Shim a window??? Home Depot says No - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

kipperoo3 · 09-10-2003, 06:36 PM

I've got a 22 1/4 x 22 1/4 inch rough opening for a window, but all the home improvement stores can only get me a window made for a 21 inch opening. How should I shim out the window, considering I have a brick wall? Thanks for your input!

timmy701 · 09-11-2003, 09:44 AM

yikes.... you would need to build a small frame to compensate for the difference and make the rough opening the 21 inches. But that would mean that you would need wood 5/8" thick. You could attempt to use 1x lumber, which is 3/4" thick.

What is the window currently affixed to? (is there existing framing wood that you could attach to along the top and side?) If so, you could just use 2x lumber along on side and along the bottom and shim the window so that it is square, plumb and level...

Good luck...

hotdogg · 09-11-2003, 04:18 PM

Marvin makes windows to order, and the price is not that high compared to Pella or Anderson....I have already installed windows with too much play and although it is do-able with 3/4" to 1", by the time you are done with framing, insulation, etc. a window made to order may be a bargain.

viejo gringo · 09-12-2003, 07:06 PM

find a lumber yard that has a plainer....buy a 3/4 inch board and have it plained down to 5/8---frame it in and cover with moldeing.

jbrooks544 · 09-12-2003, 07:38 PM

I could spend a half an hour trying to describe options to you via typing, but I sort of thing "if you have to ask" you might be better off getting someone else to do it. If this isn't true then as follows: If the window is actually 21" then you only have 5/8" all around, which is perfect. You will probably have more though, since window for a 21" R.O will probably be 1.5" smaller overall. I would look in the anderssen book to see if they have a 21" actual outside dimension window. If not, go to a more local millwork shop, where you will get better service, advise and maybe even better price than big box. I am WAY turned off from big box for doors and windows - the guys never know what they are talking about and always a waste of time. I go to a place called fairview millwork and they sell windows, doors skylights mouldings, stair kits, etc. and they supply most builders in the area. Much better than any lumber yard or big box. find the similar place near you and buy the right product. If a window isn't shimmed then it needs to be attached correctly on the ouside and on the inside with the trim and also maybe extension jambs. If you don't shim then you need to make sure that the window is set correctely in and out, ie: in parallel plane to the insice wall, otherwise the jamb will be in to the wall too far in places or sticking out too far in places. I would get window with either brick mold or flat stock primed on outside - might be easier to attach to what wood you have around opening than just stupid nailing flange. Be sure to flash the top and counter flash brick correctly. If you aren't 100% sure then get help or your job will rot away in a few years from unseen leaks. That could be what got you where you are now. Also use poly iso cyanurate foam around frame - minimal expanding to not blow the jambs in. I always shim, unless nice new construction where everyting is uniform and trims hold just fine. good luck write back if you need more.

kipperoo3 · 09-13-2003, 08:13 PM

Thanks a lot for all your advice! I ended up ordering a window from Marvin, it should be here in a few days! Thanks again!

09-10-2003, 06:36 PM	#1 (permalink)
kipperoo3 Crazy Location: Phoenix, AZ	Shim a window??? Home Depot says No I've got a 22 1/4 x 22 1/4 inch rough opening for a window, but all the home improvement stores can only get me a window made for a 21 inch opening. How should I shim out the window, considering I have a brick wall? Thanks for your input!

09-11-2003, 09:44 AM	#2 (permalink)
timmy701 Upright	yikes.... you would need to build a small frame to compensate for the difference and make the rough opening the 21 inches. But that would mean that you would need wood 5/8" thick. You could attempt to use 1x lumber, which is 3/4" thick. What is the window currently affixed to? (is there existing framing wood that you could attach to along the top and side?) If so, you could just use 2x lumber along on side and along the bottom and shim the window so that it is square, plumb and level... Good luck... __________________ "He who shall, so shall he hoo"

09-11-2003, 04:18 PM	#3 (permalink)
hotdogg Crazy Location: NYC Metro Area	Marvin makes windows to order, and the price is not that high compared to Pella or Anderson....I have already installed windows with too much play and although it is do-able with 3/4" to 1", by the time you are done with framing, insulation, etc. a window made to order may be a bargain.

09-12-2003, 07:06 PM	#4 (permalink)
viejo gringo Registered User Location: Deep South Texas	find a lumber yard that has a plainer....buy a 3/4 inch board and have it plained down to 5/8---frame it in and cover with moldeing.

09-12-2003, 07:38 PM	#5 (permalink)
jbrooks544 Addict	I could spend a half an hour trying to describe options to you via typing, but I sort of thing "if you have to ask" you might be better off getting someone else to do it. If this isn't true then as follows: If the window is actually 21" then you only have 5/8" all around, which is perfect. You will probably have more though, since window for a 21" R.O will probably be 1.5" smaller overall. I would look in the anderssen book to see if they have a 21" actual outside dimension window. If not, go to a more local millwork shop, where you will get better service, advise and maybe even better price than big box. I am WAY turned off from big box for doors and windows - the guys never know what they are talking about and always a waste of time. I go to a place called fairview millwork and they sell windows, doors skylights mouldings, stair kits, etc. and they supply most builders in the area. Much better than any lumber yard or big box. find the similar place near you and buy the right product. If a window isn't shimmed then it needs to be attached correctly on the ouside and on the inside with the trim and also maybe extension jambs. If you don't shim then you need to make sure that the window is set correctely in and out, ie: in parallel plane to the insice wall, otherwise the jamb will be in to the wall too far in places or sticking out too far in places. I would get window with either brick mold or flat stock primed on outside - might be easier to attach to what wood you have around opening than just stupid nailing flange. Be sure to flash the top and counter flash brick correctly. If you aren't 100% sure then get help or your job will rot away in a few years from unseen leaks. That could be what got you where you are now. Also use poly iso cyanurate foam around frame - minimal expanding to not blow the jambs in. I always shim, unless nice new construction where everyting is uniform and trims hold just fine. good luck write back if you need more.

09-13-2003, 08:13 PM	#6 (permalink)
kipperoo3 Crazy Location: Phoenix, AZ	Thanks a lot for all your advice! I ended up ordering a window from Marvin, it should be here in a few days! Thanks again!