Vinyl Flush Fin Windows
Product Information
The product described in the user manual is a vinyl window,
available in two types: Vinyl Flush Fin Windows and Vinyl Windows
with Nailing Fin. The flush fin window is designed for retro-fit
installation into an existing window frame with a 3/8 or wider
return that protrudes past or is flush with the exterior siding.
The window is sealed to this surface, and there should be no fins
or lips extending beyond this vertical plane. The vinyl window with
a nailing fin incorporates an integral nail fin for
installation.
The installation instructions provided are recommended by
JELD-WEN but do not supersede any national, provincial, or local
building codes. In Canada, installation in strict compliance with
CSA A440-4 is considered an alternate method and does not affect
the JELD-WEN limited warranty. The instructions also mention that
newer construction methods have increased air and water tightness
in buildings, which can lead to negative air pressure inside the
home and draw water through small openings. The installation method
integrates the window with the weather barrier, typically building
wrap.
Product Usage Instructions
Vinyl Flush Fin Windows
Before installing Vinyl Flush Fin Windows, ensure the following
prerequisites are met:
- Drywall return
- Exterior siding
- No extending fins or lips
- Weep hole
- Minimum 3/8 return
If the existing window frame does not have a sufficient return,
consult an installation professional to design an installation that
completely seals the new window in a weatherproof manner.
Important information to note:
- This installation assumes that the existing frame has a
water-tight installation into the structure. - Any local building code requirements take precedence over the
recommended installation instructions. - Failure to install square, level, and plumb could result in
denial of warranty claims for operational or performance
problems. - Installation with the window sill higher than 35 feet above
ground level or into a wall condition not specifically addressed in
the manual must be designed by an architect or structural
engineer.
The estimated installation time for new construction is as
follows:
- First Time: 4 hrs
- Experienced: 3 hrs
- Professional: 2 hrs
Vinyl Windows with Nailing Fin
Before installing Vinyl Windows with Nailing Fin, refer to CSA
A440.4 for specific details that may differ based on siding type.
In high-wind areas, consult the structural engineering report of
the product for specific fastening requirements.
Important information to note:
- This instruction is based on CSA A440.4.
- Any local building code requirements take precedence over the
recommended installation instructions. - Failure to install square, level, and plumb could result in
denial of warranty claims for operational or performance
problems. - Installation with the window sill higher than 35 feet above
ground level or into a wall condition not specifically addressed in
the manual must be designed by an architect or structural
engineer.
The estimated installation time for new construction is as
follows:
- First Time: 40 min.
- Experienced: 25 min.
- Professional: 15 min.
Glossary
Flush Fin Window: A vinyl window used for
retro-fit installation into an existing window frame. The integral
exterior trim is decorative and covers the gap between the new
window and the existing siding.
Installation Instructions for Vinyl Flush Fin Windows and Vinyl Windows with Nailing Fin
Vinyl Flush Fin Windows Vinyl Windows with Nailing Fin
The flush fin window is a retro-fit product designed for installation into an existing window frame with a 3/8″ or wider return that protrudes past or is flush with the exterior siding. There cannot be any fins or lips that extend past this vertical plane. The flush fin window will be sealed to this surface.
The attached are JELD-WEN’s recommended installation instructions for vinyl windows which incorporate an integral nail fin. These installation instructions do not supersede any national, provincial, or local building codes. While the use of these installation instructions is recommended, in Canada, installation in strict compliance with CSA A440-4 is an alternate method of window installation and will not affect the application of the JELD-WEN limited warranty.
Newer construction methods have led to an increase in air and water tightness in buildings. This frequently leads to negative air pressure inside the home, which can draw water through very small openings. Our installation method integrates the window with the weather barrier (typically building wrap).
*These installation instructions do not supercede any national, provincial or local building codes. They are meant as a guideline and reflect good installation practices.
INSTALLATION PREREQUISITES
for Vinyl Flush Fin Windows
Drywall return
Exterior siding
No extending fins or lips
Weep hole
Return 3/8″ minimum
The lack of an adequate return significantly adds to the complexity of a long-term, water-tight installation. If the existing window frame does not have a sufficient return, consult an installation professional to design an installation that completely seals the new window in a weatherproof
manner.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Vinyl Flush Fin Windows This installation assumes that the existing frame has a water-tight installation into the structure.
Vinyl Windows with nailing Fin and Flush Fin This instruction is based on CSA A440.4, for any specific details (ex: different siding type) that maybe different please contact your supplier for recommendations.
If installing in an area of high winds, see the structural engineering report of the product for specific fastening requirements.
Any local building code requirements supersede the recommended installation instructions. Failure to install square, level and plumb could result in denial of warranty claims for operational or performance problems.
Please Note! Installation such that the window sill is higher than 35 feet above ground level or any window installation into a wall condition not specifically addressed in this poster must be designed by an architect or structural engineer.
Vinyl Flush Fin Windows
Estimated Install Time for New Construction
First Time: 4 hrs Experienced: 3 hrs Professional: 2 hrs
12 11 1
10
2
9
3
8
4
7 6 5
Vinyl Windows with Nailing Fin
Estimated Install Time for New Construction
First Time: 40 min.
Experienced: 25 min. Professional: 15 min.
12 11 1
10
2
9
3
8
4
7 6 5
GLOSSARY
SAFETY & HANDLING
Flush Fin Window: A vinyl window used for retro-fit installation into an existing window frame. The integral exterior trim is decorative and covers the gap between the new window and the existing siding.
Meeting Stile: A vertical frame member of a window that sits in the center of the exterior sill track and either holds one side of the fixed
glass or keeps the stationary sash from moving.
Minimum Opening Width/Height: Measurements taken to determine the size of window that will fit into a retro-fit opening. For example, the minimum opening height is the distance between the highest frame point on the sill to the lowest frame point on the header.
Return: The exterior face of an existing window frame that helps tie the window to the siding.
Mulled Unit: Two or more window units structurally joined together.
Minimum opening height
Header Sill
Shiplap: The layering method in which each layer overlaps the layer below it so that water runs down the outside.
Weep Hole (weep channel): The visible exit or entry part of a water drainage system used to drain water out of a window.
Please Note! For a detailed list of safety and handling recommendations, refer to the full set of installation instructions at our website: www.jeld-wen.com/resources.
SAFETY · Do not work alone. · Use caution when handling glass. Broken or cracked glass
can cause serious injury. · Wear protective gear as necessary. · Read and fully understand ALL manufacturers’ instructions
before beginning.
WINDOW HANDLING · Do not put stress on joints, corners or frames.
Vinyl Flush Fin Windows and Vinyl Windows with Nailing Fin · Make sure the window is locked prior to installation. · Read material manufacturers’ handling and application
instructions. · Properly dispose of unused products and waste material per federal,
provincial, and local environmental protection rules.
· Handle in vertical position; do not drag on floor. · Store window in dry, well-ventilated area in vertical, leaning position
to allow air circulation; do not stack horizontally. · Protect from exposure to direct sunlight. · Install only when conditions and sheathing are completely dry.
IF INJURY OCCURS, IMMEDIATELY SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION!
NEEDED MATERIALS & TOOLS
MATERIALS
· 3 1/2″ corrosion-resistant, pan head screws; screws must penetrate at least 1″ into framing
· Solid wood (sloped sill); dimensions should be 1/4″ shorter than the length of the sill and 3/8″ taller than the depth of the track by a
minimum of 3 1/4″ wide. · Sealant (polyurethane if painted, Thermoplastic sealant if left exposed)
and backer rod · Low expansion foam or/and fiberglass insulation
Please see your local retailer for appropriate foam expansion properties.
· 1 3/4″ galvanized roofing nails; nails must penetrate at least 1″ into framing
· Shims · JELD-WEN 6″ wide self-adhesive flashing (part #08987)
or equivalent, or flexible flashing (Width requirement may vary according to local code) · 3/8″ stainless steel square wire staples Note!
Follow all material manufacturers’ instructions for proper use and
compatibility.
TOOLS · Tape measure
· Level · Screwdriver · Hacksaw · Cloth · Hammer
· J-roller
· Caulking gun · Putty knife · Drill with 1/8″ tapered drill
bit and 3/8″ countersink · Construction stapler
ROUGH OPENINGS
for Vinyl Windows with Nailing Fin
Trimmer Studs King Stud Sheathing
Cripple Studs
Sheathed Wall
Open-Stud with Backing
FULLY SHEATHED WALL CONSTRUCTION The wall framing is covered by sheathing and the window will be mounted with the nailing fin flush against the sheathing.
OPEN-STUD INSTALLATION
The wall framing needs to be covered by backing support before the window can be installed. The window will be mounted with the nailing fin flush against the applied backing support. This backing support should be a non water-degradable, thin (max. 1/8″ thick) sheet material such as vinyl sheeting. Completely surround the rough opening with the backing support as shown. Backing support must be applied before building wrap. Note! For curved windows, ensure framing is sufficient around window perimeter to allow nailing fin to be nailed every 8″ to the framing.
1
REMOVE PACKAGING & INSPECT YOUR WINDOW
REMOVE PACKAGING
Remove shipping materials such as corner covers, shipping blocks or pads. If there is a protective film on the glass, do not remove it until installation and construction are complete.
INSPECT YOUR WINDOW
· Cosmetic damage · Product squareness (diagonal measurements no more than
1/4″ difference) · Correct product (size, color, grid pattern, handing, glazing,
energy-efficiency requirements, etc.) · Cracked frame · Splits, cracks or missing sections in nailing fin longer than 6″ · Cracks, holes or other damage to nailing fin within 1/2″ of
window frame
2
INSPECT EXISTING FRAME OR ROUGH OPENING
A
A
B B
For Vinyl Flush Fin Windows
For Vinyl Windows with Nailing Fin
· Verify width/height of new
· Verify the width and height of the
window are each 3/4″ smaller
window are each 1/2″ smaller than
than minimum opening width/ height of the existing frame.
the rough opening width/ height. · Verify the rough opening is square.
· Verify the existing opening
The “A” and “B” measurements
is square. The “A” and “B”
above should be the same.
measurements above should be
Maximum allowable deviation from
the same. Maximum allowable
square is 1/8″ for windows 20 sq. ft.
deviation from square is 1/8″ for and smaller, and 1/4″ for windows
windows 20 sq. ft. and smaller, and 1/4″ for windows larger than
·
larger than 20 sq. ft. Verify the rough opening
is
20 sq. ft.
· Verify the existing frame is level and plumb. The maximum allowable deviation is 1/16″ for every 2′ (not to exceed 1/8″).
· The exterior face of the rough opening must be in a single plane with less than 1/8″ twist from corner to corner.
· Signs of water leakage near the existing frame must be investigated and corrected prior to installing the new flush fin window.
level and plumb. The maximum allowable deviation is 1/16″ for every 2′ of rough opening (not to exceed 1/8″). · The rough opening sill must not be crowned or sagged. · The exterior face of the rough opening must be in a single plane with less than 1/8″ twist from corner to corner. · The header must be supported by trimmer studs. · Signs of water leakage near the existing frame must be investigated and corrected prior
to installing the new window.
3 PREPARE EXISTING WINDOW FRAME for Vinyl Flush Fin Windows
PREPARE THE FRAME Meeting stile
Sealant
1. Remove the sashes and/or glass in the existing window.
2. Remove the meeting stile (if a slider) with a screwdriver or hacksaw.
3. Seal all four corners of the window frame.
4. Remove all existing window frame cladding.
APPLY THE SLOPED SILL
5. Sloped sill must be continuous with a minimum of 3/8″ in height inside to 0″ outside.
6. Test fit new window into place and then remove.
3 PREPARE ROUGH OPENING for Vinyl Windows with Nailing Fin
FOR RETROFIT INSTALLATIONS · After removing sufficient siding to expose at least 9″ of intact
building wrap, remove old window. · If damaged, apply new building wrap in shiplap manner. · Verify trimmer studs/header are structurally sound. · Continue with the instructions.
PREPARE BUILDING WRAP 1. Trim building wrap flush at
rough opening head, sides and sill. Check with your building wrap manufacturer to verify that this does not void their product warranty. 2. At the head, cut building wrap 10″ at 45 degrees. Tape up as shown.
PREPARE SILL
3. Sloped sill must be continuous with a minimum of 3/8″ in height inside to 0″ outside.
4. If using self-adhesive flashing in extreme conditions, apply spray adhesive/primer per manufacturer’s instructions to nailing fin, sheathing and building wrap at the sides and head of the window as shown.
5. Cut a piece of self-sealing adhesive flashing to the sill length and jambs and apply it as shown.
2″ 4″
6. Apply sill shims in the following manner: Apply one shim at 1″ from each window corner. Apply one shim under any mullion or meeting rail or at centre for any window exceeding 24″ in width.
2″
A d
4″ 2″ 4″
7. Fold the drain mat down onto the sheathing.
Ad
4
INSTALL WINDOW
for Vinyl Flush Fin Windows
INSTALL WINDOW Sealant
3. Make sure prepared slope sill is level.
4. From the exterior, place the new flush window into the existing frame making sure the window sill rests completely on the shims.
Note! Hold window in place until fully fastened.
6″
5. Fasten window temporarily
Countersink through the predrilled
holes in jamb 3″-6″
from one upper corner
as follows: (if there is no predrilled holes do step a.)
PREPARE SILL
1. Cut a piece of self-sealing adhesive flashing to the sill length and jambs and apply it as shown.
2. Apply sill shims in the following manner: Apply one shim at 1″ from each window corner. Apply one shim under any mullion or meeting rail or at centre for any window exceeding 24″ in width.
a. Use a 1/8″ tapered drill bit with 3/8″ countersink to drill a screw hole through the side jamb and into the buck (on the interior, or exterior if insufficient space). Countersink should not penetrate the back wall of the frame.
b. Apply sealant to the threads of a 3 1/2″ screw and drive into the side jamb.
4
INSTALL WINDOW (CONTINUED)
for Vinyl Flush Fin Windows
Interior
3″-6″ max. 24″
Center
6. Shim the side jambs aligned with the predrilled holes or 3″-6″ from the corners and at 24″ maximum intervals.
7. Inspect window for square, level, plumb. Adjust as needed with shims.
8. Fasten window through side jambs and shims.
3″-6″
9. If the window is higher than 3′, fasten the side jambs at 24″ maximum intervals. If the window is wider than 3′, fasten the head jamb at 24″ maximum intervals with a free flowing screw. Do not shim the head.
10. Install vinyl plugs supplied or available through suppliers if desired.
SEAL BETWEEN REPLACEMENT WINDOW AND EXISTING FRAME
11. Apply back rod and a continuous bead of thermoplastic sealant between the new window frame and the existing frame around the window. Leave 2″ x 1/2″ gaps in your back rod and sealant at sill to allow for proper water drainage.
Exterior
4
INSTALL WINDOW
for Vinyl Windows with Nailing Fin
Caution! To avoid injury, use two people to install.
1. Place window into the rough opening.
3″-7″
2. Temporarely fasten window with a
8″
3″-7″ galvanized roofing nail through a
nailing fin hole between 3″-7″ from
one top corner.
8″ 3. Shim the side jambs aligned with the
predrilled holes or 3″-6″ from the
corners and at 24″maximum intervals.
3″-7″
4. Inspect window for square, level, plumb. Adjust as needed with shims. Fasten window through side jambs predrilled holes and shims.
5. If the window is taller than 3′, fasten the side jambs at 24″maximum
max. 24″ intervals. If the window is wider than 3′, fasten the head jamb at 24″
Center
maximum intervals with a free flowing screw. Do not shim the head.
Interior
6. Install vinyl plugs supplied or available through suppliers if desired.
Note! a. Use a 1/8″ tapered drill bit
Countersink
with 3/8″ countersink to drill a screw hole through the side
jamb and into the buck (on the
interior, or exterior if insufficient space). Countersink
should not penetrate the back
wall of the frame.
b. Apply sealant to the threads of a 3 1/2″ screw and drive into the side jamb.
Note! Fastener heads must be flush. Do not dent nailing fin.
3″-7″
8″
3″-7″
8″
3″-7″
· For any product B4 or above, fastener spacing is 4″. · For mulled units, fastener spacing is 4″ around the mulled joint as shown.
5
FLASH WINDOW
for Vinyl Windows with Nailing Fin only
CUT FLASHING 6″
Cut three pieces of 6″ self-adhesive flashing as follows:
· Two side pieces 12″ longer than the side
· One header piece 14″ longer than the header
PRIMER
If using self-adhesive flashing in extreme conditions, apply spray adhesive/primer per manufacturer’s instructions to nailing fin, sheathing and building wrap at the sides and head of the window as shown.
· Protect window from overspray. Concrete, on damp surfaces and/or where frost is present.
· The flashing manufacturer’s recommended primer is Protecto Wrap Safseal Systems 5500.
Note! Extreme conditions exist where the outside temperature is at or below 32° F (0° C), on excessively dirty surfaces, on Dens-Glass Gold, on concrete, on damp surfaces and/or where frost is present.
· The flashing manufacturer’s recommended primer is Protecto Wrap Safseal Systems 5500 primer.
APPLY SELF-ADHESIVE FLASHING IN THIS ORDER Note! Keep the edge of the self-adhesive flashing as close to the window frame as possible.
1″
1. Apply the side pieces starting 5″ above the header 2. Install drip cap (should extend 1/2″ on each side) 3. Center and apply the header piece above the drip cap 4. Press the flashing down with a j-roller 5. Apply a bead of sealant all along between the drip cap and
the window head
Drip cap
Sealant Window frame
6 COMPLETE INSTALLATION for Vinyl Flush Fin Windows
INSULATION
Stucco exterior
1. Insulate with fiberglass batting or low expansion foam. Fill gap with low expansion foam around window perimeter at the sash position. Fill remaining cavity with fiberglass batting. Use as per manufacturers instructions.
AFTER INSTALLATION
2. Apply interior trim as desired.
3. Adjust window for best operation (if applicable).
4. Protect recently installed units from damage from plaster, paint, etc. by covering the units with plastic.
5. For casement window, remove the shipping block (cork) underneath the sash.
Please visit our website at www.jeld-wen.ca/eng/resources to download a copy of the complete guide to care and maintenance for your window.
Thank you for choosing
6
COMPLETE INSTALLATION
for Vinyl Windows with Nailing Fin
IF USING FLASHING 1. Seal the top corners of the window with a 1/4″ bead of sealant.
Tool into a fillet shape.
2. Release the building wrap from above the header (previously taped up) and overlap the header flashing. Seal the ends with self-sealing flashing or building wrap tape.
3. Ensure weep holes/ channels are clear of debris for proper water drainage; do not seal weep holes/channels if present.
IS USING FLEXIBLE FLASHING · Mechanically fasten flashing. · Apply sealant down sides where the window meets the flashing.
“Tool” or smooth out the sealant.
AFTER INSTALLATION
1. Install exterior wall surface within seven days of window installation. 2. Maintain gap of 1/4″-3/8″ between window frame and final exterior
wall surface (siding, stucco, etc.).
3. Seal the gap with backer rod and sealant. Do not apply sealant on top of window frame or drip cap if present.
4. On the interior, seal the void between the rough opening and the window frame with backer rod and sealant, or with low expansion foam. Do not use high-expansion foam as this may cause frame deflection.
5. Adjust window for best operation.
6. Protect recently installed units from damage from plaster, paint, etc. by covering the unit with plastic.
7. For casement window, remove the shipping block (cork) underneath the sash.
Note! For integral J-channel vinyl product installed into a structure with shiplap siding, no expansion/contraction joint is needed.
jeld-wen.ca/eng/resources
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