DIY Way of Installing Windows in Your Home | Window Installation in Plano
Windows are an essential component of any structure, whether it is a residential property or an office space. They add value to a home or office’s visual character, allow natural light to enter and also allow ventilation of air.
There are basically two routes that residents can take when it comes to window installation in Plano. One is to employ professionals. Experts will charge a fee to configure the windows but if the right ones are consulted, it is a guarantee that they will execute the installation adequately. The other option is the DIY method.
Perils of the Do It Yourself Method
The latter requires the knowhow and the tools to carry out. Knowledge of window installation in Plano is imperative for many reasons such as the fact that incorrect installation will present an avenue for water to seep in.
Imagine a scenario where window installation in Plano is done by a DIY method and the city experiences torrential rainfall in the summer season. This could mean that water manages to trickle inside the house since the windows were not properly installed. This will result in exposed parts inside being soaked water, especially if the leakage is not observed in due time. This can lead to rotting as well, even in recently built houses!
Determinants to Consider
If you want to do window installation in Plano independently or you’re looking for a way to save cash and not contact professionals, then it is important to consider certain factors. For instance, an honest assessment is mandatory. Do you have the requisite skills to install a window all by yourself? If you don’t, then the experts should be called in to execute the task.
For example, a full frame window installation in Plano would be an intricate process. On the other hand, configuration of an insert window would be much simpler. Therefore, it is absolutely imperative to ascertain whether you are up to the task at hand or if you need professional assistance.
Those who persist with the DIY method must have the obligatory equipment. A window installation in Plano would require tools such as safety glasses, a caulk gun and waterproof shims as well. Other instruments that are routinely used in the installation of windows are a tape measure, hammer, power drill and screw driver. A comprehensive list of apparatus also consists of a putty and utility knife and in some cases, a pry bar as well. Naturally, it depends on the type of window and the complexity of configuring it that determines which of the aforementioned contraptions will be utilized.
Another important element to consider is the schedule. Anyone who is employing the DIY method of window installation in Plano should not expect to be an expert, even if it is not their first time installing a window.
Window installation is a project that requires considerable manual labor, which is why significant time must be allocated to the task. For example, a full frame window will mean at least 4 to 6 hours must be allocated to the job. If the window installation in Plano is needed on upper floors, then the job may take longer to complete.
DIY Window Installation Steps
Check the Opening
Individuals should measure the width of the opening that is located at the top, middle and bottom as well as both sides of the windows. If there is considerable distance between the width measurements and they are more than an inch apart, then the void must be filled with tapered filler strips and these must be nailed to the sides of the openings that are beyond the level or are out of plumb.
Furthermore, it must be ensured that the outward dimensions of the window are a little narrower and shorter than the smallest width and height measurements respectively. If this is not assured in the installation process, then the window installation in Plano will require reframing entirely.
Safeguarding Against Water Penetration
The next step is to truncate strips of self-adhering waterproof membrane, which are ideally two feet loner then the width of the window. The membrane must be placed under the rough opening and must be applied to the existing builder’s felt. The top edge of the window must not protrude beyond the edge of its opening.
Moreover, two additional strips of membrane must be severed and should be a foot longer than the height of the window’s opening. These must also be attached to the center. Finally, another strip which is also twelve inches lengthier than the window’s width should be cut and should be placed in a manner that it overlaps on both sides.
Installing the Window
The cutting is followed by perhaps the most important step i.e. window installation in Plano. The window’s unit must be folded so that they are perpendicular in relation to the sides of the window frame. Once this is finalized, then the window sill must be set into the bottom of the rough opening and the frame must be tipped accordingly as well. This will enable the nailing fins to become tighter against the wall.
As part of this step, an assistant should stand inside and tell you when the gaps present between the sides of the window and the jack studs are equivalent on both sides. When the correct measurement is achieved, then you must tack the nailing fin to the sheathing on one upper corner with a roofing nail. Be sure not to drive it all the way in though.
Leveling the Window
The final step is to ensure that the window is leveled. This is done by placing a two-foot level on the window sill and make note of its high side. The next part is to hold a longer level in opposition to the window jamb and shift the sill in either direction until the jamb is plumb.
A nail must be tacked into the fin at the lower end of the corner. Finally, a level must be laid on the sill and the bottom corner must be adjusted until the sill appears to be level.
Contact the window installation experts at Energy Window Solutions here.