When you’re working in your garage, it’s essential to have adequate light and proper ventilation. Operable windows can provide ample amounts of both, but they do little for security, as anyone can peer through the glass and get a good look at all your tools, toys and other goodies you keep there. To get enough light and ventilation and still maintain privacy and security, consider swapping your old glass garage windows for operable acrylic block units.
Acrylic block windows, available through Hy-Lite (see SOURCES ONLINE), are an ideal alternative in garage settings. They’re lightweight and are covered by a comprehensive 10-year warranty. Their vinyl frames can’t rot, and the acrylic blocks are available in a variety of block patterns and colors. Operable units can be ordered as either a casement, awning or hopper configuration (although fixed non-operable windows are also available). And best of all, acrylic block windows are quite easy to install. If you can operate a few basic hand and power tools, you can handle the installation.
Swapping out a window
Begin by removing the external brickmold and any interior trim from around your garage window (photo 1). Use a reciprocating saw to cut through nails or screws (if any) that were driven through the window frame and into the surrounding rough opening framing. Carefully remove the old window unit from the opening and set it aside.
Often, external sheathing or siding may need to be slightly trimmed to not only allow for a perfect fit but to allow clearance for the window’s operation. Measure your new acrylic block unit and compare it to your rough opening. Note how the unit operates, and if necessary, trim the sheathing or siding (photo 2).
Use self-adhesive flashing tape to protect the framing of the rough opening. Install the tape first to the bottom of the opening (photo 3); then install tape on the sides, overlapping those strips with the bottom tape. Finally, apply tape to the top frame of the window opening.
Check that the bottom of the rough opening is level, and if necessary, shim it to create a level surface. Carefully lift the acrylic block unit into place (photo 4). Have a helper stand outside to make sure that the window doesn’t fall through the opening. Check the sides for level and shim if necessary (photo 5). Then secure the window into the rough opening by driving screws through the vinyl window sash and into the framing as per the manufacturer’s recommendations (photo 6). All that’s left is to install new exterior brickmold, fill any voids with low-expansion foam (photo 7) and attach any interior trim.
SOURCES ONLINE
Hy-Lite
800-655-9087
www.hy-lite.com