Replacing aluminum windows with vinyl retrofit windows or replacement style windows

In prior articles, I explained to you how to figure out 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 tactics for each frame types. Let's start off 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 3/8" holes in the places of the frame exactly where you want to screw it in spot. Normally, there will be three holes on every single side and 3 more across the best. 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 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 whilst 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 correct or left corner by placing a shimming material in between the sill and bottom of the window frame. The moment square, drive a 3" deck screw through the 3/8" holes and into the wood studs.Just seat the screw, do not overtighten. Right after you get the screws into the sides and best, take away the sliding panel. The bottom track must 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 about the screw head, then place 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 property. You want to have a double barrier of protection against water infiltration. Bear in mind, you already applied a generous bead of caulk just before 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 website. Just click on the "Acquire Trim" tab to see a image. 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. Many producers will not honor the warranty if the foam is utilised. Even the non expanding foams can result in the frame to distort, causing problems. Pack the insulation in tight. You could want to wear a dust mask for the duration of this procedure. Numerous folks, myself included, are extremely 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 retailer, or some other product. But in my knowledge, the very best item is a vinyl flat trim that matches the window frame. The flat trim can also be bought on the web site under the "Acquire Trim" tab, or you could try to discover it from a nearby window contractor. Ours comes in 2 distinct widths, although the 1 three/4" wide piece is by far the most common. The trim has a double sided adhesive tape on the back. You cut the leading and bottom 1st, stick them on the vinyl frame, making sure 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.

Significantly of the installation method for a replacement frame bishop mitre is the exact same as the retrofit frame. But, there are a couple of differences. When you place the new window get reliquary into the opening employing 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 location although you put a screw in the best center to help the frame. Then, you can do your adjusting for a square condition. All of the procedures on the inside will be exactly the very same, from hole plugs, to insulation, to trim and caulk. The outside is diverse. You have to apply the trim that was part of the retrofit frame. Once again, I choose the flat trim. As soon as once again, you apply a bead of caulk to the old frame,then measure and cut the prime and bottom trim pieces. Apply ribbon bookmarks the adhesive component of the trim to the vinyl frame, and let the other part make contact with the bead of caulk. Trim all 4 sides, then caulk once more exactly where the trim meets the exterior material.

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