These days a lot of homeowners are replacing their old windows with vinyl windows using the retrofit style of window frame. This is particularly true in the west, and specifically, in California. The number one arguement that I have heard against using the retrofit method, is that it is susceptible to water leaks. Well, that's true if you don't do it properly. But, if you do a complete tearout of your old window down to the studs, you're going to have water leak issues there as well if you don't install the new window properly. So I think that arguement is, well, all wet. So, let me tell you the best way to install your retrofit windows that will ensure that water cannot get in.
There is an old song that goes, "It never rains in California, but girl don't they warn ya, it pours, man it pours". For those of you in California, you know how true this is. While California doesn't get a lot of annual rainfall, when it does rain, it can come down in buckets due to the close proximity to the ocean. So, you want to be sure that your windows are well sealed. If you are installing retrofit frames against a stucco house, you want to put a thick bead of sealant right on the outside face of the old window frame, all the way around. Latex caulk should work fine, but if you want to spend a little more to get the best sealant available, use 100% silicone. Depending on the number of windows you will be doing, this extra cost can add up. You pay approximately $1 for a tube of acrylic latex caulk, and $4 or more for a tube of 100% silicone. You are going to use 1-3 tubes per window, depending on the size. So you can see how it could add up. Here is a trick that I used to do to save a little money; The most vulnerable part of your installation is the top of the window, because gravity will have the water running down from the roof to the ground. It's not likely that water is going to find it's way through the sides or bottom.
So, I used to carry two caulking guns, and load one with the silicone, and the other with the acrylic caulk. I would run the silicone accross the top of the old frame, and caulk the sides and bottom. Then, put your new window into the opening and have a helper hold it firmly in place while you plumb and level it, then screw it into place. After you have the window completely installed, your final step should be to caulk where the retrofit lip meets the stucco. Here again, I used to use white silicone on the top, and caulk on the sides and bottom. You now have a double barrier against water infiltration. After about a week, check the sealant around each window for signs of cracking. Because stucco is usually uneven, there could have been gaps that were larger in some areas than in others. If you don't force the caulk into the gap to completely fill it, the caulk can sag before drying, causing a crack to form. Simply recaulk over any cracks that you see. You can check the silicone on top as well, but because silicone dries like a rubber substance, you shouldn't see any cracks there.
OK, what if the replacement windows are going between wood trim surrounding the opening? If you are using the retrofit lip, and trimming it to fit between the wood, then you still apply the heavy bead to the old frame before installing the window. But, instead of sealing where the retrofit lip meets the stucco, you seal where it meets the wood. Then, you want to be sure to seal above the window, where the top piece of wood meets the stucco. Again, use silicone up there. Now, no water can run down the stucco wall and get under the top piece of wood. Sometimes, though, you might decide not to use a retrofit style frame between the wood, choosing a block replacement frame instead. If you choose to do it this way, you have to add trim to the outside. You still want to apply the sealant to the old frame, then apply your trim so it contacts the new window as well as the sealant on the old frame.
If you follow these procedures, you won't have to worry about any water penetrating into your home, I don't care how hard it pours!
John Rocco has been installing replacement windows since 1978. To learn more, visit How To Install Windows
There are a few things you can do to take... Read More
Any remodeling idea for a small kitchen must address the... Read More
If you are planning a home makeover or remodeling project,... Read More
Want to improve the look of your property? Want to... Read More
Modern Design is sleek, stark, and spacious with angular and... Read More
Not many years ago, the thought of working from home... Read More
The word "master" is an antiquated term that suggests control,... Read More
Are you considering using renewable energy resources to heat water... Read More
There are many styles of picnic tables on the market,... Read More
We recently purchased a new Hot Tub and Gazebo from... Read More
Steel building kits are a comprehensive set of all the... Read More
The proper lighting in a room can make or break... Read More
When you think about building your new home consider your... Read More
Considering that home saunas are believed to produce numerous health... Read More
Some of the most common mistakes to avoid made by... Read More
Wouldn't it be nice to have your home take care... Read More
Your short lesson on how to remove carpet stains: act... Read More
There are three main types of material used to manufacture... Read More
VANCOUVER, CANADA. Many homeowners, landlords, renters, property managers, business owners,... Read More
For many years copper has been the main raw material... Read More
Many Florida residents that have come from the North are... Read More
Most of us enjoy daydreaming about our perfect home. Do... Read More
Tiles can increase the value of any home. Ceramic tiles,... Read More
Stress is all around us, from the office to the... Read More
If you don't have at least one piece of fine... Read More
Some of the benefits of radiant heatComfort: Let your bare... Read More
"Steam" and "Steam Bath" Health Benefits:"Steam" and "Steam baths" in... Read More
Circuit Breakers are devices that stop the electrical current of... Read More
A beautiful kitchen is the heart of any home (even... Read More
When one is looking into marketing for the home builder,... Read More
This week we are going to continue our series on... Read More
Power tools are some of the most useful devices ever... Read More
Hardwood floor styles come in strips, planks and parquet, and... Read More
Many of us avoid home improvement projects due to their... Read More
The use of Bricks or Pavers to create a walkway... Read More
Does the coming winter chill remind you how much you... Read More
As a qualified duct cleaning contractor I have discovered that... Read More
Many of us watch TV shows and see the miraculous... Read More
Choosing the right Contractor is the most important aspect of... Read More
When you read a great inspirational book, prayer, or article,... Read More
1. Q. IS NATURAL STONE A GOOD CHOICE FOR HOME... Read More
The California asphalt paving industry is ever-changing and in order... Read More
There are numerous styles of Persian carpets. In fact there... Read More
Although representatives from waterproofing companies may guarantee results from their... Read More
You can add a personal touch to your home or... Read More
Now that you have made that bold decision to build... Read More
Buying a home is usually a stressful experience. So much... Read More
It doesn't matter if you live in a hot climate... Read More
Light fixtures are something not many of us think about.... Read More
Feng Shui describes the communication that takes place every day... Read More
This is by no means an exhaustive list of what's... Read More
The first part of most years brings a flurry of... Read More
Is your home décor lacking that extra something that spells... Read More
Maybe you've faced it before ? a new house with... Read More
Ladies, we spend a lot of time in the morning... Read More
What would you like in the backyard that is great... Read More
This week we are going to continue our series on... Read More
A bathroom vanity is the centerpiece of your bathroom. Regardless... Read More
Do you need a decorative, quality, recessed locking mailbox for... Read More
A lot of attention has been focused on gel candle... Read More
Your home is your castle. You decide, possibly together with... Read More
The last thing you would think about when you are... Read More
Motion detectors are in use all around us in both... Read More
Gas stoves are those preferred by professionals. The heat distribution... Read More
Securing your property is one of the growing domestic issues... Read More
My Grandmother used to say to me "Nothing cheap is... Read More
Home Improvement |