Finishing around windows

[z28dad]

I'm planning on framing around my windows with some 1X's and then around the outside with casing molding. There is a small gap that I was thinking about filling with insulation. Is there anything wrong with just taking fiberglass insulation, using a paint stick and putting it in the gap? Also Dap makes a special foam that stays really soft. Not sure which is the best route. I have plenty extra fiberglass insulation. Thanks, Russ

 

[Lynnhowlyn]

Guys who did my garage interior "finish" ... e.g. drywall guys ... used the spray foam.
Quicker, easier (for them) - but I suspect the fiberglass insulation and paint stick would also work long as you don't pack it "solid". Air spaces in the fiberglass (and in the foam) is what really gives the insulation effectiveness you're looking for.

HTH

Lynn

 

[dlenkewich]

The standard way is to lightly stuff insulation pieces in the gap.

Just peel away the layers, ensure the gap is full but not over stuffed.

 

[mmhouse]

The foam will seal it up up and probably insulate it better (compressed fiberglass gives little insulating value). Use the stuff that doesn't expand so you don't bow the window frames. The DAP stuff you're looking at is probably it.

 

[CraigP]

I in the process of upgrading door casing and baseboards in my house. Around my garage door there was a half inch to inch wide gap around the entire door, lots of air was getting in around the old casing. I used the window and door specific expanding foam and it is amazing how well that stuff works. No more air coming in makes me a happy (and warmer) camper. Completely worth the $6/can, go that route. Between the foam and caulking around the trim you should be nearly air tight.

 

[Zeke]

Low expanding foam seems to be OK even tho many window companies say not to use any foam around the window per their installation instructions. This is because some foam will "hour glass" the frame and bind the window.

The is such a small amount of space that the insulation value is naught. If you're having air leaks, you didn't install the window correctly and may very well have water leaks. On top of that, the interior trim, properly installed and caulked, will not allow air movement from the ambient space to inside the wall.

I install windows for a living.

 

[Jazz]

I just spray foamed mine. Seems to be the better choice.

 

[thecj3man]

I install windows for a living.

What do usually trim the insides with? Just put new windows in my house and am trying to decide how to finish them.

 

[Falcon67]

Well, if the window nailing flange was caulked to the exterior surface, then leaks should be minimal. I would use either a very low expanding foam with the window half open, or just caulk it with a good light weight caulk. I finished the inside of the house windows with custom cut pine (slice a 1x4 to 1/2" thick for the sides and rip to match the depth). In the shop, I just left it all raw. I might finish the next one.

 

[Zeke]

What do usually trim the insides with? Just put new windows in my house and am trying to decide how to finish them.

For a classic look, I install jamb extensions so that they are flush with the interior wall and case it out. I also go one step better using a stool and apron if the money is there.

Not my work, but you can see the gist of it here.

 

[IH82BL8]

You should also consider something called "backer rod". It's basically a foam rubber rope that you would push into the gap. I think it comes in various diameters, but I can't say for sure. Being foam rubber, it will provide some insulation but, more important, it will seal off the gap to prevent air from getting in around the casing.

 

[ishiboo]

I use minimal expanding foam but am very careful with it even so. It seals out any potential leaks from around the window and makes the window much sturdier feeling in the opening, especially if you go with a cheap vinyl window.

Make sure it is a "window and doors" product and fill the cavity according to the instructions.

Milt's idea of jamb extensions is a good one as well!

 

[z28dad]

Thanks guys. I purchased the foam today. I need to get another can. Ive insulated two of them so far. I also purchased some 1x3 pine to frame it out.