How To Install Doors And Windows

• How to install windows

• How to install doors

1. How to install windows.

   • Remove all packaging from window setup.

   • Caulk the nailing fin contact point, for extra moisture protection. This is the area on the exterior of the rough opening that will be in contact with the nailing fin.

   • Lift the window up to the rough opening and gently place inside.

   

   • Have one person inside the building with a level and pry bar.

   • Once the window is in place, have the person inside the house place a level on the bottom sash of the window.

   • Insert pry bar on the low side of the window. The side that needs to be lifted to make the window level.

   • Insert a cedar shim under the other end of the window and center the window in the rough opening.

   • Lift the low end of the window until it is level.

   • Make sure the person on the outside holds the window in place so as to not have it fall out of the rough opening as it is being leveled.

   • Once the window is perfectly leveled and you can see a reveal all around the window casing (a narrow space all around the window on the interior, which will be used to insulate at a later time.) Use cedar shims to keep the window level.

   • Have the person outside nail the window in place along the nailing fin.

   

   • Check for level periodically as the window is being nailed in place.

   

   • Once the window is nailed in place, check to see if it opens and closes properly.

   • Use window tape as a leak barrier around the exterior of the window frame. The tape creates a barrier from any potential leaking around the window frame. Window tape is similar to ice and water shield used on roofs.

     • Peel the backing off of the tape and place part of the tape over the nailing fin of the window and the other on the house. Firmly press and continue around the entire window frame.

   

   
   

2. How to install exterior doors.

   • The initial step of installing a door is the same as installing a window. Remove all packaging and bracing but do not open the door. Do not remove the temporary cross-bar to the door jambs.

   

   • It is very important to have a perfectly plumb surface to attach the hinge side of the door jamb to.

   • To create a plumb side you will need to use three sets of cedar shims and a 4' level.

     • Begin by nailing a thin set of shims on the top or bottom of the door jamb. Now do the same for the middle and the other end. Adjust the shims until you have a perfectly plumb side.

     • Cut the end of the shims off with a utility knife.

   
   

   • Fit the door inside of the rough opening.

   • Using your 4' level to check for plumb, Push the door up against the hinge side door jamb as snuggly as possible. When the door is plumb insert 2 finish nails to keep the door from falling over. Then continue nailing that side of the door.

   • From the inside of the house, check to see if the gap around the door casing and the rough opening is even all the way around.

   • Insert shims where needed to create an even gap. Then measure the door encasement diagonally from both ends. If both measurements are not equal, then continue forcing the shim until both measurements are equal.

   

   • To support the door jamb around the striker, place pairs of shims above and below the door knob hole. Also insert a shim at the bottom of the jamb.

   

   • From the exterior of the house, continue to nail the door casing to the house all of the way around.

   • From the interior of the house, remove the temporary cross bar to the door jambs.

   • Now you can open and close the door.

   • Install long screws through the hinges into the wall for added support (read the instructions that came with the door for specific instruction for your particular door.)

   

   • Large entry doors weigh much more than the smaller doors. To prevent injury and or property damage, its a good idea to have three people on this job.

3. Your house is now protected from the elements. You can now store your tools in the house without fear of rain or theft.