How to Install a Window When You Have Siding
Installing or replacing a window in a home with exterior siding is a reasonably straightforward project if you have aluminum or vinyl siding that is hung on nails.
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Things You'll Need
- Circular saw fitted with a diamond cutting blade
- Small crow bar
- Hammer
- Level
- Measuring tape
- Pencil
- Silicone caulking
- Treated lumber
- Wood shims
- Nails
- Window flashing
- Expanding spray foam insulation
- Ladder
Instructions
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1
Mark the window placement on the exterior elevation and make cut registration marks with a pencil directly onto the siding. Pencil a number on each piece of siding so that they can be replaced in order--this will make your job much easier when you rehang the siding.
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2
Remove the siding panels that cross the window opening. For hung siding, lift the panels off the nail using a hammer claw to loosen the nails. For siding that is nailed down, use the small crowbar or hammer claw to lift the nails and panels gently to prevent damage.
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3
Transfer the rough window opening dimensions onto the wall or house wrap and use this as your guide for the circular saw. When creating a new window opening, you will likely need to repeat the saw cutting from the interior as well. Remove the cut wall panel and clean off the rough opening.
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4
Cut treated lumber to build a rough frame in accordance with your new window size. Place the frame into the opening, checking for fit and for level and plumb. Nail the frame to the surrounding structure. Run a bead of silicone caulking inside the wood frame on the interior edge and also on the exterior edge.
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5
Place the window into the frame, checking for plumb and level. Use wood shims as necessary to achieve it to proper fit. Nail the mounting flange of the window to the wood frame. Test the window for smooth operation. Spray foam insulation into the crevices between the wall structure and the rough frame and between the rough frame and the new window.
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6
Nail down an overlapping run of window flashing around the window. Cut the numbered siding pieces so that they surround the window opening and cover the flashing. Hang the siding on the nails already in place adding additional nails only when necessary. Add trim pieces around the exterior window and touch up any interior finishes.
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