Articles By Syndicated Columnist
Dan Thomas
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Improvement Inside And Out
Installing Vinyl Retrofit Windows
When you install vinyl retrofit windows against a stucco
house be sure to
put a thick bead of sealant right on the outside face of the old window frame
making sure you do this around the complete frame. Latex caulking is fine but
you can spend a little more and get the best sealant around. use 100%
silicone. Silicone runs approx $ 4 dollars more a tube than acrylic latex.
Because of the cost of silicone here is a handy tip to remember. Most water
that will be a problem will come from the top of the old frame as very little
water will enter from the sides, so use silicone on the tops and acrylic latex
on the sides and bottom of the frame for your vinyl retrofit windows.
After caulking the frame put your vinyl retrofit window into the opening
and have someone hold it in place so that your hands will be free to plumb and
level it . Once you have accomplished this screw in the vinyl retrofit
windows.
Once the vinyl retrofit windows are installed the final step would be to
caulk the window lip meets the stucco. Again try the silicone on top and caulk
the sides and bottom.
After your vinyl retrofit windows have been installed check the seal around
each window for signs of gaps or cracking sue to uneven stucco. You may have
to force the caulk into the gap to make sure it is completely filled. Recaulk
over any cracks caused by sagging.
