Thank you for selecting JELD-WEN products. Attached are
JELD-WEN’s recommended installation instructions for aluminum
windows without a nailing n (including nless, ush n and
ange). Read these instructions thoroughly before beginning.
They are designed to work in most existing applications, however;
existing conditions may require changes to these instructions.
If changes are needed, they are made at the installer’s risk. For
installations other than indicated in these instructions, contact a
building professional.
Newer construction methods have led to an increase in air and water
tightness in buildings. This frequently leads to negative air pressure
inside the home, which can draw water through very small openings.
Our installation method creates an air seal on the interior, integrating
the window with the rough opening.
Not all window types may be installed into every wall condition in all
areas. Consult your local building code ofcial for applicable building
codes and regulations. Local building code requirements supersede
recommended installation instructions.
Note! Installations where the sill is higher than 35 feet above ground
level, or any product installation into a wall condition not specically
addressed in these instructions, must be designed by an architect or
structural engineer.
Failure to install windows into square, level, and plumb openings could
result in denial of warranty claims for operational or performance
problems.
Note to Installer: Provide a copy of these instructions to the building
owner. By installing this product, you acknowledge the terms and
conditions of the limited warranty as part of the terms of the sale.
GLOSSARY
Backer Rod (backing material)
A material (e.g. foam rod), placed into a joint primarily to control the
depth of the sealant.
Buck
A wood framework attached to the masonry inside a window or patio
door rough opening.
Finless Window
A window without a nailing n that is secured by fastening through the
head, sill and jambs. Finless windows may also be known as block frame
or box frame windows.
Flush Fin Window
A window without a nailing n that has a face ange (trim only). Flush
n windows may also be known as ange, stucco ange or Florida
ange windows.
Precast Sill
A pre-formed concrete block placed in a masonry/block wall to support
a window.
Shiplap
The layering method in which each layer overlaps the layer below it so
that water runs down the outside.
Weep Hole (weep channel)
The visible exit or entry part of a water drainage system used to drain
water out of a window.
Estimated Install
Time for New
Construction
Professional: 1.5 hr.
First Time: 4.0 hr.
Experienced: 2.5 hr.
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Page 2
ROUGH OPENINGS
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
for Aluminum Windows without Nailing Fin (JII031)
These instructions
specically address:
• Installation of a ush n
Masonry
Wall
window into a masonry
wall.
• Installation of a nless
window into a masonry
or stud framed wall.
MASONRY/BLOCK WALL CONSTRUCTION
Windows can be installed into a rough masonry opening with or
without a buck.
Without A Buck
The window will be attached directly to the concrete/masonry.
SAFETY AND HANDLING
SAFETY
• Read and fully understand ALL manufacturers’ instructions before
beginning.
• Do not work alone. Two or more people are required. Use safe lifting
techniques.
• Use caution when handling glass. Broken or cracked glass can cause
serious injury.
• Operate hand/power tools safely and follow manufacturer’s operating
instructions.
• Use caution when working at elevated heights.
With Buck
This installation assumes
that a building professional
has already properly
fastened and sealed a
framework of studs (often
called a buck) to the
Buck
concrete/masonry wall.
If using a precast sill, the
buck will be installed only
on the head and jambs.
STUD FRAMED WALL CONSTRUCTION
The window will be
mounted inside of the
rough opening.
Sheathed
Wall
King
Stud
Sill
Trimmer
Studs
Header
Sheathing
Cripple studs
WINDOW AND MATERIALS HANDLING
• Make sure operable windows are closed and locked prior to
installation.
• Heed material manufacturers’ handling and application instructions.
• Protect adhesive surfaces from dirt, moisture, direct sunlight and
folding over onto themselves.
• Handle in vertical position; do not carry at or drag on oor.
• Do not put stress on joints, corners or frames.
• Store window in dry, well-ventilated area in vertical, leaning position
to allow air circulation; do not stack horizontally.
• Protect from exposure to direct sunlight during storage.
• Install only into vertical walls and when conditions and materials
are dry.
IF INJURY OCCURS, IMMEDIATELY SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION!
NEEDED MATERIALS AND TOOLS
NEEDED MATERIALS
Note! Follow all material manufacturers' instructions for proper use
and compatibility.
• #10 x 2 1/2" corrosion-resistant at head screws. Screws must
penetrate at least 1" into framing (or as required by local code)
• 3/16" x 2 1/2" self-tapping concrete screws for masonry applications
(or as required by local code)
• Sealant: We recommend OSI® QUAD® Max Sealant or equivalent. This
can be used in any application and can be painted or ordered in a
color matched product, if desired.
• Backer rod 1/8" larger than the widest portion of the gap (used in
conjunction with sealant bead).
• Non-compressible or water degradable shims
2
• Polyurethane low expansion Window and Door foam: We recommend
OSI® QUAD® Foam or equivalent).
• 4", 6", or 9" (as required by local code and window conguration)
wide self-adhesive ashing: We recommend OSI® QUAD® Butyl
Flashing Tape or equivalent.
• Spray adhesive/primer for self adhesive ashing. Such as Loctite® 300
or equivalent
For installations into a masonry wall:
• Liquid applied ashing (Protecto Wrap LWM 200 or equivalent)
TOOLS
• Tape measure
• Utility knife
• Level (4' minimum
recommended)
• Screwdriver
• Putty knife
• Caulking gun
• Drill with bits
Page 3
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
for Aluminum Windows without Nailing Fin (JII031)
1
REMOVE PACKAGING
Remove shipping materials such as corner covers, shipping blocks or
pads. If there is a protective lm on the glass, do not remove it until
installation and construction are complete.
INSPECT WINDOW
• Cosmetic damage
• Product squareness (diagonal measurements not more than 1/8"
different)
2
• Verify the width
and height of the
window are each
1/2" smaller than
the rough opening
width and height.
• Verify the rough
opening is square.
The (A) and (B)
measurements
above should be
the same. Maximum
allowable deviation
from square for
windows over 20 sq.
ft. is 1/4" and for
windows under 20
sq. ft. is 1/8".
If any of the above conditions represent a concern, or if you expect
environmental conditions to exceed the window's performance rating,
do not install the window. Contact your dealer or distributor for
recommendations.
• Verify the rough opening is level and plumb (C) and (D). The
maximum allowable deviation is 1/8".
• The rough opening sill must not be crowned or sagged (D). A 5 degree
sloped sill is recommended.
• Verify the exterior face of the rough opening is a single plane (E) with
less than 1/8" twist from corner to corner.
• Verify the rough opening is structurally sound.
• Correct any deviations before installing the window.
Installation into masonry begins with section 3 “PREPARE MASONRY/
BLOCK WALL”; installation into a stud-framed wall begins with section
4 “PREPARE STUD-FRAMED WALL.”
3
Note! This section
applies to installations
into a masonry wall
only. For installations
into a stud-framed
wall, begin with
section 4, “PREPARE
STUD-FRAMED WALL.”
If installing a window
into a masonry wall
without a buck, cover
the entire rough
opening surface with
liquid applied ashing
or self-adhesive
ashing in the same
manner as the following instructions for a buck.
1. Seal any joint larger than 1/16" in the buck and between the buck
2. Cover the buck and the surrounding concrete/masonry at the head
3. If installing into a four-sided buck, seal the sill in a similar manner.
PREPARE MASONRY/ BLOCK WALL
Liquid
applied
ashing
Sealant joints
and the concrete/masonry with sealant.
and jambs with liquid applied ashing as shown.
Note! Shims must be
at least 1/2" shorter
than the depth of the
window sill, should
level the rough
opening sill and be no
more than 1/4" thick.
4. Shim the sill 4"
from each corner,
at 8" intervals,
and on both sides
of mull joints
with non waterdegradable or compressible shims. Secure shims with sealant.
End of masonry instructions, SKIP TO SECTION 5, “INSTALL WINDOW.”
Shim
3
Page 4
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
for Aluminum Windows without Nailing Fin (JII031)
4
FOR RETROFIT INSTALLATIONS
After removing the old window,
remove sufcient siding to
expose enough intact building
wrap to properly seal the
window to the opening. If
damaged, apply new building
wrap in shiplap manner. Verify
the rough opening framing is
structurally sound. Continue
with the instructions.
PREPARE BUILDING WRAP
Note! Check with the building wrap manufacturer to verify the
following steps will not void their product warranty. Follow
manufacturers' instructions.
1. Trim building wrap ush with
the rough opening.
2. At the head, cut building
wrap at 45° and tape up as
shown.
3. Trim the sides sufciently
to allow the nailing n to
be mounted against the
sheathing.
PREPARE STUD-FRAMED WALL
45°
PREPARE SILL
1. Use self adhesive ashing to waterproof the sill.
2. Flashing must have at least 2"
of visible material below nail
n. Flashing width must be at
least frame width + 1 3/4".
3. Measure the width of the
frame and subtract 1/4".
Transfer this measurement
from the outside edge of the
rough opening sill and draw
a line all along the rough
opening sill. This is where the
back of the ashing will sit.
4. Cut a piece of ashing the
length of the sill plus 12".
5. Place ashing on rough
opening sill, wrapping the
ashing up 6" on each jamb
as shown.
6. Pull release tape and set
ashing into place.
7. Fold the ashing down onto
the sheathing. Staple ashing
to the wall and seal the corner
edges as shown.
8. Smooth out any bubbles or
creases with a J-roller.
9. Install the continuous shim as
follows:
Note! The continuous shim
must be 1/2" shorter than the width of the window frame, be 1/4"
narrower than the depth of the window frame sill, should level the
rough opening sill and be no more than 1/4" thick.
Align the shim on the sill ush
with the exterior and centered
between the side jambs. If
installing a mulled unit, leave
gaps at the mull joint(s) so
they don't sit on the shim and
tack into place or secure with
sealant.
Measure
frame
width
Width of
rough opening
Depth of
window
minus 1/4"
Continuous
support
Interior
12"
Flashing
4
Page 5
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
for Aluminum Windows without Nailing Fin (JII031)
5
INSTALL WINDOW
Caution! To avoid injury, use at least two people to install. Adequately
support the window until fully installed.
• Mark fastener locations on the jambs and head 3"– 6" from each
corner and at 8" intervals (some holes may be pre-drilled).
• At each fastener location, drill a pilot hole through the frame.
IF INSTALLING A FLUSH FIN WINDOW
• Apply a 3/8" bead of sealant to the interior face of the ush n where
it will contact the opening.
• Place window in the
opening, making sure
the window rests on the
Sealant
shims and press rmly
onto the exterior face.
The window and sealant
must have continuous
contact with the rough
Shim
opening. Continue with
“ALL INSTALLATIONS.”
WARNING! To avoid injury, use at least two people to install.
Adequately support the window until completely fastened.
1. Place window sill onto
the shim and tilt into
the rough opening. The
window sill must rest on
and be fully supported
by the rough opening.
2. Shim side jambs on
both sides just above
interlock and evenly
Gap
spaced no more than 8"
apart. Secure shims with
sealant.
3"- 7"
3. Inspect window for
square, level, and plumb.
Test for proper operation
(remove and reinstall if
necessary).
IF INSTALLING A FINLESS WINDOW
Place window onto
the shims and tilt into
the rough opening.
The window sill
must rest on and be
supported by the shims.
Continue with “ALL
INSTALLATIONS.”
Jamb
Cutaway
From Top
1/4" Sealant gap
Jamb
1/4" Sealant gap
Interlock
Rough
opening
Shim
Interior
6"
8"
Center
ALL INSTALLATIONS
1. Shim the side jambs at each pre-drilled hole. Shims must be set at
least 1/4" back from the interior of the window frame. Secure shims
with sealant. Secure shims with sealant.
2. Fasten window
through a side jamb
3"-6" from one lower
corner as follows:
a. Apply sealant to
the screw and
drive through the
pilot hole.
b. Cover the screw
head with sealant.
3. Inspect window
for square, level
and plumb (adjust
shims or remove and
Screw
with sealant
reinstall if necessary).
4. Fasten window in
a similar manner
through the remaining corners, and then through the rest of the
fastener locations.
Interlock
Center
Jamb
Rough
opening
Interior
1/4" Sealant
gap
Shim
5
Page 6
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
for Aluminum Windows without Nailing Fin (JII031)
6
1. Create a continuous
air seal on the
interior by lling the
gap between the
rough opening and
the window frame
with low expansion
polyurethane foam
or backer rod and
sealant.
2. On the exterior,
apply backer rod and
sealant between the
window frame and
the rough opening
(not applicable to
ush n windows).
COMPLETE INSTALLATION
Sealant
joint
Gap
Backer
Rod
AFTER INSTALLATION
• Ensure weep holes/channels are clear of debris for proper water
drainage; do not seal weep holes/channels if present.
• Adjust window for best operation.
• Protect recently installed units from damage from plaster, paint, etc.
by covering the unit with plastic.