KOLBE Vistaluxe WD LINE Windows and Doors

Product Information: Vistaluxe Casement, Awning, Picture Window & Direct

Set

The Vistaluxe Casement, Awning, Picture Window & Direct Set is a type of window product from Kolbe Windows & Doors. It comes in three frame styles: Accent, Flush, and Accent Plus. The product is designed to be installed into a wood or concrete/masonry wall, with a rough opening lined with 1-1/2 (38 mm) thick wood buck. The installation instructions cover all frame styles and provide detailed information on how to prepare the rough opening for installation.

The product comes with necessary hardware, and the installer is responsible for consulting the contractor, structural engineer, architect, or consumer for proper installation according to local codes and/or ordinances. Failure to install and maintain the product according to the instructions will void any warranty, written or implied.

Product Usage Instructions

Before attempting any installation, it is important to read these instructions completely to ensure proper installation of the product. The following instructions provide a brief overview of the steps involved in installing the Vistaluxe Casement, Awning, Picture Window & Direct Set.

Step 1: Preliminary Preparation

Remove the shipping packaging, skid plates or factory-applied bracing by removing the screws through the nailing fin. Place the window exterior side up on a clean, flat work surface. Ensure that the unit is not damaged and that the dimensions are appropriate for the rough opening. Check that you have all necessary hardware.

Step 2: Prepare Rough Opening

1. The material/lumber quality and fasteners must be structurally adequate for design load requirements.

2. Typically, the rough opening should be sized 1/2 (13) wider and 1/2 (13) higher than the outside measurement of the window frame. The masonry opening should typically be sized 1/2 (13) wider and 9/16 (14) higher than the nosing.

3. The rough opening must be plumb, square, level and in plane.
   Individual construction members should not be twisted.

4. The sill plate beneath the unit must be level for proper unit operation.

Step 3: Install the Product

Installation methods used must adequately support and secure the product to the building envelope. Before applying sealant or adhesive pads, make sure the area to be sealed is clean, dry, and frost-free. Use color-matching or transparent sealant. Photos show contrasting sealant for clarity and demonstration only. Proper eye and hearing protection must always be worn when installing, removing or performing adjustments to Kolbe window and door products. Improper use of hand/power tools could result in personal
injury and/or product damage. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safe operation of equipment.

When installing into a wall with exterior rigid foam insulation panels, place solid blocking material behind the nail fin to provide proper support when fastening the unit.

For more information on installing units into other wall conditions, contact your Kolbe window & door supplier. Additional literature and information can also be found on their website at www.kolbewindows.com.

It is important to note that lead-based paint may be present in older homes, and the removal of windows & doors may cause this paint to be disturbed. In order to minimize exposure to lead-based paint dust, please consult www.epa.gov/lead for more information.

Following these instructions completely will ensure proper installation and maintenance of the Vistaluxe Casement, Awning, Picture Window & Direct Set product.

NOTICE Failure to install and maintain our product according to these instructions will void any warranty, written or implied. The installer is responsible for consulting the contractor, structural engineer, architect, or consumer, for proper installation according to local codes and/or ordinances.

WARNING Proper Eye and Hearing Protection must always be worn when installing, removing or performing adjustments to Kolbe window and door products.
Improper use of hand/power tools could result in personal injury and/or product damage. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safe operation of equipment.

NOTICE Before applying sealant or adhesive pads, make sure the area to be sealed is clean, dry, and frost-free. Use color-matching or transparent sealant. Photos show contrast-ing sealant for clarity and demonstration only.

INTRODUCTION

These instructions are for installing VistaLuxe Casement, Awning, Picture & Direct Set windows into a wood or concrete/masonry wall. The instructions cover all frame styles; Accent, Flush and Accent Plus. The rough opening must be lined with 1-1/2” (38 mm) thick wood buck. Contact your Kolbe window & door supplier for more information on installing units into other wall conditions. Please visit our website at www.kolbewindows.com for additional literature and information.

ITEMS REQUIRED BY THE INSTALLER

• Hearing protection device
• Safety glasses/goggles
• Sealant
• Level
• Hammer
• Tape measure
• Phillips head screwdriver
• Flashing tape
• Putty knife
• Closed cell foam backer rod in 1/2″ (13 mm) diameter and 1″ (25 mm) diameter
• Caulk gun
• Square
• Shims
• Flat head screwdriver
• Power drill
• Fiberglass insulation

For temporary nailing through the nailing fin only:

• 1-1/2” (38 mm) or longer galvanized roofing nails
  For installation technique 1:

• Kolbe installation clips

• 8 x 3/4″ (19 mm) flat head screws

• 8 x 1-3/4″ (44 mm) flat head screws or 8d common nails For installation technique 2:

• 9/64″ (4 mm) drill bit

• 10 x 2-1/2″ (64 mm) flat head screws

PRELIMINARY PREPARATION

Remove the shipping packaging, skid plates or factory applied bracing by removing the screws through the nailing fin, see profile picture above. Place window exterior side up on a clean, flat work surface. Make sure the unit is not dam-aged and the dimensions are appropriate for the rough opening. Check that you have all necessary hardware.
Installation methods used must adequately support and secure the product to the building envolope.

PREPARE ROUGH OPENING:

1. The material/lumber quality and fasteners must be structurally adequate for design load requirements.
2. Typically, the rough opening should be sized 1/2″ (13) wider and 1/2″ (13) higher than the outside measurement of the window frame. The masonry opening should typically be sized 1/2″ (13) wider and 9/16″ (14) higher than the nosing.
3. The rough opening must be plumb, square, level and in plane.
4. Individual construction members should not be twisted.
5. The sill plate beneath the unit must be level for proper unit operation.

CAUTION When installing into a wall with exterior rigid foam insulation panels, place solid blocking material behind the nail fin to provide proper support when fastening the unit.

A brick, stone, marble or concrete face installed up against the window sill could cause the unit to become inoperable.

SELECT INSTALLATION TECHNIQUE

These techniques are general guidelines only, and may not be appropriate for all performance requirements or building construction methods. See the Installation Anchor Calculator on our website to help determine whether to use installation clips (technique #1) or to screw through the frame (technique

2). Screwing through the frame may be required with some mullion situations.

As an option, installation clips are available factory applied to meet a DP 20 (Design Pressure 20 psi) rating. Additional installation clips must be field applied if a higher DP rating is required. Follow the spacing determined by the Installation Anchor Calculator. For more detailed information, follow the instructions provided with your Kolbe installation clips.

See Fig. 1. Fasten the installation clips to the frame head, sides and sill now using two #7 x 5/8″ (16 mm) flat head screws per clip.

SEALANT AND FLASHING

Kolbe recommends following ASTM E 2112 guidelines for sealing and flashing exterior win-dows, including the use of sill pans. For more details, see our pamphlets Sealant Information and Flashing Information. These publications are available from your Kolbe window and door supplier or visit our website at www.kolbewindows.com to download a copy.
See Fig. 2. Apply a 3/16” (5 mm) continuous tooled bead of sealant around the perimeter of the unit on the interior (backside) of the window where the frame of the window and the nailing fin form a 90 degree angle as shown in Fig. 2.
Apply a second 3/16” (5mm) bead of sealant 3/8” (10 mm) in from the outside edge of the nailing fin around the perimeter of the unit.

CAUTION Before applying sealant, make sure the area to be sealed is clean, dry, and frost-free. Use color-matching or transparent sealant.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR BOTH TECHNIQUES

From the exterior, carefully tilt unit in a rough opening, sill first. Press the brick mould or the nailing fin evenly against the exterior sheathing. Center unit in the rough opening.

See Fig. 3. Shim along the head, sill, and side jambs at 4″ (102) from the corners/ends, and every 8″ (203) on center between. Do not over shim!
See Fig. 3 & 4. Measure the frame diagonally as shown in fig. 3. The measurements must be within 1/16″ (2 mm) of each other. Take three separate measurements between the side jambs as shown in fig. 4. These measurements should be the same. Adjust the shims if necessary until the window is square and level.
Temporarily fasten window in an opening through the nail fin slots. In addition you must follow Technique #1 or Technique #2 for permanent fastening.

Double-check the unit to ensure the sill is level and straight. Plumb the exterior side jambs and level the exterior head jamb. Adjust the shims if necessary. Again, make sure the unit is square.

See Fig. 5. When nailing through the nailing fin to temporarily tack the unit in place, use 1-1/2″ (38 mm) or longer galvanized roofing nails. Double- check to ensure the sill is level and straight. Plumb exterior side jambs and level exterior head jamb. Adjust shims if necessary. Nail in the first pre- punched hole from each corner/end, then in every third hole along the head, sill and sides. The head of the fastener should not compress the nailing fin, causing it to warp. Again, make sure unit is square.

Technique #1:
Kolbe Installation Clips

See Fig. 6 or 7. Place a shim between the frame and rough opening above each installation clip to prevent bowing. Starting with an interior upper corner, hammer bend the clip(s) as shown i n Fig. 8 or do a face mount as shown in Fig. 9 around the rough opening frame and fasten with one # 8 x 1-3/4” (44 mm) SMS (provided by other) or two 8d common nails (provided by other) at a 20° angle through the pre-punched holes at the hammer-bend within 1/8” of buck corner or two #8 1-1/4” (32 mm) SMS (provided by other) for face mounted clips. Continue around the perimeter, making sure the jambs are straight and the unit is square.

Technique #2: Screw Through The Frame

Remove the screen, the side interior stops, head interior stop, and the sill operator cover. For units ordered with the stops shipped loose, skip to the paragraph starting with “See Fig. 11… “. To avoid damaging the interior stops, remove the head interior stop first.

See Fig. 8, 9 & 10. Open the sash and work from the exterior. Place a piece of scrap or shim wood against the side jamb to avoid scratching or denting the surface. Insert the short edge of a small pry bar between the weatherstrip and the side interior stop. Starting at one end, gently pry up the side interior stop. Once the entire length of the stop is loosened, angle the pry bar under the stop to pop it out of its kerf. Remove the stop and store in a safe place until it is re-applied. Repeat steps above to remove the remaining side interior stop, operator cover from the sill and the head interior stop from the head jamb.

See Fig. 11. Mark the screw locations, following the recommended spacing from the Installation Anchor Calculator, and shim underneath each one. If a screw location falls in the operator area on the sill, install a screw on both sides of the op-erator instead. Drill 3/16″ (4 mm) diameter lead holes in the head jamb, both side jambs, and in the sill. Use #10 x 2-1/2″ (64 mm) flat head screws to fasten through the jambs, shims, and into the rough opening framing.
Replace the head interior stop, then both side interior stops. Lastly, replace the operator cover on the sill (if you have an impact unit, don’t replace operator cover yet).

IMPACT UNITS ONLY: HARDWARE SCREW REPLACEMENT

Carefully remove the sill operator cover now and set aside if not already removed. Replace the factory applied #7 x 1/2” screws located against the jamb and on either side of the cam with the supplied #7 x 1-1/2” screws as shown in fig. 12. Carefully replace the sill operator cover now.

COMPLETING THE EXTERIOR

See Fig. 13. A drip cap must be installed to direct water away from the window and lessen the chance of water seepage. If a drip cap has not been applied, apply now. Seal the side edges of the drip cap to the window. Seal between the drip cap and the exterior sheathing. When using building paper to cover the exterior sheathing, also seal the paper to the drip cap.

CAUTION

See Fig. 14. A 1/4″ (6mm) (minimum) gap between the window perimeter and framing material is required when using brick, stone, marble or concrete as an exterior facing. This allows for movement or settling of the structure, which could effect unit operation. Span the gap with an appropriate sealant joint, using backer rod the length of the sill, if necessary.

DIRECT SETS ONLY – RECOMMENDED NOSING SUPPORT BAR APPLICATION

Because of the numerous installation methods for installation of windows, Kolbe has developed these instructions to give the builder our recommendations for the support of the Direct Set Exterior Nosing if other methods have not already been determined.
Determine installation situation, and reference the appropriate illustration:

Installation #1
Unit is installed above floor height (in independently framed opening)

Installation #2
Unit is installed at floor height (on sub-floor material)

For both installation situations:

• Direct Set units with glass weights of 300lbs or more require adequate support of the exterior nosing. Kolbe requires the use of the following referenced support application unless other methods have been determined.
• Kolbe recommends a full sill pan be used in conjunction with all installations.
• The exterior nosing support is not a replacement for the use of proper unit flashing.
• The on-site choice of attachment screws for the exterior nosing support must be compatible with the job site and its specific material compatibility requirements.

Installation #1

Unit Installed with Nailing Fin S ee Fig. 15. Exterior nosing support is positioned over the nailing fin, aligning with the width of the unit. If needed, cut exterior nosing sup-port to length and finish paint the cut end.
Pre-drill 5/32” holes 1” from the end and every 6” O.C. thereafter in middle groove. Place sealant in each pre-drilled hole of the exterior nos-ing support, then secure to struc-ture using correct screws.

Unit installed without Nailing Fin See Fig. 16. Align exterior nosing support with width of unit. If need-ed, cut exterior nosing support to length and finish paint the cut end. Pre-drill 5/32” holes 1” from end and every 6” O.C. thereafter in middle groove. Place sealant in each pre-drilled hole of the exterior nosing support, then secure to structure using correct screws.

Unit Installed with Nailing Fin See Fig. 17. Exterior nosing support is positioned over the nailing fin, aligning with the width of the unit. If needed, cut exterior nosing sup-port to length and finish paint the cut end.
Pre-drill 5/32” holes 1” from end and every 6” O.C. thereafter in top and bottom grooves. Place sealant in each pre-drilled hole of the exterior nosing support, then secure to structure us-ing correct screws.

Unit installed without Nailing Fin See Fig. 18. Align exterior nosing support with width of unit. If need-ed, cut exterior nosing support to length and finish paint the cut end.
Pre-drill 5/32” holes 1” from end and every 6” O.C. thereafter in top and bottom grooves. Place sealant in each pre-drilled hole of the exte-rior nosing support, then secure to structure using correct screws.

HINGE ADJUSTMENTS

Adjustable Hinge (Standard Casements & Awnings)
See Fig. 19. To obtain an equal margin around the window between the sash and frame; open the sash to expose the hinges located at the top and bottom of the window. There is a cam stud located on each hinge that can be adjusted. Use a 7/64” Allen wrench and turn the cam stud left or right, this will move the sash side to side in the frame. Close the sash and check the margin between the sash and frame around the window. If the margin is not equal all the way around, repeat the steps above on the top and/or bottom hinges until you are satisfied with the margin. Close window when finished with adjustments.

INSULATION & INTERIOR CASING/TRIM

Kolbe recommends installing fiberglass insulation in the void created by the outer perimeter of the window frame and rough opening members. Using a putty knife, loosely fill the entire depth of the gap with insulation. Apply the interior casing. Foam insulation may be used, but it must be a low-expanding type foam. Use of any foam other than low-expanding foam will void the warranty.

INTERIOR FINISHING

Interior: Finish bare wood interiors immediately using a top-quality stain, sealer, and/or polyurethane varnish. On factory-primed interiors, apply a quality top coat system. See our Prefinish Recommendations/Instructions for more information.

MAINTENANCE TIPS / PROCEDURES

Inspect your Kolbe products 2 to 3 times per year or more dependent on geographic location and environment to see if the exterior sealants and/or finishes have any gaps, cracks, or signs of damage and deterioration. Any cracks must be caulked immediately with a high-quality sealant, to maintain the seal integrity of the paint finish and to prevent infiltration of water and air. Reference Care and Maintenance documents on Kolbe Windows & Doors website.

CLEANING

A quarterly cleaning with a mild soap and sweet water (tap water) solution is recommended for the sash and frames; then rinse. (Cleaning on units installed in high salt spray areas requires a monthly cleaning and rinse.) Clean glass with standard glass cleaner, keeping it from running down the sash onto the frame and weatherstrip.

HARDWARE

Check all fasteners, making sure all hardware is properly secured. The hardware and locks can be lubricated with a Teflon® or Teflon/silicone spray.

INSULATING GLASS
Broken or fogged IG units, requiring re-glazing or replacement, should be referred to your Kolbe window & door supplier.

CAUTION

Kolbe’s standard H°K insulating glass has a LoE² coating on surface 2. It does not match clear glass or other LoE² products. Do-it-yourself re-glazing or replacing without permission from Kolbe windows & doors will void the product warranty.

RECYCLING

Care must be taken to properly recycle or dispose of old materials. Any recyclable materials should be separated from non-recyclable or hazardous materials. Please consult with local or state authorities regarding proper dis-posal of non-recyclable or hazardous materials.
Contact your Kolbe window and door supplier
or visit us at www.kolbewindows.com for further information.
THANK YOU
FOR PURCHASING KOLBE PRODUCTS.
Kolbe & Kolbe Millwork Co., Inc. reserves the right to change specifications without notice.
© 2023 Kolbe & Kolbe Millwork Co., Inc.

References

• Kolbe Windows & Doors | Windows and doors for luxury homes and commercial buildings; custom orders welcome.

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