The JELD-WEN installation instructions detail procedures for vinyl windows featuring an integral nailing fin. These instructions are recommended, but adherence to AAMA specifications (2400-02) is also an acceptable installation method and will not void the JELD-WEN limited warranty. Proper installation is critical, particularly concerning air and water tightness in modern buildings, which can create negative air pressure and potential water intrusion through small openings. The documentation emphasizes integrating the window with the structure’s weather barrier, typically building wrap. Installation procedures vary based on wall construction type, including open-stud and fully sheathed walls. The documentation also addresses installations at heights exceeding 35 feet and the necessity of professional design for non-standard wall conditions.
Understanding Installation Requirements
JELD-WEN recommends consulting local building code officials to ensure compliance with applicable codes and regulations, which supersede the manufacturer’s installation instructions. The documentation highlights the importance of square, level, and plumb openings, noting that failure to meet these criteria may result in denial of warranty claims related to operational or performance issues. Installations exceeding 35 feet in height, or those involving wall conditions not specifically addressed in the provided instructions, require design input from an architect or structural engineer.
The instructions are intended for use by installers, and the documentation specifies that a copy of the instructions should be provided to the building owner. By proceeding with installation, the installer acknowledges the terms and conditions of the JELD-WEN limited product warranty.
Wall Construction Methods and Installation Approaches
The provided documentation outlines installation procedures for three primary wall construction types: installations where a buck has already been installed, fully sheathed wall construction, and open-stud construction.
Buck Installation
When a buck (a wood framework attached to masonry) is already in place, it must have been properly fastened and sealed to the concrete or masonry wall by a building professional. The JELD-WEN instructions assume this preparatory work has been completed correctly.
Fully Sheathed Wall Construction
For fully sheathed wall construction, where the wall framing is covered by sheathing, windows are mounted flush against the sheathing. This installation method assumes that building wrap has been properly installed prior to window installation. The building wrap serves as the primary weather barrier.
Open-Stud Construction
Open-stud construction requires the wall framing to be covered by backing support before the window can be installed. The window is then mounted with the nailing fin/exterior trim flush against the applied backing support. This backing support should be a non-water-degradable, thin sheet material, with a maximum thickness of 1/8 inch, such as vinyl sheeting. The backing support must completely surround the rough opening and be applied before the building wrap.
Rough Opening Considerations
The documentation defines a “buck” as a wood framework attached to the masonry inside a window or patio door rough opening. Other relevant terms include:
- Mull Joint: The joint where two or more window units are structurally joined together.
- Mulled Unit: Two or more window units structurally joined together.
- Precast Sill: A pre-formed concrete block placed in the sill of a masonry/block wall to support a window.
- Shiplap: (Definition not fully provided in the source material).
Estimated Installation Times
The estimated installation times vary based on installer experience:
- First-time installers: 4.0 hours
- Experienced installers: 2.5 hours
- Professional installers: 1.5 hours
These estimates likely apply to standard installations and may be affected by factors such as window size, complexity of the wall construction, and site conditions.
Importance of Weather Barrier Integration
A central theme throughout the JELD-WEN installation instructions is the integration of the window with the weather barrier. Modern building construction often results in increased air and water tightness, which can create negative air pressure within the structure. This negative pressure can draw water through even small openings if the window is not properly sealed and integrated with the surrounding weather barrier. The instructions emphasize the use of building wrap as the typical weather barrier material.
Warranty Implications
Failure to install windows into square, level, and plumb openings could result in denial of warranty claims for operational or performance problems. The documentation explicitly states that installers acknowledge the terms and conditions of the limited product warranty by installing the product. Adherence to AAMA specifications (2400-02) is presented as an acceptable alternative to the JELD-WEN recommended installation instructions and will not affect warranty coverage.
Conclusion
The JELD-WEN installation instructions provide guidance for the proper installation of vinyl windows with integral nailing fins. Key considerations include adherence to local building codes, proper integration with the weather barrier, and ensuring square, level, and plumb openings. The documentation differentiates installation procedures based on wall construction type—buck installation, fully sheathed walls, and open-stud construction—and provides estimated installation times based on installer experience. Proper installation is crucial for maintaining the window’s performance and preserving the validity of the JELD-WEN limited warranty.