High-performance windows help save energy and block different kinds of harmful light. This saves huge amounts of money while creating a more relaxing indoor atmosphere.
However, windows that are new cost a lot. But, if you’re an experienced DIYer and have an extra pair of hands, then you may be able to save some dollars on windows by putting them up yourself. If you choose the right window installation products like Com-Al Windows Flashing Products as well as Polyguard Peel and Stick vapor barrier will ensure the performance and durability of your windows.
Tips to Take into Account When Putting in Windows
- The local ordinances might require an inspector from your local building department to make sure that flashing (and all other details related to window installation) conforms to local building codes.
- In 2021, the IBC ( 1405.4) and IRC ( R703.4.1) requires the installation of flashings on the outside of windows and door openings to keep moisture from getting into the wall, or redirecting it to the outside.
- Additionally, DOE Zero Energy Ready Home and Energy Star Certified Homes require flashing around windows and doors.
- To keep the warranty of your window it is necessary to apply flashing to the specific window in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines. However, the majority of builders adhere to the regular sequence of steps when flashing the new window.
Find out 18 standard steps to install commercial windows. Be sure to follow the window manufacturer’s guidelines.
The 18 steps to installing Commercial Windows
The right windows, properly installed and flashed, can enhance the value of your building or home. They also help save energy and money for the years to be. The process of installing a new air-tight, water-tight windows requires the layering of a series of flashings for windows that are specifically designed. Each layer covers the one underneath it, directing the flow of water downwards and away.
First Step: Cover Weather Vapor Resistant Barriers around the Window Edges
Make sure the window’s opening and the surrounding surfaces are dust-free, clean smooth, dry and dry. Apply a Wall or vapor barriers (house wrap) around the edge (jambs as well as the sills) on the windows’ openings that are rough to stop water from entering.
Polyguard Peel and Stick Barriers to Vapor
Easy to install peel-and-stick vapor barriers are the most preferred protection against water-vapor in commercial, residential industrial and commercial structures. A good peel and stick barrier offers rapid adherence, durability and also puncture, sunlight also chemical resistance. They also don’t contain VOCs. The Polyguard peel and stick products offer all the following features:
- Aluma Flash Plus weather-resistant barriers
- PEEL-N-STICK(tm) Aluminum Roll Roofing
- Home Stretch(tm) ‘Peel’ N Stick/ICF Waterproofing
Our products ensure a top-quality and long-lasting vapor barrier to your windows if they are installed correctly.
Step 2. Back Dam
Make a back dam or positive slope of the sill to drain the water from getting into inside the cavity of your wall. To accomplish this, remove the vapor barrier that is on the sill. Lay an elongated piece of wood or clapboard over the sill, placing the thicker side facing the side of the frame. Attach the wood piece then remove the vapor barrier over it. The rough opening’s size should be increased by approximately 1/2 inch to allow for the dam behind.
Step 3. Pull Back Header Vapor Barrier
Retract the vapor barrier and place the vapor barrier on top of the header to reveal one foot of the substrate.
Step 4. Install Self-Stick Flashing tape
Cut a strip of tape with a flashing size plus six inches to cover by three inches.
Step 5: Disconnect Backing
Take off the sticky backing of the flashing, and then install it onto the sill.
Step 6 Cut Window Sills
The window’s sill should be cut to the corners of the opening so that it is possible to fold over the flashing over the service for barrier.
7. Cut the Flashings to Corners
Install flashing patches by cutting them into strips, putting them in each corner.
Step 8. Make Window for Leveling
- Make a line horizontal along the nailing fin located at the middle point of the windows’ vertical sides.
- Decide where you would like to position the window’s center on the wall. Mark the center point on both sides of the opening. Use a level to create a horizontal line along the center point, which marks a distance from the opening. Make this line on both the sides of the opening.
Step 9: The Window should be centered.
Insert the window into the opening in the rough, and then position it to the center.
- The window should be centered on the other side by slid the window in a tight position to the window opening located on the left.
- Mark the point where the edge of the fin (on the right side) is in contact with the wall on the outside.
- Then you can slide your window towards the left and mark the point precisely where the fin meets the wall’s exterior.
- Divide the line in half.
- Move the window back until the halfway point within the line, bringing the window in the opening.
- Take the window out of the opening in the rough.
Step 10: Apply Caulking
Make a dam in the middle of the sill by using a small amount of caulking similar to the Poly Wall(r) Blue Barrier(tm) Joint Filler 2200. The dam can stop water from the window from getting into the interior of your home or the building.
Caulk around the sill, tightly along the corners, and then up the sides by three or 4 inches.
Make a caulk bead across the rough opening’s outer edges and sides. Don’t put the caulking at the lower edge.
Poly Wall(r) Blue Barrier(tm) Joint Filler 2200
You can apply Blue Barrier(tm) Joint Filler 2200 (a structural adhesive and detail sealant) to draw chalk lines across window openings as well as prepare surfaces prior to applying other poly Wall(r) Blue Barrier(tm) products to Window and Door Flashings and Air Barriers. We created Joint Filler 2200 utilizing Silyl Terminated Polyether (STPE) Technology.
Step 11: Leveling the Window
Lift the window inside the opening by pulling back to expose the nails fins.
- The center line on the nail fin to the horizontal line of the exterior wall. Help someone in the house to manipulate the window using a shim until you can see the marks are in line, and then place one nail into the fin in the vicinity of the marks.
- For the window to be even, you must match with the other nail’s fin center line and horizontal line along the exterior wall. Once again, have the inside assist alter the windows until they line up, and then put in a nail close to the marks.
Step 12: Squaring the Window
- Set a level along the right-hand edge of your window. The window can be adjusted by removing it from outside, until it is level.
- Add nails with a little looseness.
- Verify that the window remains in the square shape by taking a diagonal measurement using a the tape measure between one side and the next. Measure the same from all the corners. The measurements must be identical in the case of a square window.
- The unit can be adjusted and centered by putting shanks beneath the sill and behind the jambs on the sides.
- Add some more nails
- Make sure that the window is square and level before you insert the other nails.
- On the outside, place windowshims on the inside of your sill between it and the window. It should be secure. It will help keep the window in position.
- Fill the holes in all of them, and especially around corners, using caulking.
Step 13 Cut the flashing
Cut and measure two pieces of flashing to cover that window sill.
Step 14: Increase Flashing Across the Opening
On the top and bottom of the window extend the flashing three inches over and below the opening.
Step 15. Flashing the Roll
Make use of a hand roller to roll all the flashing services to make sure the bond is secured.
Step 16: Increase Flashing Past Jamb Flashing
Take measurements and cut a section of flashing that overlaps and extend by two inches over the jamb flashing to the surface (wood).
Step 17: Fold Vapor Barrier Over Header
The vapor barrier should be folded over the header and place it on top of windows. Cut two 6-inch flashing sections to protect the 45-degree cuts as well as that of the vapor barrier.
Step 18: Install a Drip Cap Cap
Install a drip cap on the window’s top to drain water to the outside and prevent it from leaking into the space behind.
Achieved Commercial Window Installation Success with Com-AL Products
Commercial windows can be a great way to save cash by putting in windows yourself. Follow the 18 steps listed above and follow the instructions of the manufacturer. But the successful window-installation project is contingent on the use of high-quality window products such as Com-AL Window Flashing items along with Polyguard’s products for vapor barrier peel-and stick.
The proper installation of commercial windows using Com-Al products will ensure the windows’ strength performance, efficiency, and lifespan by preventing the infiltration of moisture. They also help reduce the use of energy and enhance the air quality.
Do not delay to reach out to Com-Al Windows in Perth experts right now for more details on how to set up commercial windows.
