Chapter E4 – Installs Exterior Windows
Instruction Sheet 14.04.1– Installs Exterior Windows
Key Competencies
The NOA for Carpenter (2013) identifies the required competencies (skills) for the task of installing exterior windows. These are:
- Select and use tools and equipment such as levels, tape measures, hammers and cordless drills
- Assess and adjust rough openings for existing conditions such as out-of-square, out-of-level and wrong size or location
- Ensure adjacent jambs or frames are aligned with each other and other units
- Place and secure window in rough opening using shims and fasteners to level and plumb
- Verify proper operation such as latching, spacing and alignment
- Install membrane and flashing at top and membrane around casing (NOA, p. 57).
Window frames are constructed from wood, vinyl, prefinished aluminum, fiberglass, or composite materials. Windows are classified by their method of operation into three main types and have variations within each one.
Window Types
- Fixed – picture, fixed, horizontal
- Sliding – horizontal or vertical
- Swinging – awning, casement, hopper, Jalousie
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Window_Types_United_States.png
Window types may be grouped into different configurations and shapes. On a blueprint, windows are identified by type on the window schedule for easy reference.
- Bay Windows
- Bow Windows
- Garden Windows
- Quarter- Round Windows
- Half-Round Windows
- Full Round Windows
- Octagon Windows
- Arch Windows
- Extended Chord Windows
- Rake Head Windows
- Transom Windows
Passive solar window design can improve the solar heat gain coefficient and improve the comfort and operational costs of a building. Heat can be gained or lost through conduction, radiation or air leakage. Windows may be glazed or filled with inert gases for added energy efficiency.
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Solar_Heat_Gain_V2.png
Proper window installation will protect the home from mold and rot due to moisture. Installation will vary by type of window and manufacturer’s recommendations. However, the sequence of installation should prevent water infiltration and shed water away from the opening using the “shingling” effect.
For additional information and terminology please review:
- Carpentry, Chapter 58 “Window Terms and Types” and Chapter 59 “Window Installation”
- Principles and Practices of Commercial Construction, study the section called “Windows”
- Canadian Wood Frame House Construction, study the section titled, “Windows and Doors”
- National Building Code of Canada, study section 9.7 sub-section 3.7.2, “Windows,” and section 9.32, “Ventilation”
For more details on this, review Brightspace Instruction Sheets:
EXFN 201/221 Exterior Windows and Doors (2017):
Review Questions
- The three main types of windows are:
- What is the difference between a fixed window and a picture window?
- What are two types of sliding windows?
- Name three types of “swinging” windows
- On an elevation v