HOW TO
INSTALL WINDOWS

The process of retrofitting old aluminum windows allows a typical homeowner the ability to install energy efficient vinyl windows without having to perform major construction, such as cutting stucco or siding, pulling out the old frame, then installing a water barrier to the new window fins, repairing the exterior material, and finally, patching any interior drywall damage. The retrofit frame was developed in California, where stucco is common. The retrofit fin fits neatly over the aluminum frame and rests on the stucco.
This page is for homeowners and contractors who live in areas of the Country where the California retrofit frames are not available. I am going to explain how to create your own retrofit frames, using a replacement frame and vinyl flat trim. Please keep in mind that the concept of retrofitting only applies if you are REPLACING ALUMINUM WINDOWS WITH VINYL WINDOWS. The retrofit fin is also known as a flush fin in some areas of the country. The picture below left shows a picture of the retrofit frame when viewed from the back. The reason it is known as a flush fin frame is because the retrofit fin is flush with the outside face of the window. This is not to be confused with a new construction window frame, where the nailing fin is set back about an inch from the face of the window. The nailing fin will not work as a retrofit fin when doing a replacement. The only time you want to use a window with a nailing fin is if you are building a new home from scratch, or you are going to completely tear out the old window down to the studs.
The picture to the right is called a replacement frame.
You can see how the replacement frame is just a box with no fins at all. These frames are made to replace an old wood window. The frame fits into the wood pocket, so no fins are required. In areas of the country where the retrofit frame is not available, you can get the new construction frame or the replacement frame. At places such as Home Depot or Lowes, you will find new construction windows on the shelf, but if you want the replacement frame, you will have to have them custom ordered.
If you are lucky enough to find a new construction frame that will fit in the opening without removing the aluminum frame, you can cut off the nailing fins to create a replacement frame, and you will save yourself some money by avoiding the custom order fees.
The pictures below show a corner sample of a replacement frame along with a piece of my vinyl flat trim. The trim comes with 3/4" wide double stick tape on the back with a paper backing. After you have installed your replacement frame, you would cut the flat trim to size, then peel the paper off, and stick the tape onto the face of the vinyl frame, while butting the edge of the trim against your brick or siding. My flat trim uses an acrylic modified adhesive on the back, which forms a permanent bond with PVC, the stuff that vinyl windows are made of. The bond between the tape and the vinyl actually gets stronger as time goes by. In contrast, most trim on the market uses Styrene Isoprene Styrene (S.I.S), which is a rubber based adhesive, and has ZERO adhesion to PVC. Manufacturers of this type of adhesive use something called a tackifier, which is very sticky to the touch, and will hold the trim in place UNTIL THE TACKIFIER EVAPORATES! Tackifier is a temporary holding agent, so when it evaporates, the only thing holding your trim in place is the caulk or silicone you used to finish the job. Please don't ruin a quality job by using a cheap trim product.









When you screw the vinyl window in place, make sure the outer edge of the frame sits about 1/16" further out than the aluminum frame. Then, apply a bead of sealant on the face of the aluminum frame that is going to be covered by the flat trim. Make sure the bead of sealant is thicker than 1/16", so when you apply the trim, the back of the trim makes contact with the sealant. Then, after the trim has been applied, you should seal a second time where the flat trim butts against either the siding or brick. You can apply the same flat trim to the interior to finish the job.
I sell flat trim in two different widths, 1 3/4" and 2 1/4". The narrower size is almost always sufficient for interior trimming. The wider size is usually required for exterior trimming applications. When trying to determine the correct size to order, you want the trim to overlap onto the vinyl frame by 3/4" or more, since that is the width of the self stick tape. You can order the flat trim HERE. If you need a color other than white, call for a quote.
I also sell screw hole plugs to hide any installation screws. When installing a replacement frame, you screw the frame in place through the sides and top. Since vinyl windows have two walls of vinyl seperated by a hollow chamber, you can pre drill a 3/8" hole through the first wall of vinyl, drive the installation screw into the large hole and through the second wall of vinyl, then pop in a hole plug, and the screws are completely hidden. The plugs are subtle, and blend in so well with the frame, you can hardly tell they are there. You can order the screw hole plugs HERE.