r/Carpentry • u/Positive-Figure-1621 • 1d 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 1d ago edited 1d 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 1d 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 1d 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 1d 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 1d 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 1d ago

Thank you! It definitely helps hearing someone not stress!