Hi all, new to the forums, thank you in advance!
I’m going to be replacing my first floor windows. To give you an idea of the job: I have exterior trim around the current windows I’ll be removing, removing the old nail fin vinyl windows, and installing new nail fin windows and trim. I have the procedure worked out, but I have 1 problem I can’t get the right solution for.
On the inside of my windows, there is no trim around the window; it buts up right along side of the interior drywall and only a bottom wood sill for decoration. After I install the windows, I won’t be able to use spray foam insulation from the inside to seal for thermal/wind. What are my options?
What I’ve thought of so far is using a sill seal foam and wrap the window before install. Hopefully finding one with adhesive on one half and about 2″ wide. Any advice would be great.
Thank you!
Replies
Nothing saying that you couldn't drill a series of holes through the fins and insert the tip of the gun through them. You're going to be covering the fins with flashing anyways.
Or.... Drill through the drywall on the inside and insert the gun tip from the inside. That's easy to fix.
I agree with above - drill holes and install it through them. Make sure to use the low expansion type. You could also line the opening with backer rod - diameter would need to provide for a tight fit (not too tight).
Unless the new windows are the same dimensions as the original, you will have to rework that drywall return. Trimming the edge back to allow sealing is then no extra work.
Depending on the differences in the window thickness, It may be easier to pull the drywall return and install new.
Some reference material:
https://www.finehomebuilding.com/project-guides/drywall/drywall-window-returns
https://www.finehomebuilding.com/project-guides/drywall/wrapping-window-buildouts
Thank you all for the recommendations so far. In regards to drilling holes through the nail fin: I've thought of that and seems like a decent solution, however, I'm worried that will knock the windows out of warranty and screw me in the future if any issues arise (even if I personally think it would seal up just fine after taping).
I do believe the windows are the same jamb thickness (3.25") which should allow me to not have to do any drywall work. Honestly, kind of hoping for that because I'd prefer no extra work. Now if the new windows are less wide, that would be ideal: I would then have a gap to fill with foam and I could wood trim it afterwards, nice and easy. If they're more wide than the current windows, then I'm looking at drywall work.
No suggestions about adding sill seal around the window prior to install?
I think your concern about the warranty is misplaced. It is the seals on the insulated glass units that are the reason a good warranty is needed. The fins don't affect the integrity of the IGUs. Crank mechanisms, locks, etc are not going to fail. ..and so what if they do? Crank mechanisms are only $30.
If a seal fails no company is going to make you remove the exterior brick/siding of your home to determine if it is covered by the warranty. With a photo, etc, of the fogged glass they'll simply ship you a new IGU. There's no need to pull out a window to replace the glass.
I want to advise you that wood walls will shrink in height. Even as little as 1/4 inch will cause problems. If your home is brick or stone veneer, the vinyl window will settle with the house but the brick or stone window sills will not settle. Consequently, the vinyl window sill might start sloping toward the house. If this happens, you will need to hire a stone mason to reset the stone window sills so that everything slopes away from the house. I can't stress enough how important it is to watch for it and have it corrected if it happens.
That totally makes sense, I guess there's no way they're make me remove any outter trim or siding for that type of warranty. So, that means I can use the idea of drilling multiple holes and using a low expansion foam to fill. Definitely have to be careful as I can't see what I'm filling
Personally and professionally,
I would not install any windows or doors in a wall without shimming from the inside. Which means changing the finish to interior trim or redoing the drywall returns. Lasting install as well as full insulation.