Do you wonder why I talk about flashing so much? I mean, who doesn’t like to see a good, quality flash? I know what you are thinking and yes I am trying to joke around a little bit. But, seriously, flashing is the key to a quality job. There are tons of videos out there to show how to do this properly. Just remember, think like a raindrop.

There are three ways to go about this job. The first is to order replacement windows. This is essentially a widow without a nailing flange and the idea is that you remove the old window the one pops into the hole. This does not disturb the existing siding and trim assuming the window you are replacing does not have a nailing flange already and all of those details are in good condition

The second way to do it is to buy a new window and cut the nailing flange off with something like a reciprocating saw. This simulates a replacement window at usually significantly less cost. Then there is the right way. That is to cut off the siding and trim so that the window and opening can be flashed appropriately.

The window that I was actually replacing was used when I purchased it. Someone had already cut the flange off. I bought it second hand for $40 and I tried to make it water tight. It was a fine window, but my wife wanted a window that actually opened so that we could install a portable air conditioner in the future (actually this year, but it is already October so we won’t see those kind of temperatures again until next summer).

Out went the window. The next thing you want to do is prep the opening. I really like this self sealing membrane product. It is sold in the area of windows, it is really sticky and it seals around nails and punctures. You want to flash around the window opening to protect the framing from getting wet. If this is a replacement, you want your flashing to hang over the house wrap so that any water that might get behind the window stays on the outside of the wood.

Start at the bottom and work around the opening. Here is a link from someone doing it right. Note, there are some slightly different techniques but they all are a variation of the same thing. After the flashing, set the window into the hole as centered as possible. Just like doors, do everything you can so that the window is square and plumb.

If that is true, nail in the window. I like a 2″ roofing nail, nailed every other hole on the flange. The point is to get the window nailed into the structure and two inches is enough to get through the window and the sheathing and get enough grab into the structure. Now, you want to flash over the flange to keep all water on the outside of the house wrap.

Believe it or not, when siding the very next thing you would do is the window trim before the siding. This is because the trim and the siding mate with a caulk bead. I have come to the conclusion that these should also be flashed with metal or membrane but I didn’t do it here because I would have to pry all the siding loose so that I could slide flashing underneath. I reused and installed the trim in the reverse order I took it off.

The takeaways here are 1) order an appropriate window 2) install it plumb and square 3) flash the opening properly before and after. If you do these three things, then you will have a successful replacement. Obviously I didn’t cover everything, you may have to remove the interior trim for instance. I also typically use a 6″ tape. Mostly, I split it in half because this is some expensive stuff.

End Your Programming Routine: I bought this window on the same day as I bought the front door. So, it has been in the queue for a little bit. The weather has really cooperated so that I could do all the things I have wanted to finish before fall/winter set in. Once the trim is in, it is time for the fussy part of caulking and painting. but that is it, Take you time, have a stable work area, watch some videos and think before you act, you can do it.