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Windows & Doors

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  • Choosing Windows
  • Installing Windows In New Walls
  • Retrofitting Windows
  • Window Repairs
  • Door Basics
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How-To

How to Install Windows in a Wall With Exterior Insulation

Mike Guertin demonstrates the entire process, from preparing the rough openings and sills to taping seams to make each window well air-sealed and watertight.

By Fine Homebuilding Editors

You can’t design a house for energy efficiency without considering window selection. But FHB House builder Mike Guertin knows that even the best window in the world is only as good as the quality of the installation. This is a job that demands redundant layers — which work together to prevent air and water infiltration — all executed with the strongest attention to detail.

Browse the articles below to see more details from the Rhode Island FHB House.

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Previous: Liquid-Flash a Windowsill Pan Next: Installing High-Performance Windows in a Passive House

Guide

Windows & Doors

Chapter

Installing Windows In New Walls

View Comments

  1. user-6181093 | Dec 26, 2016 05:47pm | #1

    Great video, very informative. How would you insulate this installation?

  2. RZZH | Dec 27, 2016 04:35pm | #2

    All well and good and have seen this before and makes sense. What I would like is something similar on a retrofit/rehab/upgrade flashing with the siding and window in place .

  3. Michael Perez | Dec 29, 2016 03:32am | #3

    Very informative and useful video, though I have seen similar one before. Thanks for sharing. Awareness is needed to make people conscious about energy saving. I always endorse all means of energy saving measures, be it the concept of building envelopes or the solar water heating. The impact of building envelopes cannot be underestimated. They are critical factors in determining how much energy is required in heating and cooling. It also raises the standard of living of millions of lives. Today consumers are aware of energy ratings for windows as mentioned in this article http://northtechwindows.ca/2016/10/03/consider-selecting-energy-efficient-windows/ . Powering our homes with renewable energy would save money.

  4. topgunner | Jan 17, 2017 10:43pm | #4

    Great clip indeed. Thanks for sharing!

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Windows & Doors

Windows & Doors

Trusted, comprehensive guidance from the pros for choosing, installing, replacing, and repairing windows and doors on any house

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Choosing Windows
  • Window Types
  • Design and Materials
  • Energy-Efficient Windows
Installing Windows In New Walls
  • Installation, Start to Finish
  • Head Flashing for Windows
  • Video Series: Nail-Fin Window over Zip System Sheathing
  • Video Series: Nail-Fin Window over Exterior Rigid-Foam Insulation
  • Video Series: Nail-Fin Window over Housewrap
  • Video Series: Nail-Fin Window over Peel-and-Stick Housewrap
  • Video Series: Nail-Fin Window over a Fluid-Applied WRB
  • Video Series: Weatherproof Window Installation
Retrofitting Windows
  • Removing the Old, Installing the New
  • Video Series: How to Replace a Window
  • Video Series: Install a Full-Frame Replacement Window in a Brick Wall
  • Video Series: Install an Insert Replacement Window in a Brick Wall
  • Video Series: Retrofit a Flanged Window
Window Repairs
  • Restoring Old Windows
  • Repairs and Upgrades
Door Basics
  • Tools & Jigs for Door Hanging
  • How to Install Doors
  • Hinges
  • Handles, Knobs, and Locksets
  • Fixing Door Problems
Interior Doors
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  • Custom-Built Doors
Exterior Doors
  • Door Choices and Design
  • Installing Entry Doors
  • Building Exterior Doors
  • Installing French Doors
  • Replacing a Door
  • Adding Weatherstripping and Sweeps

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