Trimming Vinyl Windows - Pre-assemble everything?

[mdannolfo]

Hi guys,
Doing a job with new windows, new trim, new siding and did the a lot of work on the inside of the home as well too.

The owners opted for Jeld-Wen Vinyl windows with the 4" flat exterior casings on them. I've installed a few vinyl windows here and there, but mostly wood clad windows.

My usual install with wood clad is to pocket hole the x jambs to the window, or just nail them straight into the window depending on the size of the x jamb. Then come back and case everything out - pre-assemble casings if possible. With a few vinyl windows I'll just attach the x jambs to the window framing with trim head screws, maybe shimming with either shingles, blocks or drywall screws. Maybe no shims.

In this case, can't really attach a fastener to the x jamb and window or it will "poke through" and possibly pierce the sash cord and be seen or hinder operation.

I have 25 windows to do of various sizes. I was thinking of making up the sill, x jambs and screwing them together. Then throwing the simple 2.5" colonial casing on them as well on an assembly table. Cut aprons and self returns as well, but install aprons in place. Maybe a couple dabs, or even a bead, of power grab or polyseamseal on the x jamb and just nail up through the 2.5" colonial and not bother even fastening the x jambs really. The x jambs are approx 2.25". I'll have to go around and measure them out individually, but they seam close as we were installing the windows.

When I first started, I probably would make sill and then the x jambs and attach to framing with shims or blocks. Then I probably would have just put some drywall screws in the framing, leveling them, and used them as the shims to keep the x jambs plumb. Then came back and cased everything on second trim around. Cut all the casing at once and go around and nail up.

But now, why not just pre-assemble the whole deal? Sort of like the old drywall split jamb doors with a hollow core door. I Could even throw in a few trim head screws into the x jambs to the faming to keep there, but probably not necessary.

Any advice? Anyone do it like this? Any pitfalls you can think of?

Thanks in advance,

Mike

[Rich Flynn]

I pre-assemble the whole deal and also give it the first coat of paint since I'm usually the finisher too.

- Rich

[tjbnwi]

I've done the make the jamb frame, install casing, nail through casing. Worked pretty well, as long as the jambs are all about the same depth. Otherwise a lot of tapered jamb cutting and keeping things in order. Bead of chualk prior to painting.

I did Weather Shield vinyls, they had a reciever that snapped into a groove on the window, jams slide into te reviewer, about 5/8" depth adjustment with the reciever. It looked like a vinyl U channel with a small protrusion to go into the groove in the frame. Maybe Jeld Wen has something like that.

Tom

[brthomas]

I've done this many many times, to many to count. The assembly table idea is key. If you have a helper utilize him while you're cut man. Using this system in a production approach can gain you hours of time saving. Collect all measurements, get working on the Sills and jambs, once the jambs are rolling get the helper to start assembly while your rolling through the jamb cut list. Once your finished start cutting all the casings and have him pick back up with the first window (painters tape labeling will save you headaches).

Once all the windows are fabbed up you can start installing while the helper is still working the assembly table. When he is finished have him join in.

There was three days on a large condominium project where myself and my helper did three whole floors of measurement, pre-fab, and install over two days. We're talking about 60+ windows, doors, sliders, etc. It was amazing how efficiently we cranked them out. And of course a nice power plane (and jap saw for the doors if you adopt this method) to help tune some of the more stubborn windows.

Hope this helps, I would assume you have a helper. If not it still is really productive as opposed to singly doing each window.

[brthomas]

I had meant to add, I do the drywall screw method if your concerned about jamb movement, I prefer it over other methods to where you can adjust with a hand screwdriver the exact amount needed. The helper can go ahead and screw in the drywall screws in typical adjustment areas while your collecting measurements for cut lists.

[newman]

I've trimmed out lots of vinyl windows. I usually pre-assemble the extention jamb frame with glue and 18ga staples, and intall it with finish nails and shims to studs, then the pre-assembled casing gets installed after planing the extension jambs near flush and tapered back to sheetrock. For me, the most time consuming part is fitting the casings, since most of the drywall around here is so out of wack...

[mdannolfo]

Thanks guys for advice.

Tom, I wish they had something like that. It would make an inconsistencies in the walls much easier to deal with.

I have two carpenters working for me that are very good. I think we will set up a system where I go measure everything up, give one a cut list. Me and the other will make up the sills and assemble everything. Should go smoothly. These guys have been with me for 3 years now.

Thanks again!

[brthomas]

I second using 18ga staples. They do offer a better grip on the casings as they are transported through the house. Especially larger fabbed window assemblies.

Sounds like you have a excellent plan and all should roll smoothly. Good Luck!

[Rich Flynn]

Marvin's all fiberglass windows also have the receiver available as an option.

Rich

[mdannolfo]

Well guys, windows are done. It went great. We, three carpenters, were able to get the stock, insulate around, trim the 24 windows and clean up in a day and half. The x jambs were all pretty consistent for the most part at 2.5". Once I got my numbers straight of what to add to the opening for top x jamb, legs, sill, head casing, side casings and apron, it really was a breeze. I surely could have been more efficient had I gone a day early and figured everything out, but the guys stayed busy insulating for the most part while I figured. I did manage to screw up a window with faulty addition, but for the most part, I didn't screw up too badly.

Now, an addition and then back to trim this house out with PVC and side it with Hardie.

Happy Holidays and thanks for the input guys,
Mike