installing a replacement vinyl window - Lateral-g Forums

**WSSix** · #1 03-27-2021, 10:18 PM

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.

dhutton · #2 03-28-2021, 07:50 AM

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

**WSSix** · #3 03-28-2021, 09:26 AM

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.

joeko23 · #4 03-28-2021, 01:04 PM

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.

dhutton · #5 03-28-2021, 02:57 PM

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

**WSSix** · #6 03-28-2021, 04:00 PM

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

I appreciate the response, Joe.

joeko23 · #7 03-28-2021, 04:47 PM

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.

**WSSix** · #8 03-28-2021, 07:29 PM

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.

joeko23 · #9 03-28-2021, 11:07 PM

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.

joeko23 · #10 03-29-2021, 09:18 AM

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.