Residential Construction Unit 4- Window and Doors Mr. Todzia

 A window is a transparent or translucent opening in a wall or door that allows the passage of light and, if not closed or sealed, air and sound. Windows are usually glazed or covered in some other transparent or translucent material like float glass.  The word window originates from the Old Norse (an ancient German dialect) ‘vindauga’, translated " wind eye ".  Another suggestion is that its roots came from a old Welsh vernacular term for “Wind door”

 Primitive windows were just holes in a wall.  Later, windows were covered with animal hide, cloth, or wood.  Shutters that could be opened and closed came next.  Over time, windows were built that both protected the inhabitants from the elements and transmitted light.  The Romans were the first to use glass for windows in approximately 100 AD.

 Windows have since come a long way.  We now have perfectly clear glass, that is typically insulated with thin film of Argon gas sandwiched between two pieces of glass.  They are energy efficient and prevent the major heat losses that old single paned window were know for.  Window frames are made of weather/rot resistant materials, giving them a much longer life span.

 There are 2 types of window  New Construction windows  Replacement windows.  New construction windows are used when the window is going in a new application, versus the Replacement windows which use the existing opening, jamb and frame of a previous window.

 Windows are installed in Rough Openings.  These are the rough framed openings in your stud walls.  These openings are typically framed ½” taller than the outside most dimension of the window jamb, and ¾” wider than the outer most dimension of the Jamb.

 After the rough opening is framed correctly and windows are ready for installation, the opening must be properly flashed.  House wrap is cut back and on the sides it is stapled to the inside of the opening. The top flap of house wrap is taped up and out of the way.

 The bottom sill is formed using some type of flexible flashing.

 Next run a ½” bead of silicone caulk along the sides and top of the opening.  *Don’t caulk along the bottom- A sealed bottom flange can trap water in the pan flashing.

 Place the window in the opening dropping the sill in first and then tipping the top in place.  From the interior, level the sill and shim in place.  When the sill is level, nail the bottom nailing flange secure.  Check the jamb for plumb, and when plumb nail the top corners of the nailing flanges on the exterior.

 Use shims to straighten the side jambs if necessary.  Check the windows operation and make any necessary adjustments.  When the window is straight, square, plumb and level, finish nailing off the entire perimeter of the nailing flange.

 Use a low expanding spray foam to seal any air infiltration.

 Apply a metal drip edge if one is not provided with your window.  Flash the sides of the window with your flexible flashing covering the nailing flanges, tight to the side jambs.  Run the flashing 4-5 inches past the top and bottom of flanges.  *Do not flash the sill

 Flash the top of the window last, covering over the nailing flanges, the drip cap and the side flashing.

 Unfold the top flap of house wrap and tape it in place making sure it overlaps all the layers below.  Tape the corners to make a continuous seal across the top.

 Window is now ready for trim inside and out.  When installing exterior trim, leave a 1/8” – ¼” gap between window jamb and trim for expansion and contraction.