Window installation is a complex process that requires careful planning. If you have plants, shrubs, or other decorative items situated near windows, they will need to be relocated to allow technicians to gain entry.
It’s important to understand the difference between rough opening and actual window size. Rough openings are typically larger than the actual window size to account for insulation and proper fit. Visit https://www.precutit.com/ to learn more.
If you’re replacing existing windows, clear the work area of furniture, curtains, and anything else that can get in the way. The team will also need at least three feet of clearance around each window to remove the old frame and install the new one, so move everything away from those areas. Clearing the work area also helps keep your home safe during the installation process, as well as making it easier to clean up any debris like old caulking and framing materials.
Depending on the type of window and your climate, you may want to add insulation to the frame to further enhance energy efficiency. A high-quality contractor will help you determine the optimal level of insulation for your needs. Once you’ve added insulation, seal the sides, top, and backer rod of your window to protect it from moisture.
The next step is to install the interior window trim and sill. This will create a tighter seal to prevent air infiltration and make your home more comfortable. A quality installer will make sure to use pre-drilled screws and apply roofing adhesive to ensure a watertight seal.
In the final steps, your professional will trim and paint the frame. This makes your new window look great and helps ensure a long-lasting, weatherproof finish. He or she will also straighten the jambs and remove the jamb liners to prepare for installing the window. This will also allow the frame to sit square in the opening and function properly.
During window replacement, you may have to temporarily close doors leading to the work zones. This will help contain dust and protect flooring, furnishings, and valuables from accidental damage. If you have pets or children, make arrangements for them to be kept safely out of the work zone while the project is underway.
A new window installation is more involved than replacement because it involves modifying the opening to accommodate the frame, sash, and glass. It is usually done during construction of a new home or as part of a major renovation or addition project. The new window opening will need to be cut or resized, and the wall’s structure may need to be reinforced in order to support the new window.
Remove All Coverings
Before you start the window installation process, you’ll want to remove any curtains, blinds, shutters, or other window coverings from your windows. This will prevent them from getting in the way on the day of your window installation and will also ensure that they are safe and won’t get lost during the work. You may be able to sell or donate your old window coverings or simply throw them away, depending on their condition.
You will also want to remove any plants or decorations from the window sills and other areas where the installers will need access. This will make the installation easier and more efficient. You should also clear a path to each window from the inside and outside of your home. This will include moving furniture, rugs, and wall art and clearing away any outdoor obstacles like flowerpots or plants. Finally, you will need to disable any window security features so that they won’t trigger false alarms during the installation.
It’s important to note that removing window coverings before beginning the window installation process will allow the contractors to check for any moisture infiltration problems or other issues that need to be addressed. This step is vital to creating a weather tight window installation that maximizes thermal retention, minimizes potential moisture infiltration, contributes to low energy bills, and looks fantastic for years to come.
Another thing to consider is insulating the area around the windows. There are many different insulation products on the market that can help to keep cold air out and warm air in, resulting in a more comfortable and energy-efficient home. A professional window installation company will be able to assist you in analyzing your needs and choosing the right type of insulation for your new windows.
In addition to insulating the area around your windows, it is also important to flash and seal the connection between your window frames and rough openings. This will create a durable air seal that reduces the risk of water infiltration through your window frames. You can use low expanding spray foam or caulking to complete this task.
Measure the Opening
When you’re replacing a window, you need to measure the height, width and depth of the opening. This ensures that the new window will fit properly, minimizes moisture infiltration and maximizes energy efficiency. Accurate measurements are crucial for the entire process, and even a small discrepancy can result in problems during installation. Taking the time to perform these measurements carefully will save you time, money and frustration.
Start by measuring the width of the opening from jamb to jamb at three points – the top, middle, and bottom – and using the smallest measurement as your final figure. Repeat this process for the height, measuring from the head jamb to the sill at the left, center, and right side of the frame and again using the smallest measurement as your final number.
If the existing frame is crooked, uneven, or otherwise out of square, this can affect the measurements you’re taking. Make sure to check for this by measuring diagonally on both sides of the frame. If they match, then the frame is square and the new window should fit without any additional work or shimming.
Measuring the width and height of the opening will give you the rough frame opening size. This will be the size of the framed hole in the wall where the new window will go and is used to order your replacement windows. For this step, you will need a tape measure and a pencil. You can also use a laser measure, which is more precise and works well in tight spaces.
When measuring the height of the opening, be sure to take the measurement from the interior trim in the corners and not the exterior casing. Also, always measure from inside the frame to outside the frame and never from the rough opening to the framing members. This will help you determine if you’ll need to add a nailing fin or use shims during the window installation process. If you do need to add a nailing fin or shims, this will be easier to do after the existing window has been removed.
Create a Back Dam
Before the installation process begins, it is important to clear any potential obstacles indoors and out. In the home, this might mean moving breakable vases, plants, picture frames, toys, and rugs. Outdoors, it means relocating BBQ grills and other landscaping items. It is also a good idea to make arrangements for children and pets to be elsewhere during the installation. It is essential that the installers have a clear path to each window to avoid delays and damage.
When insulating the perimeter around the frame of your new windows, it is important to use a low-expanding foam or fiberglass insulation. Dispensing too much foam can allow water to escape back to the exterior, while high-expanding foam could bow wood jambs and distort the window frame.
It is also important to seal the fins of your replacement window to prevent air leakage and moisture infiltration. This can be done with a strip of flashing tape or membrane, incorporated into the sill pan, or a thick bead of caulking. If you live in a cold climate, choose a flashing product that will adhere well in freezing temperatures. Also, it is a good idea to add primer to the area where the flashing will be installed in order to improve the adherence of your choice of flashing materials.