RELIABILT WEST 350C INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
The following installation instructions are written with the understanding that the installer has an essential comprehension of common construction materials, practices, terminology and proper flashing and sealing techniques. Please contact RELIABILT® Windows & Doors if you have any questions about these instructions. Thank you.
PLEASE READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE BEGINNING INSTALLATION.
STORAGE AND HANDLING:
- Care must be taken during storage and handling of this product.
- Store on a level surface in a protected area, out of direct sunlight.
- Do not store more than 10 windows per stack, with only a very slight lean. Never lay windows flat.
- Leave sufficient space between windows to allow for proper ventilation.
- Provide full support for head and sill to prevent bowing or deformation of product.
- Window must be lifted and carried with full support under the frame.
- Do not lift or carry using the top of the frame. Do not install defective product.
- DO NOT drop product, or subject it to any form of sudden impact.
- Protect product from construction traffic, debris and other potential damaging hazards.
INSTALLATION:
- Make sure window is in closed and locked position.
- Apply flashing* across bottom of opening, extending beyond each side of the opening by the width of the flashing.
- Apply flashing* to sides, extending beyond the top and bottom of the opening by the width of the flashing.
- Apply a 3/8" nominal bead of flexible sealant around the entire perimeter of the window, behind the nailing fin, aligning bead with the pre-punched holes in the nailing fin. (For Patio Doors – also seal liberally beneath sill, and follow additional installation instructions provided for Patio Doors).
- Center the unit in the opening, weep holes down and to the exterior. Press window firmly into opening, ensuring a good continuous seal between the window and the structure.
- Apply one fastener through a pre-punched hole in the nailing fin (if available), at the side of the frame, approximately 3-4" below an upper corner of the unit to “tack” the unit in place. Use fasteners that will penetrate into the stud at least 1".
- Ensure unit is SQUARE, PLUMB AND LEVEL, with FULL support under sill.
- Apply another fastener through the nailing fin (if available) at the opposite diagonal (lower) corner of the unit. Verify the unit is still SQUARE, PLUMB AND LEVEL, that unit operates smoothly, and that operable sash are sitting square in their openings.
- Continue fastening window, using every other pre-punched hole in the nailing fin, if available.
- NOTE: When fastening the head portion of the window, place the fastener at the top of the elongated holes, if available, and DO NOT over compress the fin with the fastener. This will allow for any header deflection that may occur. (IT IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED THAT ROOF LOADS BE APPLIED BEFORE WINDOWS ARE INSTALLED. THIS HELPS TO ENSURE THAT ANY POSSIBLE HEADER DEFLECTION WILL HAVE OCCURRED, MAKING THE OPENINGS MORE STABLE).
- Apply flashing* across the top of the unit, overlapping the nailing fin and the side flashing pieces, and extending beyond the outer edges of the side flashing pieces by at least 1". Seal flashing to the face of the nailing fin with flexible sealant.
- Be sure to properly integrate any weather-resistant barrier (house wrap) with flashing components, to ensure moisture drainage to the outside of the structure (starting at the base, overlap materials working towards the top).
- IF INSULATING FOAM IS TO BE USED: Use only non-expanding or low expanding foam products specifically designed for use around vinyl windows, in strict adherence to application instructions. Do not overfill cavity. Confirm product compatibility with vinyl and other surrounding materials. Any distortion of window frame due to improper use of insulating foam may void the window warranty. Otherwise, insulate around window using fiber insulation, being careful to not bow the jamb.
- Proper installation is necessary to ensure smooth operation of windows. Check for smooth operation prior to applying any finish materials.
- Leave adequate clearance (1/8" - 1/4") between window frame and exterior finish application (siding, trim, etc.) to allow for expansion and contraction of window and surrounding materials. Fill gap, creating a suitable expansion joint, using flexible sealant, backer rod, etc.
- All exposed surfaces should be cleaned of any debris as soon as possible after installation. Use only mild detergents. DO NOT USE any harsh solvents or abrasive materials when cleaning any window surface.
*Non-adhesive flexible flashing material must be at least 6-9" wide (State/County codes may differ). If flexible flashing is adhesive, narrower material may be used based on application appropriateness.
NOTE: It is critical that all of the flashing manufacturers' guidelines are followed precisely, including temperature considerations, the use of primers, and the use and compatibility with sealants and substrates. The use of adhesive flexible flashing may also call for the side flashing components to be installed over the nailing fin, after the window is set and fastened (putting step #3 between steps #10 and #11). This is an acceptable alteration.
IMPORTANT: Verify compatibility between sealants, PVC, flashing materials and weather-resistant barrier. The above instructions are based on AAMA standards for new residential and light commercial applications. PLEASE SEE ACTUAL AAMA INSTALLATION GUIDELINES FOR FLUSH-FIN STYLE WINDOWS, IF APPLICABLE. Detailed, illustrated instructions are also available upon request.
BOW AND BAY WINDOWS – FLUSH-FIN OR BLOCK FRAME UNITS – ACCENT WINDOWS: It is the responsibility of the owner, architect or builder to make product selections in compliance with applicable laws, building codes and requirements.
