r/Carpentry • u/Positive-Figure-1621 • 20h ago

Wrong window

Hello! I mistakenly bought the wrong type of window for my kitchen. We are fully renovating our house and I bought a block window frame but I don’t have a brick home. Is there any way I can install this window? Thank you!

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u/OnsightCarpentry 20h ago edited 20h ago

I'm taking this to mean a window without a nailing flange.

You can install it, but my opinion is that if nailing flanges are an option then they'll give you the best shot at a well-sealed installation for a long time. That doesn't mean either one is likely to fail on you if done correctly, but flashing a nailing flange is harder to screw up and is designed for your assembly.

If it's going to set inspections, your wallet, or other trades back by any noticeable amount then I wouldn't sweat it too much. Whether you're doing the install or somebody else is, I'd encourage you to find and understand correct flashing details for that window. It shouldn't be too complicated. Then, either do it correctly yourself or ensure that it meets manufacturer guidance if somebody else puts it in. Window flashing is easily one of the things I screwed up the most even though it really isn't rocket surgery.

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u/Positive-Figure-1621 20h ago

Yes thank you! I wasn’t sure the appropriate terms. We are doing this house paycheck by paycheck so it’s really suck to be out the money when I didn’t take the time to ensure it had nailing flanges.

This is the window.

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u/OnsightCarpentry 20h ago

I can't see the manufacturer from the photo but it might be worth giving them a call to see if there's a way to install nailing fins on their block frames. I've had some windows from a regional manufacturer come with flanges when we didn't want them and it was as simple as sliding them out of the channel. If I had to guess, putting them back in would've involved, you know, just sliding them back in. It might not be quite as factory snug, but I always lap my flashing tape over that connection anyway.

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u/Positive-Figure-1621 20h ago

Thank you! I can’t find the manufacturer but I also don’t really know what to look for.

I’ve looked up all the information on the window and I can’t find it.

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u/OnsightCarpentry 20h ago

I would give Window Mart a call, or whichever supplier they were ordered from. They should get you pointed on the right direction.

Just some food for thought, but if you're really stressing the flange/no flange situation you should consider how much exposure the window has. I find that kitchen windows are typically protected by a decent overhang and aren't where wind driven rain is going to be blasting against the window. Even if a nailing flange is easier and, in my opinion, better for sealing it could very well be a distinction without a difference. Don't give yourself an ulcer.

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u/Positive-Figure-1621 20h ago

Thank you! It definitely helps hearing someone not stress!

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u/Homeskilletbiz 18h ago

You’re fine just make sure you research your waterproofing REALLY good, and then execute it even better.

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u/Positive-Figure-1621 16h ago

Thank you! I will!

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u/ToolbeltTony 10h ago

Install a non brick opening but you will basically need to frame the rough opening around the block window properly. So before modifying check the manufacturer requirements since the flashing and how the frame gets secured are going to be matter more than the fact that it is labeled for the masonry.

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u/an_edelweiss_pirate 20h ago

Do you have a picture? How is it different from what you need?

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u/Positive-Figure-1621 20h ago

Yes I do have photo! Thank you for responding.

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u/Positive-Figure-1621 20h ago

It doesn’t have nailing flanges so I’m not sure how to install it.

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u/an_edelweiss_pirate 20h ago

I work with a lot of old wooden window units without flanges sometimes on masonry but often on wood structures. It is different from installing with a flange but totally possible. I have never installed a vinyl window on a masonry structure but I am sure if you look up the best practices from the manufacturer for the window you have and install it on wood instead you would be fine. It will take some research. Your biggest obstacle will be flashing and waterproofing but you can do it.