Hi,
We had some North Star vinyl windows installed in a cabin. The installers just used shims on the bottom to level them, nailed them with the nail fin, and spray foamed the gap.
The manufacturer says to shim every 16″ and attach through the sides with screws. This was not done. We obviously hired the wrong people and didn’t know what to watch for.
At this point, do we cut out some spray foam, add shims and screw the windows in? Are we going to get into any trouble doing this?
Do we just add the shims for screws or shim every 16″?
The cabin is seasonal and on piers, so some movement is to be expected.
Thanks!!
Replies
Seems like it depends somewhat on the dimensions of the window, and other details (do the windows open).
There is always room for trouble re-doing work.
The last thing you would want is for a mismatch between the foam and new shims that deform the window frame.
Adding shims after the foam has been installed doesn't make sense to my mind. The shims are there to hold things in place while the foam is setting. If you windows are plumb and square and operate properly I would just screw the jambs into place and call it a day.
Window problems are hard to avoid, my family uses a sliding window style and has the problem of getting water in when it rains heavily. We had to deal with it by drilling small holes in the bottom of the door so that the water would not collect and escape.
venge io
I agree with Sawdust Steve, that if the windows are plumb and square, and operate well, the windows should be fine as installed. The spray foam around the windows provides excellent support when cured. One exception is if DAP Window and Door foam is used as it has a marshmallow consistency when cured, where you might want to add shims to provide better support for the vinyl windows...