Library builder

Positioning a skylight above a flat ceiling is an inexact science. Situating the skylight between rafters is easy enough, but because lightwells flare out, sizing and positioning the ceiling opening can be tricky if you’ve never done it before. Here are a few tips to demystify and simplify the process. ► Use a pencil or […]

If existing sashes have deteriorated and you’d like to avoid the major headache of ripping out existing frames, casing, finish surfaces, and siding, then replacement windows can be a cost-effective solution. These units come encased in frames, which you insert into existing wood frames, after removing the old sashes and pulling the parting beads so […]

By letting in light, skylights can transform a room, making a bathroom seem larger, a kitchen warm and cheery, or a bedroom a place to watch the stars. And because of marked improvements in flashing and quality control, skylights can nowbe installed without fear of leaks from outside or excessive heat loss from within. Where […]

Wear goggles and gloves when replacing dam­aged glass and dried-out putty (glazing com­pound). Although a glazier’s chisel will easily remove most putty, use paint stripper or an elec­tric putty softener to dislodge the tough stuff. (But do not use chemical stripper and heat at the same time.) Because direct heat can crack glass, cover nearby […]

ALL window frames must be shimmed securely. Pairs of tapered shims allow you to plumb and level window frames in out-of-square openings; supporting frame jambs and preventing deflection even as you drive screws or nails through them. Ideally, you should shim each side jamb within 4 in. of its top and bottom corners, and every […]

Before installing window units, remove the packaging, shipping blocks, screens, storm windows, and so on. If the unit is uncased, screw temporary cleats to the outside edges of the frame so that when it is placed in the opening, its jamb edges will be flush to the sheathing. Window installation is a two-person job—one inside, […]

Some of the terminology for doors and door frames is common to windows and window frames. For example, frames are made of jambs, a head, and a sill, with stops to guide or seat win­dow sashes. Window sashes, like door frames, have horizontal rails and vertical stiles. WINDOW CHOICES Windows arrive installed in a preassembled […]

Hanging a new or recycled door to an existing frame is a common renovation task, but not always feasible. At the very least, the hinge jamb must be straight. If it’s badly bowed and you can’t draw the bow back with screws, you may need to remove the old frame (and its casing) and replace […]

Weatherstripping beneath exterior doors must be weather tight and durable, this because of the heavy traffic it must bear in normal use. Elements that attach to door bottoms are called shoes or sweeps; those that attach to the floor, I Weatherstripping Thresholds By turning the screws of this adjustable threshold, you can raise and lower […]

Today, there are three main types of weather­stripping: tubular, metal-leaf, and kerf-in. Most are easy to install and require few special tools. Prehung doors usually come with weather­stripping attached, which can be a nuisance when installing the unit and trying to establish a uniform gap between the door and its jamb all around. Thus many […]