18 Steps for Installing Commercial Windows and Best Practices

Author : comal window | Published On : 30 Jan 2024

High-performance windows help save energy and blocks different types of harmful light. This saves huge amounts of money while making a more pleasant indoor space.

The truth is that new windows cost a lot. But, if you're a skilled DIYer with an extra pair of hands you may be able to save dollars on windows by putting them up yourself. Selecting the best window installation products such as Com-al window flashing Products as well as Polyguard vapor barriers that peel and stick can ensure the longevity and long-term durability of your brand new windows.

Considerations When Installing Windows

  • The local ordinances might require the local building inspector to make sure that flashing (and the window installation details) is in compliance with local building codes.
  • In 2021, the IBC ( 1405.4) and IRC ( R703.4.1) requires the installation of flashings on the windows that face the outside and door openings in order to stop moisture from getting into the wall, or redirecting it towards the exterior.
  • Additionally, DOE Zero Energy Ready Home and Energy Star Certified Homes require flashing around windows and doors.
  • To keep the warranty of your window it is necessary to apply flashing to a particular window in accordance with the manufacturer's guidelines. However, the majority of builders adhere to an routine of steps when flashing around windows that are brand new.

Check out the following 18 basic steps to install commercial windows. Be sure to follow the window manufacturer's instructions.

18 Steps to Installing Commercial Windows

The right windows, properly installed and flashed, can add value to your house or building. They also help save energy and money for many long time to be. Installing a brand new, air- and water-tight, window requires the layering of window flashings that are specific to the area. Each layer covers the one underneath it, directing water flow downwards and away.

Step 1: Wrap Weather or Vapor Resistant Barrier Around Window Edges

Make sure the window's opening and the surrounding surfaces are free of dust, clean and dry. Apply a walls with a vapor barrier (house wrap) around the edge (jambs as well as the sills) on the window's rough openings in order to ensure that water is not able to enter the window.

Polyguard Peel and Stick Vapor Barriers

Easy to install peel-and-stick vapor barriers are the most preferred barriers to water vapour for commercial, residential and industrial buildings. A good peel-and stick barrier offers quick adherence, long-lasting durability, and also puncture, sunlight as well as chemical resistance. They also do not contain VOCs. The Polyguard peel and stick products offer all the following features:

  • Aluma Flash Plus weather-resistant barriers
  • PEEL-N-STICK(tm) Aluminum Roll Roofing
  • Home Stretch(tm) 'Peel' N Stick/ICF Waterproofing

Our products ensure a top-quality long-lasting, durable vapor barrier for your windows if properly installed.

 

 

 

Step 2. Back Dam

Make a back dam or positive slope of the sill in order to eliminate the water from getting into in the walls cavity. To accomplish this, remove the vapor barrier that is on the sill, and then lay the tapered piece of wood or clapboard onto the sill, placing the thicker side facing the side of the frame. Adhere the wood piece to the frame, then remove the vapor barrier over it. The rough opening's width should be raised by approximately 1/2 inch to make room for that back dam.

Step 3. Pull Back Header Vapor Barrier

Retract the vapor barrier and fix the vapor barrier over the header to reveal the foot of substrate.

Step 4. Apply Self-Stick Flashing Tape

Cut a strip of tape with a flashing length plus six inches that is, it covers by three inches.

Step 5: Remove Backing

The sticky backing off the flashing, and then install the flashing on the sill.

Step 6: Cut Window Sills

The window's sill should be cut in the corners of the opening so that you are able to fold it over the service for barrier.

Step 7: Cut Flashings for Corners

Install flashing patches by cutting them into strips, putting them in each corner.

Step 8. Prepare Window for Leveling

  • Make a line horizontal across the nailing fin in the middle point of the windows' vertical sides.
  • Decide where you would like to position the window's center on the wall. Mark the center point on both sides of the opening. Use a level to trace a horizontal line starting from the center point to mark away from the opening. This should be done on both horizontal sides of the opening.

Step 9: Center the Window

Insert the window into the opening rough and place it in the middle.

  • The window should be centered to the exterior by slid the window in a tight position into the opening in the upper right.
  • Mark the area where the fin (on the right side) meets the exterior wall.
  • Then move your window towards the left and mark the point the point where the fin is positioned to touch the wall's exterior.
  • Divide the line in half.
  • The window should be lowered back to the halfway point within the line, and then center the window inside the opening.
  • The window must be removed from the opening in the rough.

Step 10: Apply Caulking

Create a dam at the middle of the sill using caulking in the form of a dot, similar to the Poly Wall(r) Blue Barrier(tm) Joint Filler 2200. The dam will stop the water from entering the interior of the house or the building.

 

 

 

Caulk on the sill close along the corners and along the sides about three or 4 inches.

Apply a small amount of caulking around the rough opening's exterior sides and upper edges. Don't put the caulking at the lower edge.

Poly Wall(r) Blue Barrier(tm) Joint Filler 2200

It is possible to use Blue Barrier(tm) Joint Filler 2200 (a structural adhesive and detail sealant) to draw chalk lines across window openings as well as prepare surfaces prior to applying other poly Wall(r) Blue Barrier(tm) products to Window and Door Flashings and Air Barriers. We created Joint Filler 2200 utilizing Silyl Terminated Polyether (STPE) Technology.

Step 11: Leveling the Window

Lift the window into the opening by pulling back those nail fins.

  • Find the center line of the nail fin to the horizontal line on the wall outside. A person within the home to move the window using a shim until you can see the marks coincide, and then put one nail into the fin close to the lines.
  • For the window to be level, align with the other nail's fin center mark with a horizontal line on the outside wall. Also, let an inside assistant make the window level until both lines line to the top, and then place one nail in the area of the markings.

Step 12: Squaring the Window

  • Install a level on the right aspect of the window. The window can be adjusted to the exterior until it is level.
  • Inject nails in a loose manner.
  • Make sure the window remains rectangular by measuring it diagonally, using a an instrument, starting beginning from the corner and ending at another. Measure the same from all the corners. The measurements must be similar for windows that are square.
  • The unit can be adjusted and centered by placing shanks beneath the sill and behind the jambs that are on the sides.
  • Put in several nails
  • Also, make sure the window is level and level before you insert the other nails.
  • Inside, place windowshims on the inside of your sill between it and the window. It should be secure. It will help keep the window in position.
  • Fill all holes, especially around corners, using caulking.

Step 13: Cut Flashing

Cut and measure two pieces of flashing so that they overlap that window sill.

Step 14: Extend Flashing Over Opening

Then, at the top and bottom of the window extend the flashing 3 inches over and below the opening.

Step 15. Roll Flashing

Make use of a hand roller to roll all the flashing services to ensure the bond is sealed.

Step 16: Extend Flashing Beyond Jamb Flashing

Cut and measure one piece of flashing that overlaps and extend by two inches above the flashing jamb on the surface (wood).

Step 17: Fold Vapor Barrier Over Header

The vapor barrier should be folded over the header and place it on top of windows. Cut two 6-inch flashing sections to protect the 45-degree cuts as well as that of the vapor barrier.

Step 18: Install a Drip Cap

Install a drip cap on the top of the window to let the water and prevent it from leaking through the glass.

Highly successful commercial window installation using Com-AL Products

Commercial windows can be a great way to save cash by putting in windows yourself. Follow the 18 steps above, and follow the directions of the manufacturer. But your successful window-installation project is contingent on the quality of window products you choose to use such as the Com-AL window Flashing Products as well as Polyguard's peel-and-stick vapor barriers.

 

Installing commercial windows correctly using Com-AL products will ensure the windows' strength as well as their efficiency and long-term durability by preventing moisture from entering. They can also decrease the use of energy and enhance the air quality.

Do not be afraid to reach out to com-al Window professionals right now to learn more about how to set up commercial windows in Perth.