GBA Logo horizontal Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter Instagram YouTube Icon Navigation Search Icon Main Search Icon Video Play Icon Plus Icon Minus Icon Picture icon Hamburger Icon Close Icon Sorted

Community and Q&A

Integrity Ultrex window install

Joe Norm| Posted inGeneral Questionson

I have read through the install guide for these windows but there is one detail I am not clear on.

Do the windows get set directly on the sill or should they always be sitting on shims whether the sill is perfectly level or not?

Thanks

GBA Prime

Join the leading community of building science experts

Become a GBA Prime member and get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

Replies

  1. Expert Member
    Michael Maines||#1

    Joe, it's always a good idea to use shims of some sort, sometimes called "setting blocks" or "set blocks." Doing so allows for drainage and breaks potential capillary water movement in the event of a leak. There may be exceptions but I'm not aware of any. Nor any requirements to use setting blocks, for that matter--it's just good practice.

  2. GBA Editor
    Brian Pontolilo||#2

    Hi Joe,

    You likely already know this, but it is also good practice to have a sloped sill. Many builders install a length of beveled siding on top of the rough sill, so that any water that gets in can drain.

  3. Joe Norm||#3

    Thanks, I was not sure if placing the window on shims was "best practice" or not. I will do so as suggested.

Log in or create an account to post an answer.

Community

Recent Questions and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |