in English at Syracuse University, where he is also pursuing his Ph.D.

Finish tightening the screws, making sure they aren't tight enough to draw the sides of the window outward.Cut all the shims flush to the window frame with a handsaw. They provide a convenient way to attach the window, but wood windows, as well as some aluminum and vinyl ones, don't have these fins. Caulk around the outside of the window frame with an exterior grade of caulking.To measure your window opening for a new replacement window, measure across the opening at the top, center, and bottom of the opening. When the fins are absent, you have to drive fasteners through the window frame and into the building framing.

Do not overtighten the screws or the window frame could become deformed.Test the window sash to make sure it is not binding. He earned his M.A. You may need help to do this.Place a level on the bottom of the frame and tap cedar shims under the frame with a hammer to center the bubble. Staple the sealer to the sill plate.Close the window you are going to install. Make sure the bubble in the level is centered between to the two lines.

Nailing fins are flanges on the outside of vinyl and aluminum windows that sit flush agains the sheathing when the window is in place.

Replacement vinyl windows are also available to upgrade existing windows and do not include a nailing fin.

Install wood trim to hide the gaps between the window and the framing and give the window a finished appearance.Chris Deziel has a bachelor's degree in physics and a master's degree in humanities. It isn't difficult to get good results, provided that you prepare the window rough opening, making sure it's the right size, and level the window before you attach it.Measure the dimensions of the window with a tape measure and frame the rough opening to be 1/2 inch wider and 1/2 inch longer. Use the smallest of these measurements to get the width of your new window. Place the level horizontally on the window sill to make sure it is level. Use wood shims placed in between the window frame and the rough frame opening to get the correct reading on the level, if necessary.Place the level horizontally on the window sill to make sure it is level.

Vinyl windows are a popular choice for home builders as well as for homeowners who wish to upgrade their windows. Slide wood shims in between … Use a level and recheck the window to make sure it is plumb, level and square. Lift the frame into the opening and center it in the middle of the sill plate. Place shims between the window frame and the rough opening where needed.Place the window in the rough opening once the window is plumb, level, and square, using the installation screws that came with your window. Measure the opening from top to bottom in the same fashion to get the height of your new window.Thomas West has been writing professionally since 2002. Slide wood shims in between the sill and the bottom of the rough opening to make the window sill level, if necessary.Measure the window diagonally with a measuring tape to make sure the window is square. Have a helper hold the window into place while you place a level on vertical jambs on both sides of the window frame to make sure it is plumb. 3.1 - Run a bead of silicone caulk on the sill and around the exterior … If it has a removable sash, remove it. Place the screws at the pre-drilled holes on the inside of the window frame and drive them in with a Phillips-head bit installed in an electric drill in a clockwise direction.

Position and install the window.

Put two shims in each side and space them roughly equal distances from the top and bottom of the window.Drill a 1/8-inch hole through the window frame and into the building framing in front of each shim along the sides of the window. Besides having an abiding interest in popular science, Deziel has been active in the building and home design trades since 1975.

Screw the nail fin strip to the side of the window using a cordless screw gun and 3/8-inch self-tapping ceramic coated screws.

Make sure the diagonal measurements are equal. When you're finished, place the level along the vertical side of the frame and adjust the top of the frame to center the bubble. Install Window Place the window into the opening, pressing it tightly against the caulk. It should extend for the full length of the sill and be wide enough to bend over the edges of the sill plate.

Don't drill holes in the top or bottom of the window.Drive a 2 1/2-inch screw into each hole, but leave it loose.

Drive screws into holes through to the shims.