about to start my scariest DIY project yet.

[vash]

scary for me, at least. mostly scared of the unknown. after 6 weeks of lead time, i finally went down and picked up my MARVIN retrofit windows. i am too cheap to have them put in. that and my "can do" attitude seems to insist i at least try. i effen measured and remeasured. aaaah! i hope i didnt blow the measurements. pray they fit.

anyone install marvin tilt pacs before? very very nervous about this.

[Shaun @ Tru6]

You'll do fine, but just in case, get lots of caulk.

Good luck! I'm welding in a new rear lens panel tomorrow. Me and tons of electricity and my car... now that's scary!

[Joeaksa]

Did you get the wood shim stock? Will have to have that, plus a good level to get them in right and straight.

JoeA

[azasadny]

Take your time, shim and get everything level and square and you'll be fine. If you have a finish nail gun (like a Paslode), that will make it even easier!

[vash]

ooooo....i get to buy more tools?!

[928ram]

A little caulk and a little paint, makes the carpenter what he ain't!

[RickM]

Well, THE best person to ask here is Milt (Zeke). That's what he does.

[juanbenae]

cliff, i will call you and come help. as long as i won't be painting my carpentry skeels are top shelf.

do these go into the existing window's frame?

is the house stucco or siding?

do you have beer?

have you gotten caulking yet? gotta gelt caulked up yee know?

flashing paper? a hammer tacker (swingable stapler) for said paper.

a chair so i may sit while you do the dirty work.

if you have some these things i will bring the rest, your CIS tester, and if i am coming i bet paterno and beers will show.

i will call you cliff and get your mind back on your dance moves.

[kach22i]

There is a part of the code that says what the air gap (shim space) all around the edges should be. In Michigan I think that's one part we have increased for energy reasons. Used to be 1/8" gap, then for decades 1/4" gap, now it's up to 3/8" (check your local codes). Most people fill the gap with non-expanding spray foam. There should be instructions on the windows too.

Flashing at window head not just lapping house wrap over nailing flange at top with tape.

[flyenby]

retro fits are easy to install ,it will all make sense to you once you start, who did the measurements??? that is where most people get in trouble

[vash]

i did the measurements.

happy to report that i installed one in my kitchen sucessfully! fit like a glove. took me 2 hours, monkeying around. i went slow trying to save trim pieces. next windows, i am demo-ing them out. i bet i can get down to 45 mins each. thanks for the confidence fellas.