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Center the membrane under the rough opening and adhere it to the existing builder's felt or house wrap. Step 3 Protect against water infiltration Photo by David CarmackĬut a 6-inch-wide strip of self-adhering waterproof membrane (or a 9- to 12-inch-wide strip of 15-pound builder's felt) 18 to 24 inches longer than the window's width. If they're not, you'll have to either reframe the opening or order a new window. Make sure the outside dimensions of the window are at least ¾-inch narrower and ½-inch shorter than the smallest width and height measurements, respectively. If the difference between the three width measurements or the three height measurements of the rough opening is more than 1 inch, cut tapered filler strips from stud stock and nail them to the sides of the opening that are out of level or out of plumb.
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Measure the width of the rough opening at the top, middle, and bottom and the height at both sides and in the middle. Taylor Step 2 Check the rough opening Photo by David Carmack Step 1 Installing Window Illustration by J. His final step, once the opening is watertight and the window is set plumb and square, is to plug the gap between the window and the framing with foam insulation. Any rain that gets by one of these layers will be stopped by another. That's why whenever Tom puts in a window, he makes sure to seal the perimeter of the opening with sticky sheets of self-adhering waterproof membrane, strips of metal flashing, and judicious amounts of caulk. "You can't depend on just the trim and the housewrap to stop water." "Rot around windows, even in relatively new houses, is one of the biggest problems I see," says This Old House general contractor Tom Silva. But if not installed correctly, they can become unwelcome avenues for water.
#Mininum size rough openin for nail fin window for egress windows#
Windows do a lot: help establish a home's visual character, let in light and air, and frame views from inside. Optional: Drill-driver and 1 5/8-inch stainless screws, for attaching sill extender to bottom of narrow aluminum sill
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