FGIA InstallationMasters flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Rough opening

The framed opening in the wall into which a window or door unit is installed. Its dimensions must match the manufacturer's published rough-opening chart and be square before the unit is set.

Nail-fin flange

A perimeter flange on a window frame that is fastened through to the wall framing. It also serves as the attachment point for flashing and weather-barrier integration in new construction.

Block-frame unit

A window or door unit without a nailing flange, set into the opening and anchored through the frame. Used in masonry walls or where a flanged unit cannot be properly flashed.

Sill pan flashing

A sloped or back-dammed flashing installed at the rough-opening sill before the unit is set. It directs any water that reaches the sill to the exterior drainage path.

Head flashing

Flashing installed above the unit's head flange, lapping over the side flashing. It sheds water away from the opening and must be integrated with the weather-resistive barrier.

Weather-resistive barrier lap

The WRB is installed in shingle fashion so upper courses lap over lower courses. At the head, the barrier laps over the head flashing to shed water outward.

Shingle-fashion flashing

A lapping rule where each higher flashing layer overlaps the layer below it. Applied to side flanges, the upper flashing laps over the lower one so water flows outward.

Diagonal measurement check

Comparing the two diagonals of the rough opening or frame. Equal diagonals indicate a square opening; a difference of about 1/4 in (6 mm) or less is generally acceptable.

Fastener spacing on flange

Fasteners through a nail-fin are spaced along the perimeter per the manufacturer's instructions, commonly 6-8 in (150-200 mm) at corners and about 16 in (406 mm) elsewhere.

Fastener penetration depth

Fasteners must penetrate solid framing deeply enough to develop holding strength, typically at least 1-1/2 in (38 mm) into wood, following the manufacturer's fastening schedule.

Design pressure rating

A performance rating expressing the wind load a unit is rated to resist. The installed unit's rating must meet or exceed the project's exposure and code requirements.

Air barrier continuity

The wall's air barrier must connect to the window frame so the envelope is continuous. Gaps at the rough-opening corners are a common source of air leakage.

Shimming at lock points

Placing shims at the sill and at jamb locations near hinges and locks. This supports the frame so hardware aligns and the sash operates without binding.

Weep holes

Small openings in the sill or frame that let water drain from the unit to the exterior. They must remain clear of sealant, trim, and debris after installation.

Pocket replacement

A replacement method where the new unit fits inside the existing window frame without removing exterior siding. The old sashes and hardware are removed and the new unit is anchored through the jamb.

Full-frame replacement

A replacement method where the entire old unit, including frame and exterior trim or siding, is removed. The new flanged unit is set and flashed like a new-construction installation.

Condition survey

An inspection of the existing opening before ordering product. It checks rough-opening dimensions, square, and framing condition, including rot and water damage.

Rough opening measurement

Measuring the actual opening at head, jamb, and sill rather than relying on the old unit's nominal size. The smallest dimension governs the new unit's size and shim space.

Low-expansion foam

Foam sealant used around window perimeters that expands only modestly. High-expansion foam can bow jambs and jam sashes, so it is avoided at window frames.

Backer rod and sealant

A compressible backer rod set into a joint before sealant is applied. It controls sealant depth and allows the joint to move without tearing the sealant bead.

Sill sealant

Sealant applied under the sill flange or between the sill and the rough-opening sill. It blocks air and water entry at the bottom of the unit, working with the sill pan.

Flashing tape overlap

The minimum overlap between adjoining pieces of flashing tape, commonly at least 2 in (50 mm). Overlaps must be in shingle fashion so water runs off, not into, the joint.

Frame square check

Comparing the diagonals of the installed frame and equalizing them with shims before final fastening. An out-of-square frame causes binding sashes and poor locks.

Over-driven fasteners

Fasteners driven too deep or too tight can bow the frame and distort the sash opening. Anchors are set snug, not so tight that the frame deflects.

Operating force check

Testing each sash and lock after fastening to confirm smooth operation. Binding indicates the frame is racked or over-shimmed and must be corrected before sign-off.

Interior air seal

A continuous sealant or foam joint at the interior perimeter of the frame. It completes the air barrier and prevents drafts and moisture movement into the wall cavity.

Exterior flange sealant

A continuous sealant bead at the exterior flange of a replacement unit. It supplements, but does not replace, proper flashing and the drainage path at the sill.

Drainage path

The route water follows from the sill pan and weeps to the exterior. It must remain unobstructed by sealant, trim, or debris after the unit is installed.

Trim removal sequence

Removing interior and exterior trim and sealant before freeing the old unit. This protects finishes and exposes the flanges or jambs for removal and inspection.

Pry point protection

Prying only against the old unit or blocking, never against finished interior walls. Damage to interior finishes is a common and avoidable replacement defect.

Exposure category check

Confirming the replacement unit's performance rating matches the opening's wind and water exposure. A unit rated below the exposure can leak or fail under design loads.

Final operation sign-off

The last inspection step: all sashes and locks operate, weeps are clear, trim joints are tight, and the unit's rating matches the opening's exposure requirements.