Replacing aluminum windows with vinyl retrofit windows or replacement style windows

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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'm going to clarify the installation techniques for both frame types. 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 3/8" holes in the regions of the frame exactly where you want to screw it in location. Normally, there will be 3 holes on every single side and 3 far more across the prime. 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 location. 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 whilst you go inside.

Once 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 right or left corner by placing a shimming material in between the sill and bottom of the window frame. When square, drive a 3" deck screw by way of 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 leading, remove the sliding panel. The bottom track should lift out. Look 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, first communion dresses you want to go back outside and caulk the gap where the retrofit fin meets the exterior surface of the residence. You want to have a double barrier of protection against water infiltration. Keep in mind, you currently applied a generous bead of caulk before inserting the new frame into the opening. immaculate waters The rest of the job is done 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 web site. Just click on the "Obtain Trim" tab to see a image. crucifix The plugs will pop into location 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 used. Even the non expanding foams can lead to the frame to distort, causing problems. Pack the insulation in tight. You may want to wear a dust mask for the duration of this process. Many men and women, 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 store, or some other product. But in my knowledge, the best product is a vinyl flat trim that matches the window frame. The flat trim can also be purchased on the site below the "Purchase Trim" tab, or you could try to locate it from a neighborhood window contractor. Ours comes in two different widths, even though the 1 three/four" 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 sure 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 method for a replacement frame is the same as the retrofit frame. But, there are a few differences. When you place the new window into the opening utilizing a replacement frame, you don't have the flush fin holding the frame in spot. You and your helper have to hold the frame in place although you place a screw in the leading center to assistance the frame. Then, you can do your adjusting for a square condition. All of the procedures on the inside will be exactly the same, from hole plugs, to insulation, to trim and caulk. The outside is different. You have to apply the trim that was part of the retrofit frame. Once more, I prefer the flat trim. When once again, you apply a bead of caulk to the old frame,then measure and cut the prime and bottom trim pieces. Apply the adhesive component of the trim to the vinyl frame, and let the other element speak to the bead of caulk. Trim all 4 sides, then caulk again exactly where the trim meets the exterior material.

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