Our Proven Installation Process

Introduction

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

Step 5

Step 6

Step 7

Step 8

Step 9

Step 10

Introduction

Introduction

A superior seal to the building is facilitated when replacement windows are installed with an integral factory nail fin, the same as is required for a new construction installation.  The aesthetics are also greatly enhanced, considering the stucco will abut directly to the new window frame and supersede the need for trim pieces that have been systematically utilized for replacement windows in the past.  A nail fin installation for replacement windows is very similar to the methods utilized for a new construction installation, and one that is adopted and regulated by many State, County and Municipal Building Departments for replacement window installations.  In New Mexico, Bernalillo County, Los Alamos County, the City of Rio Rancho and the City of Albuquerque all require the nail fin installation method for replacement windows in stucco homes. For the installation into a stucco finish, our windows are ordered with an integral nailing fin, which is an attached flat projection that runs perpendicular the perimeter of the window frame (like a dorsal fin to a fish), and lays flat against the building sheathing (OSB or Plywood).  This nailing fin allows sealant and flashings to be transitioned from the existing paper vapor barrier to the new replacement window, for a complete weather-tight, waterproof, air barrier.  The application of the stucco system then provides additional weather resistant protection, but it is the nail fin and flashings that create the ultimate weather proof seal, when properly integrated to the existing building envelope. ​

Step 1

Step 1

We take care to break out the stucco around the perimeter of the old window from 4” to 6”, exposing the building paper and stucco netting.

Step 2

Step 2

The existing stucco netting (chicken wire) is folded back while at the same time exposing the existing building paper that must not be damaged or torn.

Step 3

Step 3

The nails are pulled away from the nailing fin and the old window virtually falls out, leaving a clean, unobstructed opening for the new window.

Step 4

Step 4

A “Sill Pan” is created with an application of Protecto Wrap BT25XL peel and stick rubberized flashing tape at the horizontal sill surfaces of the framing, up the sides several inches and then overlaps the existing building paper at the bottom, to maintain the “shingle effect”.

Step 5

Step 5

Caulking is applied to the backside of the nailing fin at the sides and top and then the new window installed into the opening. The window is leveled, plumbed, trued up, and secured with screws through the nail fin to the existing framing, providing a reliable attachment and weatherproof interface to the building.

Step 6

Step 6

Protecto Wrap window flashing adheres to the nailing fin and over the existing building paper at the sides, and under the existing building paper at the top. This flashing application method is commonly referred to as the “shingle effect” and is the same water management method employed for shingle roofs, allowing the moisture to cascade downward from the top to bottom without entering the building envelope.

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At this point of the installation, your new windows / doors are completely secured and sealed to your home, providing the ultimate protection against the weather elements. This work is accomplished by our highly trained window technicians, who are hourly employees and have undergone rigorous training for the Reule Smart Seal installation system. Once your windows are property installed with the Reule Smart Seal system, the stucco at the peri meter of the windows will require patching prior to the finish coats.

Step 7

Step 7

The existing stucco netting (chicken wire) is folded back into place and new layer of diamond sheet metal lath applied over the stucco netting from the frame of the window and onto the adjacent stucco surfaces.

Step 8

Step 8

The acrylic fortified fiberglass reinforced stucco base coat is applied over the metal lath, and floated onto the existing stucco surfaces to maintain a smooth transition. Depending on the depth of the patching, a second layer of basecoat may be required.

Step 9

Step 9

A thin layer of Crack Master high performance polymer cement with embedded polyester mesh is applied over the base coat, to minimize any crack translation through the finish coats.

Step 10

Step 10

Finish coats are applied after a proper 28 day cure of the base coats and Crack Master system.