Guide to Determine Number of Clips
1.No. of clips per side = P x W x H 
2. Most windows are rectangles. For example an 
individual double hung unit with the frame size of
36” W x 60” H. Assume the example project site
requires 40 psf wind pressure. 
No. of clips = (P x W x H)(.0001)/4  figures to be
(40psf x 36” x 60”)(.0001)/4 = 2.16 clips 
3. Round up to the next higher number, thus budget
3 clips equally spaced along each long side. 
4. Calculate the spacing between clips along each
long side. Select a distance from corner of no less
than 8” and not greater than 24”. 
5. Attach clips to short sides (head and sill) at about
the same spacing. In this example use 2 clips on the
head and 2 clips on the sill. If in doubt reduce the
number of clips so that they are not closer than 8”
from corner. Thus, 3+3+1+1 = 8 clips total. 
6. For Curved or angled units, substitute a rectangle
of the same overall width and height. Attach clips at
the calculated on center spacing to the curved and
straight sides. 
7. Double hung units are often tested and rated 
without clips along the sill because the sill is sloped.
If the sill is determined to need a clip and it is sloped,
a wood wedge may be glued to the underside to
attach the clip to the window.
8. For assemblies of several individual units mulled
together, calculate clips and spacing for each individ-
ual unit and attach clips to the available outside
perimeter sides. At the end of mulls, additional fas-
tening might be required. Confirm with project engi-
neer or architect/engineer or manufacturer.
Fastening Clips
Clips may be attached to
the window unit either
being rotated into place
within a groove designed to
accept the clip (uPVC) or
screwed into the frame
(wood). The clip, depending
on the length may be face
anchored to the rough
opening one #8 x 1-1/14”
Sheet Metal Screws screw
into face of wood buck.
If the clip is longer so it
projects out beyond the
wood buck or rough open-
ing, then it can be bent to
be flush with the interior
surface of the buck or
rough opening. Use two #8
x 1-3/4” Flat Head Sheet
Metal Screws.
Face 
Mount
Hammer 
Bend
1. Insert Slow Expansion foam tape between 
the window and the old opening with sufficient
room to allow expansion and conformity to the
irregularities of the opening.
2.Sealant may not be required.
1. Insert Closed Cell Foam Backer Rod into space
around the window leaving 1/4” space  between
backer rod and exterior face of the window
2. Apply bead of ASTM-C-920 compliant sealant
around the entire perimeter
3. Tool and shape and clean excess sealant.
Window Fitters Guide to Window Installation 
84                ©2022 AWDI, LLC Do not reproduce without permission
SAMPLE MANUAL

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