Pre window install question

I'm installing windows in an existing wall that has vinyl siding. I have the rough in framing done and the installing process is not a problem. My question is : The siding will have to be removed since they are new construction windows and have a nailing fin. Should I cut out the opening with the siding on then remove the rest and lay it in order to put back up or take the siding off first and then cut it as I reinstall it ?

 

We have always taken off the siding when we do it at work. A siding tool, flat bar, and a hammer gets the nails out. Then just put it back up after you get the window in and leveled back up. Thats how we do it anyways

 

Cut off the nailing fin and install the window like you would do a replacement window instead of a new construction window.

 

What kind of siding is it ?

This is an option, but, will require you to screw/nail through the shims. Most precision-fit replacement windows have a small grommet that covers the area where you screw the window farm to the wall framing. These windows will likely not have that, and, result in having to fill the holes.

I dont like this method because, without the nailing flange, it's tough to Tyvec Tape for weather and water seal(also, never tyvec tape the bottom flange. This will form an area for ice damning. Gotta leave an area for any water that may get in, to get out).

Are the windows pre-finished ?

Again, the style of siding has a lot to do with how I would proceed. If its aluminum siding, I try to limit how much I will remove/touch, because it's so easy to destroy, the same goes for asbestos and cement(fake asbestos) siding.

The best answer will be given after you inform us of the style of siding that is on the house.

How are you finishing the windows, outside ? Will you J-channel right up to the window, itself, or, are you going to case the outside with some kind of trim ?

 

He said it was vinyl siding in his original post. Anyway I don't see the benefit in cutting it first since you will have to cut it again anyway. Once you install the new window and install the J-channel around the window, then you'll have to cut the siding to fit inside the J-channel. Personally we just take the siding off and cut it as we need to re-install. Then you cut only once.

 

Thanks guys. Yes, the siding is vinyl. The windows already have the "finish" frame around the outside that the siding tucks behind so I don't need the J channel.

 

Rob:

Can you put up a link with the cut sheet for the window you're using. I've never seen one that didn't need j channel. That's why I'm asking.

Sounds to me like Jay and I would do this job the same way.

*Edit....nccrittergitter is a window installation expert.....lol (he replaced several windows in our home). Send him a PM.

 

Jeff, poor choice of words on my part. They come with a integrated j-channel .

 

I've used those before. You definitely have to take the siding off because once you install those windows, you will need to caulk around the perimeter since it isn't a true J-channel, it's more like an L-channel so since there is no back flange for the siding to rest on you need to caulk it to keep water out of there. Tough to explain on a messageboard. If the intergrated J-channel does have that little back flange (some do) then you would still need to remove the siding so that you can overlap the siding on that flange.

Clear as mud I know.

 

This is the window. I thought if I cut the vinyl siding out along with the sheathing from the rough opening and then remove the siding I could put it back up without having to measure and cut the pieces around the three windows I'm installing.




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Whatcha gonna cut it with? Sounds fine.

 

Me, I'd remove the siding. I've done the very thing you're doing couple times and barring having to remove siding from say a 2nd floor down to the 1st level, I'd remove it.

 

Thanks guys ! I think I will just go ahead and remove it all first. Jeff, that was another concern I had. With it being chilly this weekend I didn't want to crack or break it using a jig saw or sawsall. This way I can cut it with shears.

 

I usually use, when cutting a lot of siding, a backwards blade on my skill saw. Works GREAT !!

For just a few cuts, a square and a sharp blade will to just fine.

Agreed. It's actually more simple, this way. No reason to make a mountain out of a mole hill. A contractor that I worked with for many years, and my family(who own a large construction company), are certified Pella sub-contractors. I've done a lot of window installs. Removing the siding makes for a cleaner job, in this case, with this siding.

Just make sure that, after you've squared up with window, that you use all of the nail holes in the flange, and, still shim it, just snug; too many people only nail the corners, and, don't shim the windows. A lot of the old-times used to say to me "why shim it, so in a few weeks the shims can fall to the bottom of the R.O.?"

I don't agree with this. Also, when you insulate the window, don't pack it tight, this can upset the function of the window, especially if you're using spray foam; even their "low expansion" foam, still expands.

 

Thanks again guys for your input. I took off the siding down to bottom of the windows. Cut out the openings. Installed the windows and then put the siding back up as if it were new.




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That looks great.

Nice Job!