FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

fastening wood windows

yup | Posted in Construction Techniques on November 4, 2009 06:26am

hi everyone,

I was hoping for some advice on fastening windows with stain grade vg fir jambs into wood framing. Are 15 guage finish nails sufficient and if so, any recomendations on spacing? Should i be drilling for screws and plugging and if so, any recomendations on spacing and blending the finish on the plugs to the pre-finished jambs?

The housewrap/window flashing detail is signed off on and my plan was to use backer rod and caulk on the outside to seal to the window opening with low expanding foam in the cavity. Does the foam/caulk provide enough adhesion to make 15ga nails enough?

thanks in advance.

db

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. johnharkins | Nov 04, 2009 06:47pm | #1

    what is the context
    rough opening to new jambs? good shims, spacing etc.?
    interior & exterior casing?

    1. yup | Nov 04, 2009 11:29pm | #2

      this is new 2x6 construction with new windows and will have a rainscreen system over the housewrap as it's on the coast of BC. window jambs are fir approx 1 1/2" thick and i believe i've undersized the windows by 3/4" in width and 1" in height to the rough opening (don't have my notes here...). Shims could be whatever is best practice but i was planning on the plastic horseshoe shaped shims on the sill and the tapered composite guys on the sides. The current plan is to have the casings lap onto the jamb with 1/4" reveal but exact finish is not yet confirmed. interior and exterior casings would be stain grade fir. There could be flexibility here in style if there is an advantage for hiding fasteners holding the window, although i can't think of what that would be...Hope i'm answering your questions.db

  2. tek | Nov 04, 2009 11:56pm | #3

    I'd have to say that 15ga nails are nowhere near strong enough (on their own) to keep a window in place. Especially an operable window or anything of significant size. I'm not saying it hasn't been done, it's that I would never do it.

    Is the exterior casing factory installed, or are you installing on site? Any recommendations in the manufacturer's instructions? One option would be masonry clips or straps. They're attached to the rough framing side of the window frame and are pulled in and secured to the rough opening on the inside.

    1. yup | Nov 05, 2009 12:59am | #4

      thanks, i figured the 15ga weren't sufficient. i'm trying to avoid drilling for screws and plugging becuase it would seem impossible to nicely blend the finish on the plugs into the factory finish. i like the idea of the brick ties - thanks. any other ways to go about it?the casings will be installed on site.db

      1. Shep | Nov 05, 2009 03:21am | #5

        The normal way for wood windows to be installed is to fasten thru the ext. casings once they are attached to the window frame. I've started using SS trim screws thru the casings to hold the window in place on the rare occasion someone wants a real wood window. The small hole left by the screwhead is easy to fill.

  3. clinkard | Nov 05, 2009 03:54am | #6

    We get windows shipped with nailing straps attached or loose, which are just flexible metal

    with holes in them. Usually they go every 16"-24" inches on the window jamb attached with

    a 3/4" screw so as not to penetrate the backside of the jamb and nailed into the framing.

    The window can be panned, flashed, shimmed, then metal straps attached and foamed.

    The straps are usually about 8" long.

    1. yup | Nov 05, 2009 07:48am | #7

      fantastic, thanks guys.db

  4. davidmeiland | Nov 05, 2009 08:29am | #8

    We just installed some fir windows from a small shop that came without nailing flanges. They did, however, come with small, rigid L brackets similar to Simpson A35 clips. They came screwed to the outside of the 5/4 jamb about 2' O.C. and we screwed them to the face of the sheathing. After the exterior trim went on we foamed them from inside and they won't budge at all.

    Also recently installed some Marvin units that came with the world's flimsiest flanges. They really suck, they don't keep the units in plane at all. We got them into plane by attaching 1x4 utility across the outsides of the units (there were several in a row on one wall) and then foamed them from the inside. Again, rock solid. Foam is great for air infiltration and it keeps windows where you want them. I've taken out units from 20 years ago that had foam around them and it holds up quite well.

    1. yup | Nov 09, 2009 06:25am | #10

      i ended up going with a system very similar to what davidmeiland describes and ended up using simpson 90 degree brackets on the inside of the wall. The tricky part was that the windows were supplied with sill extensions that extend past the opening so i had to install the windows from the outside and had just enough room to push them in so i could screw on the brackets and fasten.the windows are solid as i have brackets at the corners and every 16". i will use rod and caulk on the inside and foam the gap from the outside.db

  5. YesMaam27577 | Nov 05, 2009 03:58pm | #9

    The 15 ga nails aren't strong enough, IMO.

    Think in terms of 16d finish nails through the exterior casing, into the framing.

    And if you want some extra "feel-good" fasteners, use a screw through the jamb, hidden by the sash -- one on each side, and maybe one through the head jamb.

    And if you hide the screwheads with the sash, you don't need to worry so much about plugs.

    I won't be laughing at the lies when I'm gone,
    And I can't question how or when or why when I'm gone;
    I can't live proud enough to die when I'm gone,
    So I guess I'll have to do it while I'm here. (Phil Ochs)

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

FHB Summit 2025 — Design, Build, Business

Join some of the most experienced and recognized building professionals for two days of presentations, panel discussions, networking, and more.

Featured Video

SawStop's Portable Tablesaw is Bigger and Better Than Before

The 10-in. Jobsite Saw PRO has a wider table, a new dust-control port, and a more versatile fence, along with the same reliable safety mechanism included in all SawStop tablesaws.

Related Stories

  • Old Boots Learn New Tricks
  • Install Denim Insulation Like a Pro
  • Podcast Episode 691: Replacing Vinyl Siding, Sloping Concrete, and Flat vs. Pitched Roofs
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Roofing on Commercial vs. Residential Buildings

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 332 - July 2025
    • Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools
    • Fight House Fires Through Design
    • Making the Move to Multifamily
  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2025
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data