Windows

Oh, the excitement! Today we installed the windows. It is really beginning to look like a house.

Step one was water-proofing the windows so water won't seep into the walls. We used Vycor, a brand of window flashing tape. First we cut out squares of the tape to put in the bottom corners. I never figured out how to get it flat, but that's the goal. Then add a strip that runs 4-5in up the sides of the window. The tape gets stuck half on, half off the window sill and then folded over. Don't forget to cut a diagonal at the corners so it lies flat. Before putting the windows in we cut 2" diagonal slits in the Tyvek at the corners. The Tyvek is supposed to go over the window frame at the top and sides so water won't run in between the wall and the window.







I recommend three sets of hands to actually install the windows. It gets a bit tricky. One person needs to be on the inside with shims and a level. The other two people lift the window into place and hold it while the inside person centers and levels it. When the window is set an outside person nails it into place. Try not to crack the plastic! If you have bad aim with the hammer this should probably not be your job.




The last step is taping around the windows. More fun with Vycor! Make sure the Tyvek is over the top and sides of the window and tape down the sides and the top. Stick everything down tightly, you don't want leaks.