Window Fitters Guide to Window Installation
118              ©2022 AWDI, LLC Do not reproduce without permission
3/8" (10 mm) min.
Support Shim
Rough opening
Hinged Side
Hinged Side
b
b
a
w
w
b
b
a
w
2. Proper Size and Support   
The window needs to “float”
in the opening rather than
being anchored to the frame
flush. Capture Blocks 
(neoprene or plastic blocks
can be purchased at major
glazing supply companies) 
are placed approximately 25%
of the width in from each side
on the sill. An additional 
support is anchored at the
hinge side behind each hinge,
and one support is placed on
the opposite side of the top 
hinge, as shown.
The rough opening shall have
3/8” to 5/8” installation gap
on all sides. This is larger
than normally would be 
allotted, but both the support
blocks and the shims need to
be accommodated. If the
opening is not square, this
gap dimension will allow the
new window to be properly
leveled and squared.
For new construction, the exposed rough framing will
suffice. If the opening is a concrete block wall, then a
2 x 6 wood buck should be installed on all 4 sides.
There are four conditions for most installations: New
Wood Frame Construction; New Masonry/Block
Construction; Full Removal Replacement down to the
wood framing; and Full Removal with New Wood
Surround.
3. Wood Surround For Mounting   
While Tilt and Turn products can be mounted 
directly to masonry openings, it is not the desireable
method because of the difficulty in weather sealing.
Most all applications will require a wood mounting
surface. For replacement, the old window should be
removed down to the rough framing. If that is not
possible, then a wood surround (buck), a minimum
of 5/4 x 4, needs to be installed on all four sides.
Care needs to 
be taken with 
shimming. 
Do not drive 
shims between 
the window or 
door frame and 
the opening 
framing. It can 
distort the 
window or door 
unit interfering 
with proper operation. Air bag shims are the best.
They temporarily center the unit in the opening
without stress until the anchor clips are installed.
Shims can be inserted, if necessary after. Once the
airbag shims are removed, use of expanding foam
spray or tape will properly fill and seal the gaps.
1. New
Construction
Rough
Opening
Creating Wood Mounting Framing
2. New Block
Construction
Bucked
Opening
3. Leave 
Rough Opening
4. Covering Old
Opening w/Buck
SAMPLE MANUAL

View this content as a flipbook by clicking here.