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trimming out windows

| Posted in Construction Techniques on December 20, 2008 02:58am

I am starting to trim out the windows in my house. the walls are 2×6 construction and the windows are the vinyl windows that you see a lot. I have about 5 inches of jamb to cover as well as building a sill for each window. I have 1×6 primed that I will be ripping to he required width and 1×8 primed that I will be using to build the sills. My question is to I install the sills first then each side jamb then the top jamb? In other words what goes on first and what butts to what? I hope I’ve asked the question clearly.

Thanks

Silas

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Replies

  1. stone555 | Dec 20, 2008 03:18am | #1

    sills first

  2. User avater
    Ted W. | Dec 20, 2008 03:28am | #2

    I put the jambs and sill together first, so I can make sure the corners are tight.

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  3. Westcoast | Dec 20, 2008 03:49am | #3

    Just like Ted said, assemble it all first and slide the whole unit in.

  4. User avater
    hammer1 | Dec 20, 2008 03:49am | #4

    We all have adapted ways that work well for our own needs. I build my extension jambs as a complete unit, including the sill. The sill has to be notched and I do that step first. Once the sill is fit, I assemble the frame with screws, place it against the window and fasten it in place.

    It's important to be on the money with your measurements and keep everything nice and square. Left matches the right side and top matches the sill cut out. All the same size windows should match, so you can cut all the parts the same length. The sills always have to be fit to each opening since there is often a variation. In some cases, you may have to taper the extension jambs. Most of the time I can take the average for the width of the extension jambs, +- 1/8" isn't a problem for me. Lousy framing jobs and some remodeling can exceed that and may need tapers.

    I often attach directly to the window. You don't need to rabbet the extension jamb with this method. Other times I shim the sides and nail into the jacks. It helps to have a rabbet in this situation since a gap can develop at the meeting with the window. Your window jamb may or may not have a provision for a rabbeted extension. I've never trimmed a vinyl window, that I can remember. You may not be able to attach to those jambs.

    When the extension jamb is secure, insulate the gap and the next step is the casing. Here are a couple of pictures.

    Beat it to fit / Paint it to match

    1. RedfordHenry | Dec 20, 2008 04:14am | #5

      Nice window trim explanation and photos but I need to do a little hijack here.  I notice in the photos the absence of a sill pan, and house wrap stapled inside the rough opening. 

      Just about every major trade journal has published at least a few articles on best window installation practices in the past few years, and every new construction window that I've seen in the past few years has printed instructions. 

      I am not criticizing you since I assume you are the trim guy, but it astounds me that some window installers still don't get it.

      1. User avater
        hammer1 | Dec 20, 2008 05:14am | #6

        I'm just the trim guy on this one. The installers caulked the beejeebers out of the nailing flange, wish I could have tweaked a couple the windows. Some stacked ones didn't line up. You have to play the hand you're dealt. I did a similar treatment on the exterior trim. I used bituminous membrane over the flange, metal flashing on the headcasing and lapped the wrap over. I don't anticipate any problems. Siding by others.Beat it to fit / Paint it to match

      2. mikeroop | Dec 20, 2008 06:11pm | #10

        just because it's printed that makes it right in every situation? (by the way tyvek sucks)

  5. silas1804 | Dec 20, 2008 12:20pm | #7

    Thanks guys. Great info...I'm starting today.

    Silas

    1. User avater
      Mongo | Dec 20, 2008 01:23pm | #8

      "Sill" is exterior, "stool" is interior.Here's a fairly decent how to from the kids in Boston.http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/video/0,,20046338,00.html

  6. Piffin | Dec 20, 2008 02:13pm | #9

    Bu8ild the whole thing as a box on the floor or a table first. That way, you can screw the joints snug together and install the entire unit as a whole. much easier, better, faster, uses fewer shims....

     

     

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  7. Waters | Dec 20, 2008 06:21pm | #11

    I too build the extension jambs as one unit, with the sill.

    Another time saver I came across is the method for shimming the extension unit in place.

    JLC - http://www.jlconline.com/cgi-bin/jlconline.storefront/494d0b9810d28a4b27170a32100a0633/Product/View/0705fast

    "Faster Jamb Extensions" by Frank Caputo

    You build your jamb extensions, then use drywall screws, levels and laser to 'shim' around the opening.  The screws are driven parallel to the window, perpendicular to the studs around the opening.  The heads of the screws are set to provide the reveal around the window and the extensions then fit right in and are nailed in place.

    Get the article and read it.  You won't be sorry.

    Pat

     

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