Replacing aluminum windows with vinyl retrofit windows or replacement style windows

In previous articles, I explained to you how to determine no matter whether your windows are candidates for vinyl replacement style frames or retrofit style frames. This week I am going to explain the installation strategies for each frame designs. Let's commence with the retrofit frame.

Retrofit window installation is genuinely the easiest of all. The retrofit window already comes with an exterior trim attached. That is the flush fin that goes against the outside surface, usually stucco. Prepare the window by drilling three/8" holes in the locations of the frame where you want to screw it in location. Commonly, there will be 3 holes on every single side and 3 much more across the top. Don't predrill any holes in the bottom track. Immediately 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 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 "stop" to hold the window in spot. Have your helper hold the window while 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 confident the window is plumb and level. To adjust for out of square circumstances, shim the bottom appropriate or left corner by putting a shimming material in between the sill and bottom of the window frame. As soon as square, drive a 3" deck screw by means of the 3/8" holes and into the wood studs.Just seat the screw, don't overtighten. Right after you get the screws into the sides and top, eliminate the sliding panel. The bottom track ought to 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 about the screw head, then put the track back in place 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 residence. You want to have a double barrier of protection against water infiltration. Remember, you currently applied a generous bead of caulk ahead of inserting the new frame into the opening. The rest of the job is completed on the inside.

First, you want to plug the three/8" screw holes to hide the heads of the screws. We sell the hole plugs on the internet site. Just click on the "Acquire Trim" tab to see a picture. The plugs will pop into place 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. Numerous producers will not honor the warranty if the foam is utilised. Even the non expanding foams can cause the italian rosaries frame to distort, causing problems. Pack the insulation in tight. You might want to wear a dust mask in the course of this process. Several men and women, myself included, are very sensitive to insulation. After the insulation is in spot, you want to install trim around the inside to finish the job. You can use wood trim from the hardware store, or some other item. But in my encounter, the very best product is a vinyl flat trim that matches the window frame. The flat trim can also be bought on the website beneath the "Obtain Trim" tab, or you could try to discover it from a local window contractor. Ours comes in 2 diverse widths, even though the 1 3/4" wide piece is by far the most frequent. The trim has a double sided adhesive tape clerical shirts on the back. You cut the top and bottom 1st, stick them on the vinyl frame, making 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 where the trim meets the walls.

Considerably of the installation process for a replacement frame is the exact 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 do not have the flush fin holding the frame in spot. You and your helper have to hold the frame in vestments spot whilst you put a screw in the top center to help the frame. Then, you can do your adjusting for a square condition. All of the procedures on the inside will be precisely the identical, from hole plugs, to insulation, to trim and caulk. The outside is distinct. You have to apply the trim that was portion of the retrofit frame. Once more, I favor the flat trim. When once more, you apply a bead of caulk to the old frame,then measure and cut the best and bottom trim pieces. Apply the adhesive part of the trim to the vinyl frame, and let the other element make contact with the bead of caulk. Trim all four sides, then caulk again exactly where the trim meets the exterior material.

As you can see, it really doesn't matter if the exterior of your home is brick, stone, siding, or stucco. You can install vinyl windows without possessing to damage the surrounding structure. We have step by step instructional videos for sale on the site at How To Install Windows