FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

nailing fins in the wrong place?

mptrauber | Posted in General Discussion on August 14, 2010 08:41am

Hi everyone, 

I’m a  homeowner with a window problem and…at the risk of thoroughly embarrassing myself with my lack of knowledge, realized that there was probably no better group to ask than folks hanging out at Fine Homebuilding.

Here goes. Please give me your opinions or otherwise enlighten me because I just can’t get things to add up. 

We’re adding new windows to an addition. We live in the southern US and plan on using hardiplank on top of the usual sandwich of housewrap and sheathing. Aluminum windows we ordered were delivered with nailing flanges about 1.5″ back from the front of the frame.

So, even with fat 6/4 trim and the thickest flashing I can find, the window frame face is going to be at least 1/2″ proud of the trim face. I don’t think that’s going to look right.

What do you guys think? The manufacturer said that that was their standard nailing fin position. 

Thanks in advance for any help.

Mike

 

  

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. mptrauber | Aug 14, 2010 08:42pm | #1

    oops

    "...*NO* better group..."

  2. davidmeiland | Aug 15, 2010 12:12am | #2

    From my perspective

    that sounds totally normal. They expect that a lot of people will install 3/4" siding and 3/4" trim on top of it, and that the window will be pretty much flush. In reality, siding and trim details vary, so the window sits a bit proud or is held a bit back from the face of the trim, and it's no big deal. You may be able to furr out the trim a little bit if you want to, without developing a gap behind it that isn't covered by the siding.

    Either way your hands are tied, because you need to nail the window to the sheathing and integrate it into the housewrap. So, the window goes where the window goes, and you trim out however you see fit.

    1. DanH | Aug 15, 2010 08:17am | #4

      Or, worst case, you can cut the damn flange off and install the windows like windows OUGHT to be installed.

      1. calvin | Aug 15, 2010 09:14am | #5

        cut the damn flange off and install the windows like windows....

        ...........OUGHT to be installed.

        What?

      2. mptrauber | Aug 15, 2010 10:50pm | #6

        here was my working solution

        I thought I'd rip the sillplate and jack stud 2x4s down to 3" or so, then tack those in creating a 1/2" to 3/4" inset.   

        Then, I'd use a flexible sill pan and flash the opening as usual, tack the window in, and insert a 1/2" to 3/4" spacer of PVC trim between the backside of the sheathing and front of the nail flange and flash again.

        It's not optimum, but I think I'd get at least as much weatherproofing as taking the fin off and installing "like windows ought to be installed."

        What do you guys think?

          

          

        1. DanH | Aug 15, 2010 11:03pm | #7

          What does that do to the projection on the inside?

          1. mptrauber | Aug 15, 2010 11:18pm | #8

            since the window...

            is about  2 5/8" from face to backside, it leaves it inset @ 2.5" from the interior wall plane (counting sheetrock).  

  3. Scott | Aug 15, 2010 12:29am | #3

    Just a goofy first thought... is there anything that can be done with two level trim? That is, trim with something like 4/4 and then add a bead of 2/4 on top.

  4. davidmeiland | Aug 16, 2010 12:06am | #9

    We have?

    Everyone's forgotten how to install windows

    Just for the sake of argument, and assuming this is a typical (old-school) aluminum window, and you cut the fins off.... how would you go about installing it?

  5. sapwood | Aug 16, 2010 12:32am | #10

    Install your wrb, siding, etc. as a rainscreen and your troubles are over.

    Bonus: you'll have a better outer envelope.

  6. DaveRicheson | Aug 18, 2010 06:17am | #11

    Are they truly aluminum windows or alum. clad wood windows?

    Just mussing about  how "windows ought to be installed".

    Been doing this stuff for 35 years and every window I ever installed, new  work or retro, came with instructions. Follow them for the proper installation.

    Don't like the exterior trim detail?

    Look for a differwent window manufacturer.

    1. TomE | Aug 19, 2010 10:15am | #12

      Follow the instructions

      Nice concept and not too hard to do either.

      1. DaveRicheson | Aug 20, 2010 06:07am | #13

        Took me a few years to learn that myself.

        Manufacturers are slippery creatures. Get a call back on a product failure and not have installed it to thier specs and they will squirm old of  any responsibility every time.

  7. Clewless1 | Aug 21, 2010 09:20am | #14

    I think you're fretting about this thing way too much. Relax. Back off and rethink.

    I agree ... follow manuf recommendations for installation. Also, I installed my vinyl windows and their frames are a bit proud of the trim. I flashed the top trim, not the window frame. But if you need/want to flash the frame, you could have some flashing made in short order if not otherwise available.

  8. Clewless1 | Aug 21, 2010 09:21am | #15

    I'd install them the way they are manufactured/designed to be installed

  9. Shep | Aug 21, 2010 04:38pm | #16

    I'd install the windows with the nailing flanges as is, then build out the casings to where they're flush or slightly proud of the windows. Then bend some metal drip cap to flash the top.

    Its not a big deal. I've done similar plenty of times.

    1. mptrauber | Aug 21, 2010 06:29pm | #17

      Thanks everyone! And...this is why women are almost solely...

      responsible for the continuation of the human race.

      After days of watching me make drawings, post to building boards and generally gnash my teeth over coming up with the best solution, my dear wife picks up the phone, calls the manufacturer and ...hmmm...how do you say this..."assertively reminds" them of having told them several times they were being installed with siding.

      They're taking them back and flipping the nailing fin (which I figured out finally might be possible after looking at their shop drawings online) free of charge.   

      I am a lucky, lucky man. 

      I'd imagine most of us are. 

      1. DanH | Aug 21, 2010 06:34pm | #18

        I kind of suspected that you'd gotten the wrong style.  Good that it can be corrected so cheaply.

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Guest Suite With a Garden House

This 654-sq.-ft. ADU combines vaulted ceilings, reclaimed materials, and efficient design, offering a flexible guest suite and home office above a new garage.

Featured Video

A Modern California Home Wrapped in Rockwool Insulation for Energy Efficiency and Fire Resistance

The designer and builder of the 2018 Fine Homebuilding House detail why they chose mineral-wool batts and high-density boards for all of their insulation needs.

Related Stories

  • From Victorian to Mid-Century Modern: How Unico Fits Any Older Home
  • Designing the Perfect Garden Gate
  • Vintage Sash Windows Get an Energy-Efficient Upgrade
  • Design and Build a Pergola

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 332 - July 2025
    • Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools
    • Fight House Fires Through Design
    • Making the Move to Multifamily
  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2024
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data