Squaring Windows

[Bismarck Jack]

Ok. I paused on the bathroom project until i could get the new cabinet in.

While i waited, the 5 vinyl windows i ordered came in. i had to create some brick moulding extenders and use the ol' creative nogin a bit, but 4 of 5 are now in. However, i am having a bit of trouble getting them square. What is the best way to do that? do i just start jambing in shims until it opens and closes without binding? if i use a level, how do i know that the original framing is square? level does not seem to do the trick. seems like this has been a bit of a challenge for me.:banghead:

They go in with 4 screws, two on each side. these are double hung crestviews i think.

Ideas?

[joed]

If you level the sill with shims first then level the side rail it should be square. use shims behind the screw locations to fill the space to hold the window square.
Pound the shims too tight and you will pinch the window. Leave them too loose and the screw will bow the window out when tightened. It's bit of an art.

[Bismarck Jack]

Great! I installed the fith and final window last night. brrr. it was 28 degrees out there. i had to wear a beenie:santaclaus: I think I need a :nurse: for these sniffels.

I did experiment with shims a bit, and the window seemed to square up much better than to just try to use the screws...hey, i never said i was the smartest crayon in the box. I guess i was lazy and hoped that it would work with just the screws. Nope:withstupid:

Thanks for the help. i will try this on the next three. Have to unstuff the insulation, which was just temporary to keep ol man winter out while i figured out the square thing. then I was going to put in that spray foam insulation.

One more question on that. Is regular insulation stuffed into the nooks and cranies better than the foam insulation? I bought the foam at 7 bucks a can, but if you all think it is better to use regular insulation, than feel free to voice your opinion.

thanks again

[joed]

Make sure you use low expanding foam. If you use the wrong one it could apply enough pressure to bow the window frame in and jam the windows.

[Mr T]

I use Dap-tex. Works well. It doesnt dry hard like great stuff does (stay away from great stuff). Dap tex says on the can, safe for windows and doors.. Plus if you clean up well, the can is good for more then one use.

[Bismarck Jack]

thanks. i think i will stick with the old fashioned insulation. that way i can control how much goes in. i did buy great stuff for windows and doors, but decided not to use it on the inside. that stuff is not so great to try to clean up. in fact, it is a real PIA. if you get it on your hands...takes a week to wear off.

[Mr T]

The dap-tex stuff cleans up with water :marchmellow: