When installing new windows, especially in older buildings, you might encounter a common issue: the lack of proper wooden frames. Instead, you often find brick, block, and concrete surrounding the window opening. Proper installation requires anchoring the new windows into wooden frames, not directly into the brick or concrete. Here’s a detailed guide on how to achieve this.

What Are Top Cones?

Top cones are essential tools for this project. They help anchor wooden frames into the existing brick, block, and concrete structures. Using top cones ensures that the wooden frames are securely attached, providing a solid base for the new windows.

Step-by-Step Process

1. Removing Old Windows:

• Begin by carefully removing the old windows from the opening.
• You’ll likely find no wooden frame, just the surrounding brick and concrete.

2. Preparing the Opening:

• Clean the area thoroughly to remove any debris or old materials.
• Measure the dimensions of the opening to determine the size of the wooden frame needed.

3. Installing the Wooden Frames:

• Cut the wooden pieces to the required size, ensuring they fit snugly into the window opening.
• Position the wooden frames into the opening, making sure they are level and properly aligned.

4. Using Top Cones for Anchoring:

• Place the top cones strategically around the frame.
• Secure the wooden frames to the brick and concrete using the top cones, ensuring they are tightly anchored.

5. Installing New Windows:

• With the wooden frames securely in place, you can now slide the new windows into the frames.
• Anchor the new windows into the wooden frames, not directly into the brick or concrete.

Special Consideration: Egress WindowsConditions When Frost Becomes Abnormal

When installing egress windows, which are required in basements and bedrooms for safety and emergency escape, it is crucial to follow specific guidelines:

Size and Code Compliance:

• Ensure the window meets local building codes for size and accessibility. Egress windows must be large enough for a person to escape through in an emergency.
• Typically, an egress window must have an opening of at least 5.7 square feet, with a minimum height of 24 inches and a minimum width of 20 inches.

Proper Framing and Installation:

• As with regular windows, egress windows require a secure wooden frame anchored into the surrounding structure.
• Use top cones to ensure the wooden frames are solidly attached to the brick or concrete, providing a reliable base for the window.

Emergency Escape Route:

• Consider the placement of the window to provide a clear and accessible escape route.
• Install a window well with steps or a ladder if the window is below ground level, ensuring a safe and easy exit.

This method ensures that your new windows, including egress windows, are properly installed and securely anchored, providing stability and longevity. By following these steps, you can achieve a professional and durable window installation in any building, old or new.

Remember, the key to a successful installation lies in the preparation and the use of top cones for a sturdy wooden frame. For egress windows, adhering to safety codes and providing a clear escape route is paramount for the safety of the occupants.