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Avoiding Leaks
When Installing Vinyl Retrofit Windows
by John Rocco
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These days a lot of homeowners are replacing their old windows with vinyl
windows using the retrofit style of window frame. This is particularly true in
the west, and specifically, in California. The number one argument that I have
heard against using the retrofit method, is that it is susceptible to water
leaks. Well, that's true if you don't do it properly. But, if you do a complete
tearout of your old window down to the studs, you're going to have water leak
issues there as well if you don't install the new window properly. So I think
that argument is, well, all wet. So, let me tell you the best way to install
your retrofit windows that will ensure that water cannot get in. |
There is an old song that goes, "It never rains in California, but girl don't
they warn ya, it pours, man it pours". For those of you in California, you know
how true this is. While California doesn't get a lot of annual rainfall,
when it does rain, it can come down in buckets due to the close proximity to
the ocean. So, you want to be sure that your windows are well sealed. If you
are installing retrofit frames against a stucco house, you want to put a
thick bead of sealant right on the outside face of the old window frame, all
the way around.
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Latex caulk should work fine, but if you want to spend a
little more to get the best sealant available, use 100% silicone. Depending
on the number of windows you will be doing, this extra cost can add up. You
pay approximately $1 for a tube of acrylic latex caulk, and $4 or more for a
tube of 100% silicone. You are going to use 1-3 tubes per window, depending
on the size. So you can see how it could add up. Here is a trick that I used
to do to save a little money; The most vulnerable part of your installation
is the top of the window, because gravity will have the water running down
from the roof to the ground. |
It's not likely
that water is going to find it's way through the sides or bottom. So, I used to
carry two caulking guns, and load one with the silicone, and the other with the
acrylic caulk. I would run the silicone across the top of the old frame, and
caulk the sides and bottom. Then, put your new window into the opening and have
a helper hold it firmly in place while you plumb and level it, then screw it
into place. After you have the window completely installed, your final step
should be to caulk where the retrofit lip meets the stucco. Here again, I used
to use white silicone on the top, and caulk on the sides and bottom. You now
have a double barrier against water infiltration. After about a week, check the
sealant around each window for signs of cracking. Because stucco is usually
uneven, there could have been gaps that were larger in some areas than in
others. If you don't force the caulk into the gap to completely fill it, the
caulk can sag before drying, causing a crack to form. Simply recaulk over any
cracks that you see. You can check the silicone on top as well, but because
silicone dries like a rubber substance, you shouldn't see any cracks there.
OK, what if the replacement windows are going between wood trim surrounding the
opening? If you are using the retrofit lip, and trimming it to fit between the
wood, then you still apply the heavy bead to the old frame before installing the
window. But, instead of sealing where the retrofit lip meets the stucco, you
seal where it meets the wood. Then, you want to be sure to seal above the
window, where the top piece of wood meets the stucco. Again, use silicone up
there. Now, no water can run down the stucco wall and get under the top piece of
wood. Sometimes, though, you might decide not to use a retrofit style frame
between the wood, choosing a block replacement frame instead. If you choose to
do it this way, you have to add trim to the outside. You still want to apply the
sealant to the old frame, then apply your trim so it contacts the new window as
well as the sealant on the old frame.
If you follow these procedures, you won't have to worry about any water
penetrating into your home, I don't care how hard it pours!
About the Author:
John Rocco has been installing replacement
windows since 1978.
To learn more, visit
How-To-Install-Windows.com
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.
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