meets the exterior surface of the home. You want to have a double barrier of protection against water infiltration. Remember, you already applied a generous bead of caulk prior to inserting the new frame into the opening. The rest of the job is carried out on the inside.

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 "Buy Trim" tab to see a image. The plugs will pop into spot in the hole. The subsequent step is to fill the gap about the new frame with R-13 Insulation. Do not use the foam insulation that comes in a can. Many manufacturers will not honor the warranty if the foam is employed. Even the non expanding foams can result in the frame to distort, causing difficulties. Pack the insulation in tight. You might want to wear a dust mask during this procedure. Many folks, myself included, are very sensitive to insulation. Right after the insulation is in place, you want to install trim about the inside to finish the job. You can use wood trim from the hardware shop, or some other item. But in my knowledge, the best item is a vinyl flat trim that matches the window frame. The flat trim can also be bought on the site beneath the "Purchase Trim" tab, or you could try to locate it from a local window contractor. Ours comes in two different widths, although the 1 3/4" wide piece is by far the most typical. The trim has a double sided adhesive tape on the back. You cut the prime and bottom initial, stick them on the vinyl frame, generating positive the trim goes to the drywall. This covers all the insulation and the old metal frame. Do the side pieces next. The final step is to caulk exactly where the trim meets the walls.

Significantly of the installation process for a replacement frame is the very same as the retrofit frame. But, there are a handful of differences. When you put the new window into the opening utilizing a replacement frame, you don't have the flush fin holding the frame in location. You and your helper have to hold the frame in place although you put a screw in the leading center to support the frame. Then, you can do your adjusting for a square condition. All of the procedures on the inside will be exactly the exact same, from hole plugs, to insulation, to trim and caulk. The outside is distinct. You have to apply the trim that was component of the retrofit frame. Once again, I favor the flat trim. The moment again, you apply a bead of caulk to the old frame,then measure and cut the prime and bottom trim pieces. Apply the adhesive portion of the trim to the vinyl frame, and let the other portion contact the bead of caulk. Trim all four sides, then caulk once again where the trim meets the exterior material.

As you can see, it truly does not matter if the exterior of your property is brick, stone, siding, or stucco. You can install vinyl windows without having to damage the surrounding structure. We have step by step instructional videos for sale on the site at How To Install Windows