Installation Guide for Anderson Windows

Preparation

• The area immediately surrounding the opening where the window will be installed must be clear. The exterior of the wall around the window opening must be stripped bare of any siding or other covering so that only the waterproofing and insulating house wrap are visible. The wrap should be peeled back from the top edge of the opening. In addition, you will need to have all necessary third-party window installation supplies. Oftentimes these can be found in a full kit that contains all the needed parts, but you may have to buy them separately. You can do this at any home improvement store. Beyond the window itself you will need a sized piece of flashing for the seal. This is the piece of flashing that goes on the bottom edge of the window opening and keeps the edge secure, waterproof and well sealed. You’ll also need flashing for the side and top edges as well as sealing caulk or glue for the outside.

Installation

• Begin by securely installing the bottom piece of flashing. This should fit squarely down into the window opening and over both edges as if putting on a saddle. Gently hammer it down so it snuggly slides all the way onto the ledge. Use roofing nails on each exterior corner of the flashing to secure it to the wall. Now use your sealing caulk to apply a steady bead of sealant on the exterior wall right along the sides and top of the window opening. Working quickly so the sealant doesn’t become too tacky center the window and gently insert it into the opening. Have a partner to assist you with this, using a tape measure and level to make sure the window is centered and straight before you press it into the sealant. After gently pressing it in against the sealant use a standard nail to secure each of the top two corners. This is only temporary, to prevent the window from shifting on the still-wet sealant. Now use a heavy hammer or nail gun to drive galvanized roofing nails into the exterior window trim all the way around. Some Anderson window models will have holes pre-drilled to show where to place the nails. If not, space each nail about 6/8 inches apart.

  Once all the nails have been driven in and the window secured, apply the side and top pieces of flashing. Apply the side flashing first, placing it directly over top of the bottom flashing and extending at least a couple inches above the top of the window. Next apply the top edge flashing, which will itself overlap the pieces of side flashing that you left extending upwards. To finish the installation, place a small bead of sealant along the top edge flashing and secure the previously pulled-away flap of house wrap back over this. From here, replace the exterior house trim however you wish, depending on the material the house uses. Whether you use brick, stucco or some other type, leave a small gap between the window itself and the trim. This will be filled with sealant after the trim is installed.