JELD-WEN’s five tips for a successful window and door installation

It is important to have ENERGY STAR® rated windows and doors on new home builds and renovations, but it’s just as important to have them properly installed. Here are some important recommendations to make sure your installers follow when putting in new windows and doors.

Safety

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The saying “safety first” is there for a reason as it should be the top priority for everyone involved in installing a new window or door. Anyone working in the area or even a homeowner wanting to check on the progress should be equipped with the necessary PPE to stay safe by wearing a respiratory mask, puncture protection level gloves, protective glasses, steel toe cap shoes and forearm cut protection.

If your home was built prior to 1980, there are several precautions that need to be put in place for both the installer and homeowner. Your installer needs to be aware of potential asbestos presence such as drywall, insulation, lead paint, etc. Direct exposure to such fibers without proper PPE can be very dangerous.

Due diligence

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Ensure the installer checks for new product defect damages and proper measurements prior to removing any existing windows. Installing the wrong sized window or door will cause stress on the product that could cause bowing and long-term damage. Measurements that are slightly off cause an offset that will hinder the ability to get proper insulation around the frame, leading to efficiency loss and risk of moisture getting in from the outside.

Drip caps

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We highly recommend installers use drip caps on every window in the home. Drip caps are L-shaped flashing that goes on a window after it’s been installed but before siding goes around the window frame. The drip cap helps direct water away from the window frame.

CSA Certification

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Having installers that are certified by the CSA group will ensure that it’s done right the first time. Homebuyers will appreciate that JELD-WEN products are CSA certified, tested, and being installed according to the rules of the CSA.

Respect the elements

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Making sure installers are well versed in the unique needs of regional differences and the challenges weather poses across Canada will go a long way to making sure the high-quality windows you’ve invested in are installed to battle the elements.

In Newfoundland, for example, most homebuilders prefer vinyl windows for their ease of installation and their ability to withstand the elements. That said, due to the high risk of heavy rains on the east coast, water can run behind the frame and drip inside. For these installations, a drip cap is a must to ensure water is directed away from the frame.

Ontario, however, has a significant number of brick homes, which causes its own challenges for window installers. Typically, brick masons are supposed to leave about 3/8th of an inch between a window frame and the brick. Unfortunately, sometimes they don’t leave enough space, so the brick is too tight to the window, putting stress on the frame. This can cause damage and difficulty opening the windows as the window frame settles in the compressed space.

Out west, especially in the plains, cold and wind present the greatest challenges. Single or even Double-Pane windows won’t be able to keep up against those elements. Tri-Pane windows have much better condensation resistance and will improve home comfort.

Visit JELD-WEN Canada to browse our products and get ready for the renovation season.

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