installing a replacement vinyl window
 

Alright everyone, I know this is a car forum but we've got some smart and ingenious people on here so I'm hoping one of you can help me. I cannot figure out how to install this vinyl replacement window in my house.

Last year, I had my master bathroom redone. I had the contractor buy a third window at the time for future installation in the other bathroom. The future is now. Unfortunately, I did not see how they installed the two in the master. I also can't get them to come out and install this third one now as they're too busy.

I've read a lot about installing windows and every single time they say put screws through the window frame into the house framing. There are no screws visible holding the two windows in in the master bath. I see nothing holding those windows in. There are no filled holes or beauty caps. There's nothing visible. Since these are replacement windows, there's no flange along the outside that gets covered by siding either.

Anyone have an idea how the window should be secured to the house? It's just a 24" single hung window.

https://i.imgur.com/a5x61D4.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/7YAow3N.jpg

If you don’t see any screws it is most likely held in with caulk, spray foam, and the trim moldings.

I’ve always used screws. Don’t forget to use shims so you don’t distort the frame.

Don

I appreciate the response, Don. That's what I'm thinking, too. It is a small window after all. However, I just don't know.

I have an idea to basically build a frame around it that I can then use to level, square, and secure the window to the frame of the house. I've thought about putting screws from the outside into the vinyl, too. Basically, hidden hardware. Seems excessive though for the installation of a window.

There should be a channel inside on the left and right that pops open. This channel conceals the balance mechanism. You are supposed to put the screws there. 2 screws on the left and 2 on the right is more than enough on a small window like that. Make sure the window is shimmed and leveled before you put the screws. Then everything gets concealed by that channel. As far as from outside, you will need to buy some flashing material and make a moulding out of it to cover any gaps between window and siding. Then the perimeter gets siliconed. I’m a house flipped, I see these installs all the time. You can get a contractor to install the window, typical price is $150 per window for install.

There you go. It sounds like I installed a bunch of these the wrong way but I sure didn’t see any hidden channels on the ones I installed. They were true double hung without a fixed upper panel. Both panels could tilt in.

Thanks Joe!

Don

I'm not seeing a hidden channel or cover either. That sure would be nice though.

https://i.imgur.com/sYhQhzY.jpg

I appreciate the response, Joe.

The top and bottom probably pop out on yours. All the installs I’ve seen have a channel on the left and right that pops open. I deal mostly with window world.

Also is there a channel when you open the bottom sash? The channel might be there. Then the other channel would be when you open the top sash.

It's a single hung window and the bottom does tilt in for cleaning.

If I was to put a screw through the channel with the sash, it would only be at the top as the bottom portion is where the window slides up and down. A screw down at the bottom would prevent the window from operating.

So first try to pop that channel on top out (marked with 1). If it pops out, put screws there. Also that means the bottom should pop out as well. If those channels don’t pop out then you can put screws at the top where I marked a circle and the bottom where I marked a circle. You can get this screws with white heads if you’d like. Also I’ll ask my window world rep how where they would put the screws. I’m really curious now as I’ve never noticed any exposed screws.

Ok so this morning I spoke to the rep from window world who forwarded the pics to his installers. They confirmed to try to pop the top channel where I marked (1). If that pops out then there should be a bottom channel that pops out. If the top channel does not pop out they said to put a screw at the top corner at an angle where I put a circle and a screw at the bottom corner outside. Also where I put a circle. They also recommended to use white head screws.

They also said to always use screws even if they are exposed. Window should never be installed just with silicone or expansion foam. They need to be screwed in and obviously shimmed so the window frame doesn’t distort.

I really appreciate you going to all this trouble for me, Joe. Thank you.

Nothing pops out. Matter of fact, I can't even figure out how to get the screen out, lol. These are not high end windows, but they're better than the aluminum frame single pane windows they're replacing.

What about this thin channel just inside from the edge that runs all the way around the window? Are there clips that maybe go into this channel and those clips get screwed to the frame? There appear to be grooves or teeth inside that something could lock into. I saw clips mentioned in directions I was reading for Pella, but I couldn't find any other mention anywhere. A search looking for the parts didn't produce results either.

https://i.imgur.com/JKn5yah.jpg


If this channel isn't anything, I believe that leaves me with two options. Build a frame around the window putting screws in through the wood into the vinyl. This would allow me to use the frame I build to secure the window to the house and level the window. My biggest concern is will the vinyl actually grip the screws and hold torque?

Or, do like you mentioned Joe and go through at the two points you identified.

Yes try to pry there and see if it pops open. If not I would put the screws on the top and bottom as mentioned before.

This is a replacement window so it should be the same size as an existing window frame right? Why are you building a new frame? Also the screw gets screwed into vinyl then the existing wood frame. Not the other way around or then you’ll just have a sharp screw sticking out of the vinyl. The wood frame is supposed to hold the window not the vinyl.

No, not entirely the same size. I'll need to bring in some frame pieces and make a better rough opening. The original window had a 1x4 frame built around it and it was secured on two sides, side and top, to the house. I'll close opening in with framing so I can seal the house better too. The house was built in 1969. It wouldn't surprise me if this window was original.

I'm sorry if I wasn't clear. I would make a 1x4 frame around the window and the area that protruded past the window is where I would secure the window to the frame. The window frame is maybe 2 inches thick. The frame also has voids inside so I would only go through the first layer of vinyl into the void. The tips of the screws wouldn't stick all the way through. At least, that's the idea. As I said, I'm worried the vinyl couldn't hold the torque.

I think I'm just going to go with screws in the area you suggested as I'm not finding any part that pops off the frame to hide the screws.

Thanks, Joe.

Been following this thread. We wrapped up a remodel a week ago or so that was utilizing the same windows and one of my sub guys asked me about installation. The windows were in the garage and not installed yet. Same scenario as you Trey, my sub guy was changing out his windows at home, and couldn’t figure out how to install them to save his life. Same windows...

Build the new frame and attach to existing frame first. Then install the replacement window with shims. Do not screw frame to window with sharp end of screw protruding vinyl. Screw head has to be holding the vinyl.

That's my plan, Joe. I appreciate your help with this.

Well Scott, I'm glad this is hopefully helping you too. I plan to try and get the window installed today. We'll see. This has definitely been fun. I'll post pictures later once it's in.

Window's in now. I'll get some spray foam on it tomorrow. I thought 1 inch over for a rough opening was ok without being too much. However, I should have gone 1/2" over. Oh well, live and learn. Spray foam will fill in the gaps.

Thanks everyone!

https://i.imgur.com/h21qUJv.jpg

Congrats! Glad you finally got it in!