Installing Windows

[mousebob]

Hello,

I am in the process of framing my garage and installing windows. I am purchasing new construction windows from window e estore . Their windows mount directly to the studs instead of to the sheathing.

Is this correct? Pros/cons of this?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Pluribus]

Do the windows have the nail fins? Haven't heard of new construction windows mounting directly to studs. Any links to the windows? I'm curious.

Check out some of Matt Risinger's videos on Youtube. He's always looking at different methods of improving weatherproofing and does a lot on window flashing/installation.

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=matt+risinger+window+install

 

[frankd]

Does the face of the window have a nailing flange? All the new construction windows I've seen nail to the exterior plywood sheathing.

 

[gungatim]

Hello,

I am in the process of framing my garage and installing windows. I am purchasing new construction windows from window e estore . Their windows mount directly to the studs instead of to the sheathing.

Is this correct? Pros/cons of this?

Thanks in advance.

how do you know that? I checked out their site and don't see anything there that indicates they mount to the studs, nor any information whatsoever on installation for that matter (aside for stucco flange windows). if they mount to the studs, wouldn't that leave a gap potential at the sheathing? not to mention getting the depth perfect would be difficult.

windows must have gone up in price, $559 ea for a 36 x36 standard window is about $500 more than I paid 10 yrs. ago...have you checked prices at a local establishment?

 

[engineer2]

You can order windows without nailing flanges, but I understand that is generally for brick walls. A nailing fin makes it easier of you need to swap out the window in the future.

 

[mousebob]

I have confirmed via email that they are intended to mount directly to the studs prior to sheathing being installed. They also mention this on their website. The windows are made by simonoton and distributed through them. They do in fact have a nailing flange.

I can't post a link due to my low post count but you can find them by googling window e store.

thanks

 

[mousebob]

According to their website:

"Same design characteristics as the remodel version except comes with pre-installed nailing fins for exterior stud mounted installation. Perfect for builders, remodelers, and do it yourselfers."

 

[ddawg16]

Here is a good link on how to install a window.

I can't stress the importance of proper flashing of a window. When I did the 2-story addition to my house, I even went as far as painting the rough framing for the window just in case any water did get in.

https://www.finehomebuilding.com/2008/07/03/installing-and-flashing-windows-correctly

 

[mousebob]

Also, there is a link to the installation instructions by simonoton that the company sent me.

 

[mousebob]

Here are the installation instructions, which don't specify if they are mounted directly to studs: https://www.simonton.com/wp-content...ruction-Window-Installation-Instructions-.pdf

I realize that proper installation and flashing is paramount, which is why I want to make sure I have the correct information.

 

[Falcon67]

Mine are nailed to the studs - regular aluminum windows from McCoys. Just be sure and flash them good. I used 15 lb tar paper in layers.

 

[oliviaivy337]

Does the essence of the window have a nailing spine? All the new development windows I've seen nail to the outside pressed wood sheathing.

 

[850xpeps]

Nail to the exterior sheating over top the building paper. Not to the stud

 

[TLCObsession]

Here is a good link on how to install a window.

I can't stress the importance of proper flashing of a window. When I did the 2-story addition to my house, I even went as far as painting the rough framing for the window just in case any water did get in.

https://www.finehomebuilding.com/2008/07/03/installing-and-flashing-windows-correctly

THIS^^^! Especially in WA. There is no way I would install a window before the sheeting in new construction or any other situation I could avoid.

 

[850xpeps]

Nail to the exterior sheating over top the building paper. Not to the stud

 

[Homerr]

mousebob - in addition to the Matt Risinger and Fine Homebuilding articles here is another good resource which uses fluid applied flashing.

https://hammerandhand.com/best-practices/manual/3-windows-doors/3-1-new-window-installation/

I just installed new Milgard windows in my home. I used the ZIP Stretch tape on the sills and ZIP Tape elsewhere, worked great.

 

[MushCreek]

How important is window installation? I just watched an episode of 'Holmes Makes It Right' and they worked on a house where the windows and siding weren't installed correctly. It was a large two-story, and they ended up replacing the siding, sheathing, windows, and even some studs. The sheathing had turned to mush in some areas. Get this- the house was only 8 years old! The look on the neighbors' faces was priceless as they had that 'oh ****' moment.

 

[txst]

How important is window installation? I just watched an episode of 'Holmes Makes It Right' and they worked on a house where the windows and siding weren't installed correctly. It was a large two-story, and they ended up replacing the siding, sheathing, windows, and even some studs. The sheathing had turned to mush in some areas. Get this- the house was only 8 years old! The look on the neighbors' faces was priceless as they had that 'oh ****' moment.

I went through this about 2 years ago with the house I purchased (also 8 yrs old). No evidence of any problems until we had a really bad storm and about a week later a piece of trim in my kitchen pulled away just a little. When I investigated, I found a real mess. All my siding was removed, every window removed, a significant amount of rot around 1/3 of my windows, stud replacements, etc. After the rotten studs and sheathing was replaced, housewrap went on, I used SureSill corners, wrapped the opening with Vicor, reinstalled the windows and caulked everything from the inside, then installed new LP Smart Siding. Every neighbor stopped by to talk to me when I was going through this, and several have had similar water issues. I probably have the most waterproof home in Wichita. This is the only way I would install windows.

I can't stress enough the importance of properly installed windows.

 

[yeldogt]

The biggest mistake people make is assuming whatever they do WILL be waterproof. It will not be .. everything leaks. No caulk is forever .. house wrap only with flanged windows is a disaster waiting to happen in a rainy windy climate .... but, done all the time today.

Angled sill is the solution ... See the fine homebuilding link. I don't love all the mastic .. the EDPM products should have a very long life.

I use traditional sill flashing .. especially with expensive windows. Everything will leak .. teh goal is for a pathway out and drying.

Matt R did a few types a while back that I would not recommend -- Same with TOH ... that new 7 layer wall .... right ..what could go wrong with that?

 

[strutaeng]

Here are the installation instructions, which don't specify if they are mounted directly to studs: https://www.simonton.com/wp-content...ruction-Window-Installation-Instructions-.pdf

I realize that proper installation and flashing is paramount, which is why I want to make sure I have the correct information.

Yeah, they don't explicitly state attached directly to studs. To me that looks like standard installation to sheathing. I would call them again. The person at the other end might have been new. I've never heard attachment directly to studs.

Seems like if water gets into nailing fin, it will run BEHIND the sheathing. I think this is a bad idea.

The sources stated are all good practices. My framer installed a bunch of windows on a recent addition and they ran the water-resistive barrier inside the opening on all sides (folded in) and slapped that zip tape over the nail fin.

On a heavy rain some windows leaked. I had to reinstall all 11 of them before my block was installed! Luckily I was able to reinstall them via scaffolding as the mason was building the wall.

I followed the same procedures as referenced on the links. Additionally, if you are installing in a masonry veneer system, you have to do head and sill flashing with end dams.

It gets sort of complicated on cavity walls, but the concept is the same. I think they call it "down and out" or something like that. You want the water, if it get behind the wall, to come out (flashing or weeps) and the nearest horizontal plane.

Good luck

Now that I think about it, my house windows are installed over the studs. The house has shiplap siding and the siding is butted against the window flange. There is no window trim. All houses in my neighborhood are done this way. Flashing was felt paper and there is no sheathing.

Houses built back then are sort of drafty, so I suppose any water that gets behind eventually dries out. With newer houses being more airtight, this doesn't work too well.

 

[firedudetl1]

other reference is Journal of Light Construction - do a search for JLConline - lot of guys who write for fine homebuilding also write for JLC, also they have forums that you could post your questions
my quick comment about your installation on the studs - I've never heard of it as a technique which means just that-never heard of it - having said that, how "thick" are these windows and how do you intend to finish them on the inside - if you're leaving the interior walls "open", then the windows may extend beyond the studs. if you're going to drywall the walls, then you've got to consider how to install the trim
good luck

 

[mousebob]

Thanks, all. After talking to the manufacturer again I learned they can be installed over sheathing so that is what I will do. I appreciate all the information and wisdom shared here.