installing replacement window
Begin by measuring the window to be replaced. Measure at three
locations: top, middle and bottom
of the window on width, and right, center and left on height. Use
the smallest of these measurements to determine the width and height.
Do not remove the old window until the dimensions of the new window
have been verified to fit the opening properly and you have all
the accessories needed.
Accessories are available to ease the installation and finishing
of the new window. For more information, contact
us.
Remove the old window and prepare the opening (leveling off the
sill if necessary). It is important to remember that the replacement
window must fit into the opening plumb, level and square, even though
the opening may not be any of these. If the window is not plumb,
level and square the following problems may occur:
Double Hung and Slider sash may be difficult or impossible to remove.
Casement sash may not operate properly due to excessive drag on
the sill.
The sash pivot bar on Double Hung windows could bind and cause the
sash to become inoperative.
The overlapping and interlocking meeting rail on Double Hung and
Slider windows may not perform properlyallowing air and water
infiltration, even if the sash is locked.
The weatherstripping may not seal properly, allowing air and water
infiltration.
The partial-ventilation latch on Slider windows may drag on the
center leg of the sill or be inoperative.
The locking system may not engage properly.
Place wood blocks along the windowsill. The blocks will help support
the window and keep the sill level. Also, wrap the entire perimeter
of the window with insulation.
Attach the sill extender (if necessary) to the bottom of the sill
and trim it to fit in the opening.
Tilt the window up into the opening with the sash closed and locked.
Set it down on the wood blocks placed along the windowsill. Tighten
the adjustment devices (alignment clips, jamb adjusters, etc.) and
shim the wood blocks to hold the unit secure while checking it for
plumb, level, and square.
To check plumb: Place a level vertically on both the interior and
face of the left and right jambs. If the bubble indicator is centered,
the unit is plumb. To check level: Place a level along the sill.
If the bubble indicator is centered, the unit is level. To check
square: Measure window frame diagonally. Measure from the top left
corner of the frame to the bottom right corner and from the top
right to bottom left . If the measurements are equal, the window
is square.
Check the sash where they meet the frame to be certain the weatherstripping
is sealing properly in all Areas. Inspect all weatherstripping to
insure it has not pulled out of the receiver channel. To reinstall
it, pull the stripping completely out of the channel then reinsert
it by sliding the spline into the receiver channel. Check for an
even reveal (gap) between the sash and the frame.
Once the window is plumb, level and square, install installation
screws (provided by Owens Corning) into the prefabricated installation
holes in the jambs. The screws can go through the wood blocks and
shims if necessary. DO NOT OVER TIGHTEN THE SCREWS, as this could
cause the frame to bow. Recheck the sash for proper operation once
the screws have been installed. Caulk and cover the installation
holes when necessary.
Note: When installing Casements, place screws in the installation
holes. Replace existing screws closest to the center of the sill
on both hinge tracks with installation screws (see below).
Replace a screw in each tie bar guide with installation screws.
(right) After the window is secured, recheck the sash operation
and the weather seals.
With Awnings, replace one of the two screws in the handle assembly
with an installation screw (see below).
Replace the second screw from the top and the closest screw to
the bottom on the hinge tracks with installation screws. (right)
Install installation screws in the predrilled installation holes
in the head. After the window is secure, recheck the sash operation
and the weather seals.
If installing large windows or windows with high wind load requirements,
install interior and exterior blind stops along the jambs, head
and sill (if not already present). The blind stops must be a minimum
of 3/4" by 1/2".
Finish off the exterior of the window. Trim the opening and cap
off any gaps. Seal the entire perimeter of the window with the proper
grade of silicone caulk, but do not caulk over the weep holes.
Finish off the interior of the window. Make certain the sash open
and close easily, lift out, lock when closed, and there are no gaps
where the sash and frame meet.
Main Installation Instruction Page
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