Replacing aluminum windows with vinyl retrofit windows or replacement style windows

In earlier articles, I explained to you how to establish whether your windows are candidates for vinyl replacement style frames or retrofit style frames. This week I am going to explain the installation methods for each frame styles. Let's begin with the retrofit frame.

Retrofit window installation is actually 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, generally stucco. Prepare the window by drilling three/8" holes in the locations of the frame where you want to screw it in place. Usually, there will be 3 holes on each side and 3 more across the prime. Don't predrill any holes in the bottom track. Right 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 although you go inside.

When 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 conditions, shim the bottom appropriate or left corner by placing a shimming material among the sill and bottom of the window frame. The moment square, drive a 3" deck screw via the three/8" holes and into the wood studs.Just seat the screw, do not overtighten. Following you get the screws into the sides and leading, 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 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 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 before inserting the new frame into the opening. The rest of the job is completed on the inside.

1st, you want to plug the three/8" screw holes to hide the heads of the screws. We sell the hole plugs on the website. Just click on the "Acquire Trim" tab to see a picture. The plugs will pop into location 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 manufacturers will not honor the warranty if the foam is used. Even the non expanding foams can result in the frame to distort, causing troubles. Pack the insulation in tight. You may want to put on a dust mask during this process. Several people, myself included, are very sensitive to insulation. After the insulation is in location, you want to install trim around the inside to finish the job. You can use wood candlelight service candles trim from the hardware retailer, 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 deacon apparel web site below the "Obtain Trim" tab, or you could try to locate it from a nearby window contractor. Ours comes in 2 various widths, despite the fact that the 1 3/4" wide piece is by far the most common. The trim has a double sided adhesive tape on the back. You cut the prime and bottom 1st, stick them on the vinyl frame, creating confident 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.

Considerably 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 place the new window into the opening making use of a replacement frame, you do not have the flush fin san diego warrants holding the frame in location. You and your helper have to hold the frame in place whilst you put a screw in the best center to assistance the frame. Then, you can do your adjusting for a square condition. All of the procedures on the inside will be precisely the exact same, from hole plugs, to insulation, to trim and caulk. The outside is various. You have to apply the trim that was portion of the retrofit frame. Once again, I prefer the flat trim. As soon as again, you apply a bead of caulk to the old frame,then measure and cut the top and bottom trim pieces. Apply the adhesive component of the trim to the vinyl frame, and let the other element get in touch with the bead of caulk. Trim all 4 sides, then caulk once more where the trim meets the exterior material.

As you can see, it really does not matter if the exterior of your house is brick, stone, siding, or stucco. You can install vinyl windows with out getting to damage the surrounding structure. We have step by step instructional videos for sale on the web site at How To Install Windows