Doors and Windows - Window installation

Doityourself.com community forum was created to provide answers to all questions related to home improvement and home repair. Doityourself community can help you find information about how-to topics on small fixes to large remodeling projects. With comprehensive how-to content and expertly moderated community forums DoItYourself.com makes it easy to tackle even the most complex home improvement projects.



PDA

View Full Version : Window installation

lhfry
10-13-04, 03:17 AM
I am building a house with low e argon gas filled high efficiency wood framed windows. The manufacturer's instructions say not to shim the top of the windows nor to nail the top flange to the frame. My builder says this is not important. I disagree, but I can't find any standard installation guides that speak to this issue.

Can anyone help?

glasman2
10-13-04, 06:59 AM
you are correct, don't shim the top, or nail it.
At the top drive a nail about 1/2 inch above the nail fin till about 3/4 of an inch of the nail is left out and bend it over the nail fin. This secures the top and allows the head to expand as needed with the house.
COBALT
10-13-04, 12:30 PM
Yes that's right. It's meant to allow the opening the window is setting in to expand and contract or change without ruining your window.

One thing that always confused me is why don't they just make the top flange solid instead of putting those tempting little nail holes in it in the first place, but they continue to make them that way regardless.

michaelshortt
10-13-04, 08:55 PM
I had three very large single hung windows that I installed. I elongated the holes verticaly and nailed them. I nailed them so the windows could slide up and down if the headers move, Think this old house will not have a lot of settling so I feel it was a good solution.