IMPORTANT: All Avonni Window and Door units must be installed per the installation instructions. If units are not installed in a manner that conforms to the manufacturer’s installation instructions, the warranties will be null and void.
Please read entire installation instructions carefully and thoroughly before starting.
These instructions include information for double hung, operating and double hung fixed windows.
Inspect for Damage:
Carefully inspect the unit for shipping or handling damage. Shipping damage may include scratched or broken glass, damaged sash, broken jambs or cladding.
If the unit does not meet the specifications ordered or has any shipping damage, do not install the unit; contact your local A&H Windows distributor. All shipping blocks and packaging must be removed from the unit prior to installation.
Rough Opening:
- Check rough opening to ensure that opening is level, plumb and square.
Verify that width and height dimensions are correct. Rough opening should be 1/2″ wider than overall frame width and 3/4″ greater than overall frame height. Sill plate should be flat and level. Make sure opening, is dry, clean and free of dirt and debris.
NOTE: Flashing and/or an appropriate method of sealing shall be designed as a part of an overall weather-resistive barrier system. It is not the responsibility of the window manufacturer to design or recommend a flashing system appropriate for each job condition.
For flashing instructions, follow all local building codes applicable to the construction application.
Installing Window:
- Pre-drill 1/8″ holes through the nailing flange to prepare for installing the window into the rough opening. The holes should be drilled through the indentation that runs the length of the nailing flange. Start the holes approximately 4 inches from each corner and then 12-16 inches on center thereafter.
- Next, apply a continuous 1/2″ bead of silicone along the head, sill and both side jambs of the rough opening (see Fig 2).
- Insert and center the window in the rough opening.
Fig. 1
Fig. 2
CAUTION: Lift and position windows with care. Some windows or window mullion assemblies are very heavy. Please use two or more people to handle heavy windows. With the window set into the rough opening, check to make sure it is centered and level. Tack the window in place with one 1-1/2″ screw (or equivalent) in the side nailing flange within 3″- 6″ off one corner.
Squaring and Alignment:
Adjust the unit left to right at the sill until the unit is square. Check the unit to ensure it is level again and fasten all four corners of the unit. Verify that the unit is square by measuring diagonally from opposite corners of the frame.
Frame corners can be checked for squareness by using a framing square. Shims at the top of the side jambs are required. Use a level or straight edge to verify that the jambs and sill are straight.
Measurements of the width of the frame should be equal across top, middle and bottom of the unit.
(see Fig 3).
Securing the Window:
- With the window plumb, square and level, finish securing in place. Secure the nailing flange to the sheathing, beginning 4 inches from the corner and 12 to 16 inches thereafter.
- With the unit completely secured to the structure, apply a bead of sealant at the edge of the head jamb nailing flange where it meets the sheathing. Also, apply similar beads of sealant between the edge of the side jamb nailing flange and the flashing material. Tool the sealant into the joint to ensure the joint is filled.
Fig. 3
Guide to Installing A Double Hung Window
- Complete installation by applying sealant around the perimeter of the unit after the exterior wall finish has been applied.
Jamb Jack Set-up and Adjustment:
- After securing the window into the opening, the jamb jacks (supplied, one per side jamb) must be applied and adjusted. To begin this procedure, the sashes must be removed from the frame. Refer to the section “Removing the sash”.
- With the sash removed, remove the dust plug in the middle of the jamb. Pry off the plug gently with a screwdriver or putty knife, exposing a hole in the jamb liner and the jamb jack insert. Using a 1/8″ drill bit, pre-drill through the insert and into the rough stud.
- Next, insert the T25 TORY® drive screw into the jamb jack insert and through to the rough stud. Make sure that the screw is seated. Repeat for other side jamb. Turn each screw until the side jambs are adjusted straight and parallel. Verify with a level or straight edge.
- Once the jamb jacks are properly adjusted, replace the dust plug and then replace the sash. Refer to the section “Replacing the sash”.
NOTE: For mullion assemblies consisting of two or more windows in width, jamb jacks will be used only in the outermost jambs (those being anchored to the rough framing). Do not attempt to insert jamb jacks between adjoining window frames.
Sash Lift Placement:
- To install the sash lift, locate the marked placement indentation at the center of the bottom rail.
Attach the lift as shown using the two #8 x 1″ screws provided.
Removing the Sashs
- Begin by unlocking the window. Slide the bottom sash up approximately 4 to 5 inches. Next, locate the tilt latches at the ends of the check rail on the bottom sash. Simultaneously slide the tab on each tilt latch towards the center of the window and hold them. This releases the latches from the jambliner. Tilt the upper portion of the sash to the interior side of the window.
- Note the location of the jamb liner/balance assembly track and the clutches in the side jambs. Also, note the pivot pin and how it engages the clutch.
- The sash is now connected to the jamb liner by the two bottom corners. With the sash at a 90º angle to the window frame, lift one bottom corner up and out of the clutch and jamb liner while holding the opposite corner in place. This will disengage the pivot pin (at bottom corner of the sash) from the clutch of the jamb liner/balance assembly.
- Once one bottom corner is released, lift the other side out and remove the sash. The upper sash can now be slid down a few inches and removed from the frame in the same manner (see Fig 4).
General Finishing Instructions:
The Avonni Window is a low-maintenance, aluminum-clad unit. Do not allow paint, stain, solvent or overspray to come in contact with any of the exterior clad surfaces. Soiled surfaces can be cleaned with a mild nonabrasive detergent and water.
Finishing Sash – Only the exterior of the Avonni sash is low-maintenance clad. The interior of the sash may be painted or stained. All wood surfaces must be totally free of dust, dirt, grease or any other contamination, which may have occurred during window construction or installation. The surface should be completely dry.
DO NOT apply paint to damp wood.
DO NOT paint the weatherstrip, hardware or balance, or close and lock the sash before the paint has completely dried to prevent damage from parts sticking together. DO NOT paint the plow of the sash that makes contact with the balances.
(Check rails may break or split when painted together.) Follow the paint or stain manufacturer’s instruction.
CAUTION:
Insect screens are not designed to restrain children!
Important:
Notwithstanding the above exemplary instructions, installation of these windows requires knowledge of, and must be in conformity with, all applicable federal, state and local codes and regulations.
Installation of these windows also requires:
– a working knowledge of the tools, equipment and methods
– a familiarity with caulking and sealing procedures
– a familiarity with glass handling procedures
– an understanding of the fundamentals of residential construction.
Flashing and/or an appropriate method of sealing shall be designed as a part of an overall weather resistive barrier system.
Field applied protective coatings can damage insulated glass, sealant, weatherstripping and gaskets. These are not recommended and will void the manufacturer’s warranty. Mortar left on cladding or glass can damage these surfaces. Remove all foreign material from these surfaces
before curing takes place.
Any type of film or tinting material applied to the glass surface could result in damage to the glass and does void the warranty.
Failure to follow factory installation instructions will void the manufacturer’s warranty. Installing any A&H Windows product in any structure that has been partially or wholly clad with any type of synthetic stucco, Exterior Insulation Finishing System (EIFS), Direct Applied Exterior Finishing System (DEFS), drainable exterior finishing system or similar product shall completely void this warranty.
This company appears to be out of business: This original document and corresponding pdfs are provided for homeowner’s research, repair and installation purposes only. This document is © 2005 Avonni Windows www.avonnniwindows.com (defunct)
PO Box 130, North Wilkesboro, NC 28659
ph: 866.229.7617 | www.avonnniwindows.com