Tried something new (to me) today
While installing a flanged fiberglass window today I reached for the pneumatic roofing nail gun I was using to nail off fiber cement siding. Worked like a dream to nail off that window.
I have often considered nailing a window that way but never tried it, mostly because I’ve never heard anyone say they did. But then again, I work alone 70-80% of the time and here online very few people will admit to anything as unprofessional sounding as that.
As for me, I’m glad I tried it. Probably be my go to technique unless you can talk me out of it.
“Faint heart never won fair maiden”.
Replies
if it works...why not?
Why would it be unprofessional? If it works for you, it works. You're a pro so you can set the standard! As long as the gun isn't tearing the flange apart, why worry?
Even with scaffolding set up, I've gotten away from installing windows off of scaffolding as much as possible, as often as I can I'll set them while standing inside the house.
Most of the windows (Marvin) are ordered with factory installed flat trim on the windows, so no nailing flange. I'll install a rotatable cleat (usually cobbled together from scrap pieces of wood) screwed in to the outside wall sheathing just above the window opening. Depending on the size of the window I'll either open a sash for a standard-sized window, or with a large mulled unit I'll pull the sashes to lighten the load.
Standing inside the house, I let the window out through the rough opening and set it in place. With a sash already opened or removed, I reach through the opening and rotate the cleat down, and the cleat overlaps the top trim on the window and holds the window in place so I don't have to.
I can then shim to level and square from inside the house, then nail it off with stainless nails.
Unscrew the cleat, move it to the next opening, and repeat. In some ways it's a little more work, in other ways a little less work. For me it's really more of a comfort thing. It's easier and more comfortable for me to set a window while standing inside the house than it would be to do it from scaffolding or while on a ladder.
Techniques, techniques. We all have our own methods.
Jim
Not owning one of those nailers, never was tempted nor gave it thought.
Directions say nail it off. You did. Depth was set.