How to Install Windows in New Construction
Windows play an integral part in new construction, as they allow air and light into a home or building. For this reason, local building codes often specify the minimum glass and venting area required for inhabitable rooms. Windows are available in a variety of sizes, but most window tops will usually align with the tops of doors. Various materials are used to construct window frames, sashes and other window components, but wood is the oldest type of material used for window units. Aluminum, steel and vinyl are also widely used in windows today. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Flash all sides of the rough window opening with 10- to 12-inch wide building paper. Use a hammer tacker or staple gun to adhere the paper to the rough opening. The building paper acts as a weather seal around the opening.
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Slide the window frame into the rough opening. Some companies may advise you to remove the window sash before installation to avoid damage, while others may recommend installing the entire unit. Installing the window completely intact will save time, but be careful to not damage the window sash.
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Use wood shims under the sill to level the window frame within the rough opening. Drive a small nail through the lower end of the side casing to hold the frame in level position.
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Square the top of the window frame in the opening by measuring diagonals. To measure diagonals, hook the butt of the tape in one corner and run the tape diagonally across the window to the opposite corner. The window frame is square when diagonal measurements are equal on both sides. Use a wood shim if needed to keep the window square, and secure the top of the window by nailing directly through the top corners of the window jamb in the the rough framing of the window opening.
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Use wood shims at the corners between the window frame and the rough framing of the window opening, and wherever else necessary, in order to straighten the jambs around the entire window frame. Use a straight edge for larger windows to make sure that the window frame is straight.
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Nail directly through the side jamb and shims into the rough framing around the entire window. Use wood putty or another type of filler to cover the nail holes.
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