Replacing aluminum windows with vinyl retrofit windows or replacement style windows
In earlier 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 am going to clarify the installation strategies for both frame types. Let's commence with the retrofit frame.
Retrofit window installation is truly the easiest of all. The retrofit window already comes with an exterior trim attached. That's the flush fin that goes against the outside surface, generally stucco. Prepare the window by drilling three/8" holes in the regions of the frame exactly where you want to screw it in place. Typically, there will be three holes on each and every side and three far more across the prime. Do not 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 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 location. Have your helper hold the window although you go inside.
The moment inside, you want to center the window in the opening. Slide the vent panel open and closed to make certain the window is plumb and level. To adjust for out of square circumstances, shim the bottom proper or left corner by placing a shimming material in between the sill and bottom of the window frame. As soon as square, drive a 3" deck screw through 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, take away 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 one particular screw in the bottom center, caulk around the screw head, then place 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 already applied a generous bead of caulk prior to inserting the new frame into the opening. The rest of the job is completed 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 site. Just click on the "Buy Trim" tab to see a picture. The plugs will pop into spot in the hole. The next 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. A lot of producers will not honor the warranty if the foam oil lamps is used. Even the non expanding foams can trigger the frame to distort, causing difficulties. Pack the insulation in tight. You may want to put on a dust mask throughout this process. Numerous men and women, myself included, are quite sensitive to insulation. After the insulation is in place, you want to install trim around the inside to finish the job. You can use wood trim from the hardware retailer, or some other item. But in my experience, the greatest product is a vinyl flat trim that matches the window frame. The flat trim can also be bought on the site under the "Buy Trim" tab, or you could attempt to find it from a nearby window contractor. Ours comes in 2 different widths, even though the 1 3/four" wide piece is by far the most typical. The trim has a double sided adhesive tape on the back. You cut the top and bottom 1st, stick them on the vinyl frame, generating certain the trim goes to the drywall. This cassock covers all the insulation and the old metal frame. Do the side pieces subsequent. The final step is to caulk where the trim meets the walls.
Considerably of the installation method for a replacement frame is the same as the retrofit frame. But, there are a couple of differences. When you place the new window into the opening employing 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 location whilst you place a screw in the best center to assistance the frame. Then, you san diego arrest records 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 different. You have to apply the trim that was component 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 element of the trim to the vinyl frame, and let the other portion make contact with the bead of caulk. Trim all 4 sides, then caulk again exactly where the trim meets the exterior material.
As you can see, it genuinely does not matter if the exterior of your house is brick, stone, siding, or stucco. You can install vinyl windows without having getting to harm the surrounding structure. We have step by step instructional videos for sale on the internet site at How To Install Windows
