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Installing Vinyl Windows and Avoiding Leaks
How to Install Leak Free Vinyl Window Replacements
By Mark J. Donovan
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Many homeowners with older homes are finding themselves
today replacing their old windows with vinyl window replacements. In many
cases the old wooden windows are no longer functional or the window sashes
have simply rotted and/or are severely checked. It’s important to install
vinyl widows properly to avoid leaks. Often they’re installed incorrectly
and the homeowner finds water dripping down the interior of their walls
during rain storms or small puddles on the window sills or floors adjacent
to the newly installed vinyl windows.
Key to a successful leak free vinyl window installation is properly flashing
and sealing it. |
For example, as part of the vinyl window replacement installation a thick
bead of water proof sealant should be applied all around the outside face edge
of the original window frame. I highly suggest using a 100% silicone caulk,
although latex caulk can also work. Silicone caulk is significantly more
expensive than latex caulk, however it is much more flexible and less apt to dry
out and crack. Also keep in mind you’ll probably need 2 to 3 tubes of caulk per
window depending upon the size of the window. When caulking around the exterior
of the window frame keep in mind that caulking around the top of the window is
most critical. So if you’re going to skimp anywhere on the application of caulk,
don’t do it on the top edge of the window frame. If you want to skimp at all
with the caulk, use the silicone caulk on top of the window frame and the latex
based caulk on the sides and under the window frame.
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Also, if installing the vinyl window in a clapboard sided
house, make sure to install Z-strip flashing above the window frame if it is
not already there. The Z-strip flashing will ensure no water gets behind the
window frame and underneath the clapboards.
Once you’ve applied caulk around the window frame, next install the vinyl
window replacement. Place the new vinyl window into the window frame opening
and make sure it is plumb and level. With the aid of a second pair of hands
have someone hold the vinyl window firmly in place while you fasten the
window to the window frame with non-corrosive screws. |
Once the window has been screwed into place go back with your caulking gun
and caulk around the exterior lip of the vinyl window to ensure a leak free
window. By effectively sandwiching the new vinyl window replacement lip with
caulk you will ensure a leak free window.
After the caulk has had time to fully dry, go back a week or two later and check
around the window frame to ensure that there are no gaps in the caulk. This can
often happen if you are installing vinyl windows in a stucco sided home or any
other rough surface house siding. If you find any gaps, fill them with caulk.
So that’s all there is to it for installing vinyl windows and avoiding leaks.
Good luck with your vinyl window replacements.
For more information on
Installing a New Window, see the
Installing a New Window Ebook from
HomeAdditionPlus.com. The Installing a New Window Ebook provides
easy to understand, step-by-step instructions, on how to remove an old window
and install a new one. Pictures are included for every key step in the process. Related Information
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