This project shows how to install Eze-Breeze Inside Mount windows on the new porch. This project is continued from Eze-Breeze Porch Windows Installation Overview.
The Eze-Breeze Vertical Four Track model #4V60 window is on the left and the Fixed Lite Lip Frame LF20 on the right in the following photo. I’ll install the windows in pairs as I work my way around the porch:
How to Install Eze-Breeze Inside Mount Windows
The vertical four track windows each have a shipping label – this is very important because it states the window dimensions and my custom label – “(10B) North W” – that tells me where the window will go per my order sheet. I recommend unboxing and installing one window at a time to avoid confusion:
The vertical four track after unpacking:
Eze-Breeze Vertical Four Track model #4V60
Before installing the Inside Mount Vertical Four Track window (the entire unit is also called a “panel”) let’s look at the window construction and details. This is exterior side of the window – it’s shipped with all vents (or sashes) in the down position:
The window mounting flanges are 1 inch wide for fastening to the porch framing with screws:
I turned the window around with the screen-side facing outward as it will be installed in the 4×4 rough opening. The Eze-Breeze panel is high quality and well made:
Bottom frame detail showing how the inside mount window is beveled for easy fitting into the rough opening. This is a nice feature for clearance with Simpson Strong-Tie metal-wood construction connectors or framing screws that I used to build my porch:
The Eze-Breeze Vertical Four Track has four vents (sashes) with vinyl glazing that is lightweight and can’t break like glass. It’s difficult to tell it’s vinyl glazing instead of glass due to the high clarity. The window must be installed starting with all vents in the down-most position as shown here:
Exterior view of the Eze-Breeze Inside Mount windows. The Vertical Four Track beveled frame provides lot’s of clearance with the rough opening:
Eze-Breeze Vertical Four Track Inside Mount Installation
The windows are easy to install once you’re familiar with the basics. The steps are explained in the Eze-Breeze Vertical Four Track Installation Instructions on the Eze-Breeze DIY website. One person can install the windows but it’s best if you have a helper to hold the window due to the large size until you have a couple of screws driven.
Tools & Materials
You’ll need the following to install the Eze-Breeze windows:
- Carpenter’s level – at least 3 or better 4 feet long.
- Cordless drill/driver
- #8 by 1-1/4 inch long white hex washer head screws – coarse thread
- Silicone non-paintable exterior caulk
Non-paintable caulk is resists dirt and mildew. - 1 inch wide putty knife to wipe up caulk squeeze-out.
- Paper towels for excess caulk.
It was surprising difficult to find the #8 x 1-1/4 inch long hex screws because none of the big box home improvement and building supply stores in my area had them. A gutter supply store may have the screws but I ordered a box of 1000 from Amazon.com:
Vertical Four Track Installation Steps
Remember to paint or stain the wood framing before installing the windows. Because I used 4×4 Western Red Cedar lumber to build the porch on the wood deck, I sealed the Cedar with an exterior sealer and gave it a week to fully cure.
- Dry fit the window in the rough opening.
The window frame must fit easily without pinching or binding – otherwise you won’t be able to move the vents/sashes.
Recall the Eze-Breeze Standard Deduction for an Inside Mount window is 3/8 inch, meaning the window is manufactured 3/8 inch smaller in width and height from your order measurements. You should have a minor amount of wiggle room in the rough opening. - Check if the window is plumb with the carpenter’s level and if not, choose which side needs to be raised so the window is square in the rough opening. This is mainly about keeping an even appearance from one window to the next in the row.
- Remove the window and set it out of the way.
- Caulk the perimeter of the rough opening – top, bottom and sides – where the 1 inch wide window flange will be screwed to the 4×4 wood framing to prevent leaks:
Refer to Step 3 in the Eze-Breeze Vertical Four Track Installation Instructions for the next steps:
- All vents (sashes) must be the full down position because this ensures the window frame & tracks are held outward so the vents will slide easily when the window is fastened.
Do not remove the plastic spacers – although several of my windows only one or no spacers – curious. - Set the window in the rough opening.
Inside Mount windows are installed from the interior room side as shown below. - Square and level the window.
This step is a little different from the factory instructions – I thought it best to get the window positioned correctly first.
My helper held the window in place until I could set the first two screws. - Drive a #8 x 1-1/4 inch hex screw in one of the top corners, check the window is level, then fasten the other 3 corners.
- Drive a screw in the window flange next the top rail of the bottom window (next to the latch). Do the same for the opposite side.
Take care not to overdrive the screws into the flange because it may create a dimple – adjust the torque setting on the cordless drill/driver. Not a big deal but you’ll notice a dimple in the light reflection.
- Raise all 4 vents until the bottom rail is even with the previously screws (refer to the diagram in Step 5 of the factory instructions), then set two screws even with the top rail of the bottom vent. Raise all 4 vents again and repeat once more.
- Remove the plastic spacer clips.
- Raise all 4 vents to the top. The top vent will engage metal clips in the frame to snap in place. Then lower each vent to close the window.
Caulk may squeeze out around the flange as the screws compress the flange against the wood framing. This is good so you know have a rain proof seal. Wipe off any excess caulk with a small putty knife before it cures.
I installed the Fixed Lite Lip Frame LF20 window in the top bay next. That will be covered in a separate project.
A peak ahead when the Eze-Breeze porch windows are installed:
This project is continued in How to Install Eze-Breeze Gable Windows.
Take care,
Bob Jackson
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