This Old House | Pro2Pro: How to Properly Install a Window

During a recent shoot at our Westerly project, Tom Silva taught two of our apprentices how to properly install a window. First, he covered his method for prepping the rough opening. Then he showed them how to hang the window so that it is level, plumb, and square. Once the window was hung, he illustrated how to flash it properly to create a watertight seal. On Friday, May 24th at 11am EST, we’ll premiere this 30-minute video with Tom Silva and a Marvin installation technician answering your questions, live!

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A network of pro content creators compare field notes in every category of the trades, from carpentry and framing to landscaping and plumbing, and everything in between.

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This Old House | Pro2Pro: How to Properly Install a Window | FULL EPISODE

[hotbam]

Legend has it Tommy is still wrapping that window today

[thisoldhouse]

Throughout his career Tommy has peeled away a lot of siding in this area only to find rot from years of water damage, which is why he’s a firm believer in this kick-out style flashing. He’s seen it on doors and below windows.

[benocehcap]

Legend has it every window that Tommy installs will give heat in the winter and cool air in the summer.

[Tangue]

This particular task is a good depiction of how drastically building standards can change. It’s awesome to think how well this will prevent water entry, but at the same, it took 3 sets if hands 30 minutes do to this (1-1/2 hours total just to flash and install the window). If you’re spending this kind of time on this, then adding the time to spray foam, trim the inside, trim the outside, flash the trim, and all of the materials, you’re in to some huge money to do just one window. It’s an ongoing predicament in my head. We spend all this time and money taking things to the Nth degree, yet there are still houses all over New England with 100 year old windows, no modern vapor barriers, and no rot has started in the wall. The old timers had something figured out. Meanwhile, just the other day I pulled out some 30 year old windows at a client’s house and the flexible adhesive flashing membranes were all cracked and flaking anyway. I am inclined to try and convince clients that it’s worth using the best possible installation method, but every time I hand them a bill for a few thousands dollars to install a couple windows I always wonder if all this fancy stuff is going too far.

[ShainAndrews]

Tommy never messes around when it comes to sealing and flashing windows.

[firsteerr]

my uncle who has been a carpenter in the UK for decades reulary watches this old house to learn how to install using the new techniques for timber housing as we have only recently really started to embrace this form of housing and he likes to learn about the ways you insulate and prevent moisture ingress, and of course tarrmy is his favorite !!

[thisoldhouse]

Eric recommends using roofing nails. If using 2” roofing nail, every other hole; with 1-3/4” roofing nail, every hole. Tommy says: why roofing nail? Because the head is flatter so it won’t interfere with trim once it’s installed.

[BiggMo]

I would love for TOH to do a series on window replacements, especially when the home is not being resided. To many window replacement contractors don’t provide adequate flashing and weather proofing.

[ReadwithChimey]

Just amazing! I wish all the contractors and installers were as immaculate and caring as Mr. Tommy; he ALWAYS does it PERFECT! What a gem full of knowledge and wisdom.

[Carpenters_Canvas]

I am constantly researching upcoming projects because no matter how long you have been doing this there are always new tips and tricks and sometimes codes that help do the best job you can do . Love this old house, tommy is my hero

[thisoldhouse]

Tommy says that you always separate materials - because everything expands and contracts differently having a membrane in between the flange and wood allows everything to move in its own way.

[billsmith]

I would love to spend a week working for Tommy. I don't care if I am just getting him coffee! as long as I can be around to listen and TOH: MAKE THIS HAPPEN! :D

[Sevit]

Nice job guys. This is why I love American houses. Here in Italy we use lot of cement all over the place. Keep up the good work. Greetings from Italy

[rkivuti]

Best window install video on YouTube. No unnecessary talk quick to the point and very informative.

[ajjmunoz]

Also...FINALLY ATOH has a person designated to respond to comments and also handle social media. Great job guys keeping up with the times and technology!!!!

[mgtowski]

Ladies & gentlemen, that is how you build a submarine.

[geocachingdad]

Great job! As a guy living in the hometown of Marvin, I love to see this exposure!

[ajjmunoz]

Yay!!! Finally some new content. I've already watched all their older videos.

[Machete]

I'm pretty sure these guys already know more then the fools that built the house i'm in now. Nice job guys you are working with the best keep up the good work.

[fabmv]

Tom, id like to thank you for all the detail explanation.. best video i have seen, the care with every detail is a proof of the type of professional you are.. the best..