CertainTeed New Construction Windows

Installation Instructions for
CertainTeed New Construction Windows
Handling vinyl windows
Flashing Materials
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.
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.
Don't drag on the ground. Use the appropriate number of
people to handle.
Check local building codes for type of flashing applicable
for your area.
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.
In new construction, apply the flashing first, then add
accessories and trim over the flashing.
Remove shrinkwrap packaging.
Avoid dropping or striking with any object (such as a
hammer, etc.).
Sealant 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. Sealant
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
Wood Shims
shim back toward the
large end of the first shim
until the top surface meets
the window frame.
20-55-712 ©2006 CertainTeed Corporation 12/06
Rough Opening Preparation
Fourth Cut
First Cut
Third
Cut
Fold
Line
45O
typical
Second Cut
A
1. Before 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.
Exterior
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 B.
B
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.
Rough
Opening
Jamb
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.
C
Sill Flashing Position
on Rough Opening Sill
3/8”
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.
Sealant
Bead
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.
Rough Opening
D
Sill Flashing
Page 1 of 8
Installation Instructions for CertainTeed New Construction Windows
Installing the Window
1. Before 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.
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 B.
For New Castle XT with an integral J-channel, the Jchannel 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. Break 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.
B
1/4” Gap
Here
Sealant
1/4” Backer Rod
J-Channel
Leg
C
Score and remove
along this line
D
Sealant
J-Channel
Pocket Cover
For double-hung windows: Remove the shipping
clips before tilting the sash(es) inward.
Slider window
Frame/Sash Reveal
A
B
A Hung window
B
Frame/Sash Reveal
Casement
Frame/Sash
Reveal
A
B
20-55-712 ©2006 CertainTeed Corporation 12/06
Page 2 of 8
Installation Instructions for CertainTeed New Construction Windows
Sealing and Trimming
6”
6”
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
frame body of the
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.
1”
3. Apply the frame head
flashing, making
sure to overlap the
previously installed
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. Be
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 B, should be used to allow the formation of an equal 1/4" diameter bead of sealant
between the window frame and the building facing.
20-55-712 ©2006 CertainTeed Corporation 12/06
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.
A
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.
Sealant
1/4”
Backer
Rod
B
Seal Gap Around Exterior Perimeter
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.
C
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.
Nail Fin
D
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.
Broken glass can fragment and cause injury. Building
codes may require safety glass in certain locations.
Weep Hole
Weep
Hole
Nail
Fin
Building 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.
Page 3 of 8
Stud Wall With Vinyl Siding
New Castle XT
Slider Shown, others similar
Gypsum Board
Vinyl Siding
Sheathing or
Rigid Insulation
Head
Flashing
Sealant
TYP. at Head,
Jamb & Sill
Sill
Undersill Trim
Shim
Flashing
Drawings not to scale
20-55-712 ©2006 CertainTeed Corporation 12/06
Page 4 of 8
Stud Wall With Vinyl Siding -- alternate
New Castle XT
Slider Shown, others similar
Gypsum Board
Vinyl Siding
Head
Sheathing or
Rigid Insulation
Flashing
Sealant
TYP. at Head,
Jamb & Sill
Sill
Undersill
Trim
Shim
Flashing
Drawings not to scale
20-55-712 ©2006 CertainTeed Corporation 12/06
Page 5 of 8
Stud Wall With Wood Siding
Insulate Series
Slider Shown, others similar
Wood Siding
Gypsum Board
Sealant
Sheathing or
Rigid Insulation
Head
Wood Trim
Flashing
Sealant
Sealant
TYP. at Head,
Jamb & Sill
Shims
Sealant
Sill
Sealant
Flashing
Drawings not to scale
20-55-712 ©2006 CertainTeed Corporation 12/06
Page 6 of 8
Stud Wall With Brick Veneer
Insulate Series
Slider Shown, others similar
Sheathing
or Rigid
Insulation
Brick
Veneer
Gypsum Board
Head
Galvanized
Flashing
Flashing
Steel Lintel
Sealant
Backer Rod
Shims
Sealant
TYP. at Head,
Jamb & Sill
Backer Rod
Sealant
Sill
Brick
Sill
Galvanized
Flashing
Drawings not to scale
20-55-712 ©2006 CertainTeed Corporation 12/06
Page 7 of 8
Stud Wall With Stucco
New Castle XT
Slider Shown, others similar
Netting
Gypsum Board
Sheathing or
Rigid Insulation
Cement
Stucco
Head
Sealant
Flashing
Shims
Sealant
Sealant
TYP. at Head,
Jamb & Sill
Sill
Flashing
Drawings not to scale
20-55-712 ©2006 CertainTeed Corporation 12/06
Page 8 of 8