BUCK INSTALLATION

La Finestra windows and doors must be installed on Pressure Treated (PT) wood.

Depending on County Codes, some require installation of 2”X4” buck on top of the 1”X6” buck and some require only 2”X4” buck. For some replacement windows and doors it may be necessary to use 1”X4” buck.

Aesthetically, it is recommended to use 2”X4” buck for installation in order not to lose part of the flange profile.Products’ flange is 7/8” wide and by using 1”X4” there is only ¾” of PT buck to work with. This results in 1/8” loss of profile.

1”X6” Buck Installation
Apply Urethane Adhesive/Sealant (UAS) close to all edges on the back side of board prior to installation. Use 2¼“ (min. length) Tapcon. Tapcons must penetrate into the concrete a minimum of 1½“. Two (2) Tapcons at each end of the board followed by a zigzag pattern of Tapcons about 10” apart (max. 14”) and about 2” from the board edge.

2”X4” Buck Installation
Apply Urethane Adhesive/Sealant (UAS) close to all edges on the back side of board prior to installation. Use 4” (min. length) Tapcon. Tapcons must penetrate into the concrete a minimum of 1½“. Two (2) Tapcons at each end of the board followed by a zigzag pattern of Tapcons about 10” apart (max. 14”).It is very important that installation of the 2”X4” is level; it must be checked on the base of the Window Opening (WO) and not on the surrounding walls.

1”X4” Buck Installation
La Finestra products have a 7/8” wide flange and will not fit properly on the 1”X4” buck since the buck is actually ¾”X3½”. In order not to lose part of the profile (1/8” width loss) you could, however install windows leaving 1/8” of tolerance in each side between the windows frame and the buck.For Example: Space from buck to buck is 20”X20”, the window measurements must be 19¾”X19¾” which allows 1/8” space on every side.When using 1”X4” buck and WO is correct, install windows and doors using 3½” Tapcon so it can penetrate the concrete 1½”. Use longer Tapcon since Tapcon must penetrate the concrete 1½”.

We recommend the use of a Polyurethane Window/Door Sealant of excellent quality especially one that will not lose its characteristics for long term applications. The polyurethane must be applied generously on the back side center and edges of the 2”X4” buck that joins the concrete in a way that there is no light filtration between the buck and the concrete and it is totally sealed.

Nails should not be used under any circumstances because in the event that the PT wood needs to be rectified the use of nails will make this task difficult.

When using 2”X4” PT wood to install the windows, the WO (prior to buck installation) should be at least 3¼” bigger than the window production measurements. Taking into account that the frame is installed from the exterior side and anchors on the existing 2”X4” buck.
For Example: For a WO of 23¼”X23¼” a 20”X20” window will be manufactured (allowing 3” for buck and ¼” for installation leveling).

For DOORS installation, you have to take into account the type of finished floor that is going to be installed. La Finestra Residential Door threshold is 2.084” and Commercial Door threshold is 0.472”. The floor level (concrete) should be low enough so that the final finished floor is at the proper height.
For Example: If the FINISHED floor to be installed is 1” thick, then the door opening must be lowered 1.084” so that the threshold remains 1” above the level of the concrete (existing floor). A 60”X96” door needs a 63¼”X97¾” door opening (1½” for buck on top, left and right sides and ¼” for shim adjustments).

COMPLIANCE WITH PRODUCT APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

To comply with the requirements of the Product Approval for installation follow the guidelines listed below:

When the existing WO measurements are exact and there have not been any modifications to the 2”X4”, then install windows and doors using Stainless Steel (SS) #14 Philips flathead screws 3” or 4” long.

In the event that the existing WO is not exact and the 2”X4” will require modifications (shaving), then windows and doors must be installed with ¼”X4” Tapcons so it can penetrate 1½” into the concrete.

In the event that the existing WO has ¼” or more of separation between the 2”X4” PT buck and the frame, shims must be installed and longer SS screws must be used to allow a 1½” penetration into the 2”X4” PT wood.
NOTE: The SS screws must penetrate 1½” into the 2”X4” PT buck.

GENERAL GUIDELINES

La Finestra products are quality controlled at three (3) separate steps prior to delivery. This will ensure that every unit will be perfectly squared, aligned and mechanism operates smoothly without any trouble and there would not be any need for adjustment during the installation.

All La Finestra hardware is adjustable; Hinges, Strike Plate, Flush Bolts and Keeper. These features are intended to be used in case of extreme situations such as movement in the home foundation or wear and tear of the unit after many years of use.

Remove the protective plastic from windows and doors. Make sure they are placed in a secure position where they are not exposed to any chemicals and are not scratched.

Prior to each installation the Sash must be removed from the frame. To remove the sash from the frame open the window, disconnect the control arm from the frame and push the sash upward until hinge pins are cleared. Door frames and sashes are shipped separately due to their heavy weight. Again, make sure the sash is placed in a secure position where it is not exposed to any chemicals and is not scratched.

WINDOW & DOOR INSTALLATION

The installation steps listed below apply to:
- Double French Door (DFD)
- Single French Door (SFD)
- Double Casement Window (DCW)
- Single Casement Window (SCW)
- Fixed Rectangular Window (FRW)
- Fixed Arch Window (FAW)
- Circles, Arches, Sidelites & Transoms (CAST)

In the following paragraphs CAST is used as a generic term and may refer to one or more of items listed in its definition above.

Steps below describe installation of DFD with CAST which is the most complex of all; however some or all of these steps can be used for installation of other products.

DFD with CAST Composition Installation

The vertical 2”X6” Mull Bars (MB) which extends the entire length of any composition MUST be installed first. VerticalMB are the primary wind pressure bearings. Make sure MB are level and inside/outside distance from MB to referencepoints are appropriate (i.e. outside edge, inside line).

Use two (2) temporary 1” screws to hold MB in place. Level MB then use 4” Tapcon to install MB.

Fill any gap that may exist on both ends of MB with silicone (Polyurethane Window/Door Sealant) from outside.

Install horizontal 2”X4” MB next and repeat steps 2 & 3 above.

Water-proof the ground under the door frame and about 6” on both sides of the door frame.

Remove all glass beading from CAST products, bundle parts from each product separately and mark them for future reinstallationafter installation inspection.

Check each CAST product to ensure proper fit. If the CAST opening is too small shave the buck, if the opening is toolarge add appropriate layers of wood to the buck.

Re-check CAST placements once more for proper placement.

Make sure sashes are removed from door frame. (Typically door frames and sashes are shipped separately and not asone unit due to their heavy weights).

Place door frame in the opening and check for proper placement.

If necessary adjust MB so door frame fits properly (MB adjustment is rarely required). Take the door frame out and apply UAS to top and both sides of door frame flanges (match UAS color with frame if flange is supported by MB and use White UAS if flange is supported by wood buck).

Place door frame in the opening and make sure door flanges are tight against MB (use Quick Grips).

Install all top screws into 2”X4” MB using ¼”X3” Stainless Steel (SS) screws and only the top screw on each sides using ¼”X3” SS screws for MB and ¼”X3 ½” SS SCREWS for wood buck.

Tighten Adjustable Shims in the frame using an Allan wrench through the installation screw holes. Make sure frame islevel.

Install the right sash, connect and adjust the Control Bar on top.

Install the left sash, connect and adjust both the top and bottom Control Bars.

Check gaps all around between sashes and frame;
- Gaps MUST be even from top-to-bottom and from side-to-side.
- Sashes MUST be level in all three different axes (X, Y and Z) for the door mechanisms to operate properly.
- Loosen Adjustable Shims, adjust the frame as necessary in order to make sure gaps are even all around and door mechanisms are fully functional.
- Check the door’s level, operation and gaps.
- Tighten Adjustable Shims.
- Some adjustment of hinges may be required.
- Check the door’s operation and gaps.
- Install SS screws in the remainder of side holes, ¼”X3” screws for MB and ¼”X3 ½” screws for wood buck.

Proceed to install CAST;
- Apply UAS to the inside of CAST flange before installation. Match UAS color with the MB color or use white UAS for installation on wood buck.
- Make sure CAST is level; use Quick Grips to hold it in place.
- Use ¼”X3” SS SCREWS for MB and ¼”X4” for wood buck installation.

NOTE: FOR INSTALLATION OF ALL OTHER PRODUCTS; SFD, DCW, SCW, FRW, FAW AND CAST FOLLOW STEPS LISTED ABOVE, SOME OF STEPS MAY NOT APPLY.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

FOR PRODUCTS WHERE BEADING GLASS IS REMOVED PRIOR TO INSTALLATION (FRW, FAW AND CAST) IT IS IMPERATIVE TO MAKE SURE THAT ALL STAINLESS STEEL SCREWS OR TAPCONS ARE INSTALLED WITH FLAT SCREW HEADS BELOW THE FRAME SURFACE (SUFFICIENTLY COUNTER SINKED) IN ORDER TO BE ABLE TO RE-INSTALL THE BEADING GLASS.

SLIGHTEST SCREW HEAD RISE ABOVE THE FRAME SURFACE WILL PREVENT THE BEADING GLASS FROM BEING RE-INSTALLED BACK IN PLACE.