Hello–
We’re getting ready to build our first home (translated: we don’t know very much about anything yet!), and just purchased some “new” Pella windows on e-bay. Many of them came without nailing fins. Does anyone know what we should do about this?
Most of the windows were fixed, and we were planning on using them as transoms. However, many of them say “Install this side up”, going vertically, instead of horizontally, as we would like to use them. Is there some reason a fixed window could not be installed turned on its side?
Thank you so much! Wendy
Replies
Nailing fins are a relatively recent development. Windows were installed for eons without them. You simply sit the windows in the rough openings, get them level and plumb with shims, making sure that they are positioned correctly in relation to the plane of the wall, and fasten them in place, either using nails or screws through the jambs into the studs through the shims. and be careful not to bow the frame by driving too tight. You can often cover the fasteners with the stop. Alternatively, you can fasten them by attaching the casing to the window and then using that as your nailing flange.
Mike Hennessy
Pittsburgh, PA
Edited 2/19/2007 12:23 pm ET by MikeHennessy
I may be wrong on this point, but, aren't 'new construction' windows built with nailing fins while 'replacement' window are built without fins?Do everything you do to the very best of your ability, or don't bother doing it at all.
I may be wrong on this point, but, aren't 'new construction' windows built with nailing fins while 'replacement' window are built without fins?
Steve,
You just order the windows however you want them -- specify WITH fins or WITHOUT.
We like to order them WITHOUT the fins because the fins tend to interfere with the casings. (We typically work on pre 1930s houses, so finish trim is important).
Edited 2/21/2007 10:59 pm ET by Ragnar17
some can be turned and some maybe better not to.
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where ...
Excellence is its own reward!
If the windows have weep holes then thats the bottom of the window.
Turning them on their side will possibly trap water in the window frame. Not good.
Your windows will need outside stops if they are replacements.
You're such an inspiration,
For the ways I will never choose to be.
Thanks, everyone!
That makes sense about the nailing fins, since most of our e-bay windows are wrapped up as if new, so they must be older models. (Do you know how many years ago nailing fins became standard?)
If the window do not have weep holes (and are fixed windows), do you think we can turn them on their sides?
Wendy
yesYou're such an inspiration,For the ways I will never choose to be.
husker,
I was putting in Pellas with metal nailing fins 15 years ago. All time before that is lost in the fog.
Ron
Up in my area I know that at one time you could buy the nailing fins from Pella and install them yourself. Don't know if that is still the case
PLEASE be careful rotating the windows. If they are roll form clad (thin aluminum appliaed the the wood sash) then the overlap of the sheets is very important. If is installed in the wrong position, then it could trap moisture like a bowl.
"We don't know much about anything yet"
http://forums.jlconline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=33673
http://www.homeressources.com/forum/read.php?f=13&i=2049&t=2049
http://www.rjhiggins.com/pella.htm
Jeff
Edited 2/20/2007 1:52 am ET by Jeff_Clarke
Thanks for the list of forums. It made for hours of interesting (and sometimes horrifying!) reading. Do all aluminum-clad windows have rot problems? People mentioned problems with Marvin, Pella, and all the major brands.
What would you recommend for windows? All wood? Vinyl? Is there a brand of aluminum-clad windows that doesn't have problems with moisture leaking under the cladding? We are not starting to build our new home for about a year, so I'm in the process of gathering as much information right now as I can.
Thanks to everyone for the good advice.