AVOIDING LEAKS WHEN INSTALLING VINYL RETROFIT WINDOWS

Submitted by: johnr
How To Install Windows

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 arguement 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. 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 accross 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!
John Rocco has been installing
replacement windows since 1978.

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