Installation Instructions for CertainTeed New Construction Windows Handling vinyl windows CAUTION: Always store vinyl windows and doors in an upright position on a slight angle. Never lay them flat or on the jambs. Stack no more than five windows against each other. Don't drag on the ground. Use the appropriate number of people to handle. Store vinyl windows and doors in a cool shaded area. Extreme heat or direct sunlight can cause warpage to vinyl windows and doors that have not yet been installed. Remove shrinkwrap packaging. Avoid dropping or striking with any object (such as a hammer, etc.). Materials High-performance premium sealant, or its equivalent, which is compatible with vinyl materials must be used when installing CertainTeed vinyl windows and doors. Minimum specifications for sealant materials: Hardness (Durometer) > 15, but < 55 ASTM C-661 Adhesion (Peel) Min. 15 lb ASTM C-794 Joint Movement > or = 25% ASTM C-719 Shrinkage < or = 25% TT-S-001657 Solvent Content None Refer to sealant manufacturer for performance specifications and material characteristics before using. material must be able to adhere to PVC and the building materials which it contacts to form a seal. The surfaces that will come in contact with the sealant material must be cleaned and free of debris for maximum performance. Further preparation of the building surfaces may be necessary (check with sealant manufacturer for recommendations). Consult manufacturer's directions for application and usage of sealant material. IMPORTANT: CertainTeed Corporation is not responsible for the results of sealant or consequences which may stem from the installation of sealant material. Using Shims Various shims can be used to shim CertainTeed vinyl windows: square- and horseshoe-shaped plastic, fiberboard and wedge-shaped wood. When shimming with wedge-shaped wood shims, two must be used, as shown. Using single wedge shims will distort the window frame. Place the large end of the first shim away from you. Next, place the second shim, with the large end toward you, on top of the first shim. Carefully push the second shim back toward the Wood Shims large end of the first shim until the top surface meets the window frame. 20-55-712 2006 CertainTeed Corporation 12/06 Materials Different types of flashing may be used with new construction installations; be sure the flashing used maintains a constant minimum width of 6" for self-adhesive types and 9 for non-adhesive types. Check local building codes for type of flashing applicable for your area. In new construction, apply the flashing first, then add accessories and trim over the flashing. Rough Opening Preparation 1. efore installation of your CertainTeed new construction windows or doors, again verify the measurements of the rough opening using the steps on the previous page to ensure that window will have a proper fit. 2. Verify the window will fit the opening. Measure all four sides of the opening to make sure it is ½" larger than the window in both width and height. 3. Cut the weather resistant barrier as shown, drawing A. Make sure the diagonal cuts at the top corners allow for the head flashing to fit under the flap. 4. Fold the weather resistant barrier. Fold side and bottom flaps into the opening and staple to inside wall. Fold top flap up and temporarily fasten with flashing tape, drawing. 5. Install the sill flashing before the window is installed. Make sure the length of the sill flashing is equal to the frame sill width plus the width of the frame jamb flashing on each side. Fold the sill flashing along its length so that the flashing forms a 90-degree angle. Select the proper width of flashing material so that the flashing will cover the rough opening sill and face of the wall under the sill, drawing C. Cut the sill flashing along the fold line 6" to 8" or the width of the jamb flashing from each end. Fold each cut end of the flashing that will cover the sill upward 90-degrees. Attach the flashing onto the sill, drawing C. 6. Clean all debris from around the edges of the rough opening. Apply a 3/8" bead of high-performance sealant around the exterior perimeter of the rough opening within 3/8" from the edge where the window frame will seat against it, drawing D. Note: For the sealant to be effective, both the window and exterior facing surfaces must be clean, dry and free of any debris. Clean the surface of the nail fin that will contact the wall with a mild detergent. Rinse both surfaces fully and allow to dry completely. If the window needs to be taken out and re-installed, remove the sealant and reapply before the window is installed again to ensure an air- and water-tight installation. Fourth Cut A C D First Cut Third Cut Second Cut Exterior Rough Opening Jamb 45 O typical Fold Line Position on Rough Opening Rough Opening 3/8 ead Page 1 of 8
Installation Instructions for CertainTeed New Construction Windows Installing the Window 1. efore installing, be sure window sash(es) is closed and locked. 2. The sill of the rough opening must be in a continuous level condition for proper support the entire length of the vinyl window sill. If the rough opening sill is not level, the sill plate itself should be leveled or a continuous shim may be used. 3. With additional help or the appropriate equipment, lift and place the window into the rough opening of the exterior of the house. WARNING: Failure to use the appropriate assistance in lifting and placing the window into the opening can result in damage to the window or possible personal injury. 4. Place the sill directly on the sill plate. Center and rotate the window frame into the rough opening. 5. Press the window firmly into the sealant and loosely fasten one of the upper corners. 6. Check the frame jambs for plumb and straightness. Shim as necessary to hold frame in place. Make sure that the window is not twisted in the opening. Shim the bottom of the jambs at the sill to keep the window centered during adjustments. 7. Take diagonal measurements to ensure the window frame is within 1/8". Shim to hold frame in place after adjusting. IMPORTANT: Casement windows must have both the lock and hinge jambs shimmed to prevent bowing. Remove the casement shipping clip only after the window frame is fully shimmed and anchored (clip is designed to prevent the sash from bowing during shipping). 8. Close the sash until it meets the edge of the window frame; check the reveal between the sash and frame to be sure the gap is even along the entire edge of the sash, see drawing A. Slider window A Frame/Sash Reveal A 9. Securely fasten window frame to the rough framing through the center of the slots in the nail fin. Use roofing nails or #8 screws that penetrate a minimum of 1" into the rough framing. CAUTION: Do not fasten through the sill of the frame to secure the window. This will reduce the performance of the window. When fastening at the head and jambs, be sure that the frame remains straight and does not bow as this will prevent the sash(es) from operating correctly. Place fasteners through the slots closest to each corner, at the mullions, and at the sash meeting rails. Also fasten through every other nail slot or at a maximum spacing of 14" from center to center. FOR NEW CASTLE XT HUNG WINDOWS ONLY: Place #8 corrosion resistant screws into the predrilled holes at the midpoint of frame jamb balance pockets at the meeting rails. Shim all fastener locations. IMPORTANT: For brick applications allow a minimum of 1/4" between the frame and brick for expansion and settling; see drawing. For New Castle XT with an integral J-channel, the J- channel leg must be removed before installation in all brick applications. To remove, use a utility knife to score a line at the base of the leg where it meets the frame. reak the score line and remove the leg; see drawing C. For New Castle XT only, use a J-channel pocket cover before installation of the window instead of removing the J-channel leg. Snap the pocket cover into place over the J-channel pocket at the head, sill and jambs; see drawing D. Proper installation is required to ensure smooth window operation. It is highly recommended to check general operation and locking prior to the installation of exterior and interior trim. For double-hung windows: Remove the shipping clips before tilting the sash(es) inward. 1/4 Gap Here 1/4 acker Rod J-Channel Leg C D J-Channel Pocket Cover Score and remove along this line Casement Frame/Sash A Reveal A Hung window Frame/Sash Reveal 20-55-712 2006 CertainTeed Corporation 12/06 Page 2 of 8
Installation Instructions for CertainTeed New Construction Windows Sealing and Trimming 1. When the window is in place, sealed, properly adjusted and secured, install the jamb and head flashing. The flashing must cover the nailing fin and butt tightly against the 6 frame body of the 6 window. 2. Apply the vertical flashing pieces by overlapping the previously installed sill flashing. The length of the vertical flashing is equal to the window height plus 1" less than the combined widths of the sill and head flashing. 3. Apply the frame head flashing, making sure to overlap the previously installed 1 vertical flashing. The length of the frame head flashing is equal to the window width plus the width of the vertical flashing on each side. The head flashing should extend about 1" above the top edge of the vertical flashing. House Wrap Applications: Fold house wrap flap down over the flashing. Tape the seam as shown. e sure the diagonal cuts at the top corners allow the head flashing to fit under the flap, drawing A. 4. Complete the necessary exterior trim and or exterior cladding. 5. Place a bead of sealant around the entire window, between the frame and the exterior trim/cladding material. With numerous exterior facings in building construction, in general, all exterior perimeter sealing will be similar. Each installation should be considered individually for special conditions. Normally a 1/4" sealant gap is optimum. A clearance of 1/4" should therefore be left between the window frame and the building facing material. Foam backer rod, drawing, should be used to allow the formation of an equal 1/4" diameter bead of sealant between the window frame and the building facing. For the sealant to be effective, both the window and exterior facing surfaces must be clean, dry and free of any debris. If necessary, clean the surface of the vinyl window frame with a mild detergent. Rinse both surfaces fully and allow to dry completely. Stucco and brick surfaces must be brushed fully to remove any loose material. Use a sealant material that is compatible with the PVC frame and the adjoining building material - stucco, brick, wood siding, vinyl siding, etc. 6. Tool face of the sealant to remove air bubbles and prevent any trapping of moisture that could lead to material degradation. IMPORTANT: Do not block the exterior weep holes at the sill when trimming out the exterior of the window. These must be kept free and clear of obstacles inasmuch as they function to weep moisture out of the window frame; see drawings C and D. 7. Properly insulate the space around the perimeter of the interior of the window between it and the rough opening (drawing A) using fiber glass, styrofoam, etc. CAUTION: To insulate, pre-cut strips of fiber glass insulation are recommended. If using spray-in type foam insulation, use only non-expanding professional grade with a trigger spray gun. Do not over pack; this will cause the frame to distort causing operating and performance problems. 8. Trim out the interior of the window. Cautions and Notes CAUTION: Any product that penetrates the envelope of an EIFS structure must be installed and sealed properly. Consult your EIFS designer, EIFS manufacturer and sealant manufacturer for their recommended practices. CAUTION: Do not drill through the CertainTeed new construction or replacement window frame or sash to install security system devices. Drilling through the window frame or sashes will cause structural and performance degradation and may void the warranty. WARNING: CertainTeed window components are not provided with safety glass as a standard feature. roken glass can fragment and cause injury. uilding codes may require safety glass in certain locations. uilding codes and regulations vary throughout the country. Check with your local code official or governing body for building requirements in your area. CertainTeed Corporation reserves the right to modify, obsolete, delete or add product lines and to make changes to these instructions at anytime without notice. IMPORTANT: The manufacturer assumers no responsibility for the consequesnces of inadequate or improper installation or lack of care for the installed product. A 1/4 acker Rod Seal Gap Around Exterior Perimeter Nail Fin Weep Hole Weep Hole C D Nail Fin 20-55-712 2006 CertainTeed Corporation 12/06 Page 3 of 8
Stud Wall With Vinyl Siding New Castle XT Vinyl Siding Sheathing or Rigid Insulation TYP. at, Jamb & Undersill Trim Shim 20-55-712 2006 CertainTeed Corporation 12/06 Page 4 of 8
Stud Wall With Vinyl Siding -- alternate New Castle XT Vinyl Siding Sheathing or Rigid Insulation TYP. at, Jamb & Undersill Trim Shim 20-55-712 2006 CertainTeed Corporation 12/06 Page 5 of 8
Stud Wall With Wood Siding Insulate Series Wood Siding Sheathing or Rigid Insulation Wood Trim TYP. at, Jamb & Shims 20-55-712 2006 CertainTeed Corporation 12/06 Page 6 of 8
Stud Wall With rick Veneer Insulate Series Sheathing or Rigid Insulation rick Veneer Galvanized Steel Lintel acker Rod Shims TYP. at, Jamb & acker Rod rick Galvanized 20-55-712 2006 CertainTeed Corporation 12/06 Page 7 of 8
Stud Wall With Stucco New Castle XT Netting Sheathing or Rigid Insulation Cement Stucco Shims TYP. at, Jamb & 20-55-712 2006 CertainTeed Corporation 12/06 Page 8 of 8